Bula Bula

On the calm shores of Port Stephens, Bula Bula is a secluded hamlet that feels a world away from the holiday crowds. With its quiet beach and adjacent bushland, it’s a place to slow down, breathe in the eucalyptus-scented air, and watch the tide glide over sandbanks. For travellers seeking an unhurried coastal escape with a touch of wilderness, Bula Bula delivers.

Highlights & What to See

• Bula Bula Beach – a sheltered stretch of sand perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply lazing under a paperback tree; the water is glassy calm most days.
• Bushwalking tracks – wander through coastal forest and spotted gum groves; keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and crimson rosellas.
• Sunset pontoons – locals know to bring a picnic to the public jetty; as the sun melts into the bay, the sky turns sherbet orange.
• Birdwatching – the mangrove-lined estuary attracts herons, egrets, and the occasional white-bellied sea eagle.

Suggested Time to Spend

Bula Bula is best savoured as a half-day detour or a one-night stopover. Arrive by late morning to enjoy the beach and a short walk, then linger for sunset. If you’re self-driving, it’s an easy fill-in between Nelson Bay and the Myall Lakes, but don’t rush – the point is to do very little, very well.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Shoal Bay – lively beach hub with cafés and dolphin cruises, a 10-minute drive north
• Tomaree National Park – hike to the summit for epic 360° views of Port Stephens, just south of Bula Bula
• Nelson Bay – main town with restaurants and whale-watching tours, 15 minutes away
• Myall Lakes National Park – vast freshwater lakes and paperbark forests, a 30-minute drive north

Please check official sources for current details.