Photo: Collywolly / CC BY-SA 4.0
Mcmahons Point is a serene, leafy suburb on the shores of Port Stephens, offering a peaceful escape with stunning water views and easy access to the region's natural attractions. This quiet residential area is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed base to explore the stunning coastline, national parks, and marine life of Port Stephens.
Highlights & What to See
- Mcmahons Point Reserve: A tranquil park with picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and a small jetty, providing beautiful views of the Port Stephens waterways. It's a great spot for a quiet afternoon or a sunset picnic.
- Karuah River: The river meets the sea here, offering calm waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Launch a kayak from the reserve and explore the mangrove-lined shores.
- Port Stephens Marine Park: A haven for dolphin watching and snorkeling. Join a cruise from nearby Nelson Bay to spot bottlenose dolphins and explore the rich marine life.
- Worimi Conservation Lands: Just a short drive away, these sprawling sand dunes are perfect for quad biking, sandboarding, and 4WD adventures. The largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere offer a surreal landscape.
- Tomaree National Park: Hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for panoramic views of the bay and offshore islands. The walk is steep but rewarding, with opportunities to spot whales during migration season.
Suggested Time to Spend
Mcmahons Point itself is best enjoyed as a quick stop or a peaceful overnight stay. Allocate 1–2 hours to relax at the reserve and enjoy the water views. For a full Port Stephens experience, plan at least 2–3 days to explore the surrounding attractions, including dolphin cruises, sand dune adventures, and national park hikes. Mcmahons Point serves as a quiet retreat after active days out.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Nelson Bay: The vibrant heart of Port Stephens, with a marina, shops, restaurants, and dolphin-watching cruises. Just a 10-minute drive from Mcmahons Point.
- Shoal Bay: A popular beachside town with stunning white sand beaches, cafes, and the Tomaree National Park trailhead. Combine a beach day with a hike.
- Anna Bay: Famous for its sand dunes and the Stockton Bight sandboarding area. Ideal for adventure activities and beach driving.
- Tea Gardens: A charming historic town on the Myall River, known for its waterfront dining and the Tea Gardens–Hawks Nest ferry. A short drive north.
- Myall Lakes National Park: A pristine wilderness of lakes, forests, and wetlands, perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and camping. About 30 minutes north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Shoal Bay — Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom / CC BY 2.0
- Anna Bay — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Tea Gardens — George Morland / Public domain
- Tomaree National Park — AussieLegend / Public domain
- Worimi Conservation Lands — No machine-readable author provided. Mausmac assumed (based on copyright claims). / Public domain
- Myall Lakes National Park — Eduardo M. C. / CC BY 2.0