Kirra

Kirra is a sleepy coastal hamlet on the northern shores of Port Stephens, where the bush meets the bay and the pace of life slows to a gentle beachside rhythm. With its tranquil, shallow waters and fringing casuarina trees, it feels a world away from the busier towns further south — the perfect spot for a quiet paddle, a picnic under the trees, or a lazy afternoon watching the yachts drift by.

Highlights & What to See

• Kirra Beach – A calm, sheltered stretch of sand ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding; the water is usually glassy and warm.
• Tomaree National Park – Just a short drive away, tackle the summit walk for panoramic views over Port Stephens and the islands beyond.
• Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary – Get up close with rescued koalas and learn about conservation efforts in the region.
• Dolphin & whale watching cruises – Depart from nearby Nelson Bay; Kirra’s quiet beaches are a great spot to watch dolphins playing in the bay.
• Gan Gan Lookout – A quick detour for a sweeping vista of the entire Port Stephens coastline and hinterland.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to soak up Kirra’s beachside ambience and enjoy a swim or picnic. If you’re planning to combine it with a Tomaree walk or koala sanctuary visit, set aside a full day. Most visitors use Kirra as a peaceful base for a longer Port Stephens itinerary of 2–3 days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – The lively hub of Port Stephens, with cafés, shops, and dolphin cruise departures (10 minutes by car).
• Shoal Bay – Another gorgeous beach with a more developed strip of restaurants and accommodation (15 minutes).
• Fingal Bay – A long surf beach with a striking headland and a popular coastal walk (20 minutes).
• Anna Bay – Famous for its massive sand dunes, where you can go sandboarding or take a 4WD tour (25 minutes).
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast waterland of lakes and forests, great for kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking (40 minutes).

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