Port Stephens Wine Country

Port Stephens Wine Country is a delightful surprise for travellers who associate the region only with sand dunes and dolphins. Tucked behind the coastal bustle, this emerging wine district offers a relaxed, sun-drenched escape where boutique vineyards produce cool-climate Semillon, Verdelho, and Chambourcin. The landscape is a patchwork of rolling hills, gum forests, and vine rows that stretch towards the blue haze of the distant Myall Lakes. It’s a place to slow down, taste small-batch wines, and chat with winemakers who are as passionate about their craft as they are about the local produce.

Highlights & What to See

• Murray’s Craft Brewing Co. – Not wine, but a must-stop for craft beer lovers; this rustic brewery sits on a hillside with knockout views of the vineyards and serves wood-fired pizzas alongside its award-winning ales.
• Binnorie Dairy – A boutique cheese maker where you can sample handcrafted brie, marinated feta, and goat’s cheese curds, all made on-site from local milk.
• Ironbark Hill Brewhouse – A dual winery and brewery with a sunny deck overlooking the vines; try their Verdelho or the Ironbark Pale Ale while nibbling on a cheeseboard.
• Port Stephens Winery – The region’s original cellar door, known for its fruit-forward Semillon and a lovely picnic area among the vines.
• Myall River & The Lakes Way – The scenic drive through the wine country follows the Myall River, with opportunities to stop at roadside fruit stalls and spot kangaroos at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to hit three or four cellar doors and a brewery, especially if you combine a tasting session with a leisurely lunch. For a more immersive experience, spend a full day: start late morning at a winery, break for lunch at Murray’s or Ironbark Hill, then meander along the back roads to the smaller producers. If you’re a serious wine enthusiast, consider an overnight stay in one of the vineyard cottages to fully appreciate the sunset over the vines.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens (Nelson Bay) – Just 20 minutes east, this coastal hub offers dolphin-watching cruises, Tomaree Head summit walks, and pristine beaches like Fingal Bay.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast network of lakes and waterways ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, and bushwalking; launch a canoe at Bombah Point.
• Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest – Charming river towns with a laid-back vibe, great seafood, and access to the dramatic sand dunes of Worimi Conservation Lands.
• Hunter Valley – Australia’s most famous wine region is an hour’s drive south; combine the two for a comprehensive wine tour of the Lower Hunter.
• Newcastle – A 45-minute drive south, this revitalised city boasts excellent cafes, the Newcastle Art Gallery, and the scenic Bathers Way coastal walk.

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