Soldiers Point

Soldiers Point is a serene, leafy peninsula on the northern shore of Port Stephens, offering a peaceful escape from the busier beach hubs. With its calm, protected waters, lush bushland reserves, and a relaxed village atmosphere, it's a favourite for families, kayakers, and anyone looking to unwind in nature without sacrificing access to the region's best attractions.

Highlights & What to See

• Soldiers Point Park – A grassy foreshore reserve with shaded picnic tables, a playground, and a boat ramp; perfect for a lazy afternoon watching the yachts drift by.
• Karuah River – Launch a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the point and explore the calm, mangrove-lined river; keep an eye out for pelicans and stingrays.
• Bushwalking at Gan Gan Lookout – A short drive away, this lookout offers panoramic views of Port Stephens and the distant Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.
• Dolphin Watching – The protected waters of the bay are home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins; join a cruise from nearby Nelson Bay or simply scan the water from the point.
• Local Seafood – Grab fish and chips from the Soldiers Point General Store and eat them on the grass, or book a table at the popular Soldiers Point Inn for waterfront dining.

Suggested Time to Spend

Soldiers Point works well as a half-day stop or a two-night base for exploring Port Stephens. Spend a leisurely morning kayaking the river, have a picnic lunch, then drive to Gan Gan Lookout and one of the southern beaches like Shoal Bay. If you're staying, two nights give you time to relax and also visit Nelson Bay and the sand dunes without rushing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – The lively heart of Port Stephens, with a marina, shops, restaurants, and dolphin cruise departures (5 minutes' drive).
• Shoal Bay – A stunning crescent beach with calm waters and a popular café strip (10 minutes).
• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes – Massive sand dunes accessible by 4WD or quad bike tours; a surreal landscape just across the bay (20 minutes to Anna Bay).
• Tomaree National Park – Home to the iconic Tomaree Head Summit walk with 360° views of the bay (15 minutes to the trailhead).
• Port Stephens Winery – A boutique vineyard in the hinterland offering tastings and a relaxed lunch (15 minutes).

Please check official sources for current details.