Weekender’s Guide to Port Stephens
Located just 2 hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a super popular coastal weekend destination — and it’s not hard to see why. It's comprised of several smaller suburbs, each of which has their own hidden gems and unique sights to explore.
Having done a few 48-hour stays here, here are my recommendations for where to eat, drink, stay and play around Port Stephens to get the absolute most out of your visit.
Sahara desert?! Nope, just Stockton Sand Dunes 😎
EAT
The Shoal Bay Country Club has you covered for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks. They do incredible wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood platters and dishes, as well as cocktails etc. I would definitely stop by for lunch (or just drinks if you're on a budget). The design of this place is also stunning - grab a table on the rooftop terrace and strap in for a grand ol’ time.
There are also plenty of cute cafes, takeaway restaurants and spots for freshly caught seafood in the area.
DRINK
The Deck and the aforementioned SBCC are some of the best places to whet your whistle. Other than that, grab a 6 pack and enjoy sundowner drinks on the water's edge.
We did also visit Murray’s Brewery in Bob’s Farm for a cheeky wine tasting — defs worth checking out and spending some time here.
STAY
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to campsites and caravan parks, but if that isn't your thing, there are also plenty of Airbnbs in the area, ranging from studios to boujiee family mansions.
We stayed at a house in the suburb of Fullerton Cove, which was about a 15 minute drive from Nelson Bay, and a 5 minute drive to Stockton Sand dunes. The owners used to run a carnival/fairground in the area, and the halls were decked out with photographs of the carnival in its heyday which was nostalgic and cute.
Let the town/area you want to spend the most time guide you for the location of your stay — so for water activities and waterfront views try Soldiers Point, One MIle or Shoal Bay for beaches, Anna Bay for the koala sanctuary, and so on.
Bannister's Port Stephens is also worth mentioning. I haven't stayed there (yet), but it is a beautiful luxury boutique hotel.
Stockton Sand dunes in all their glory (even on a cloudy day!)
PLAY
What you really come to Port Stephens for are the nature activities (which are all free!). Must do’s include:
• Tomaree Mountain: hike up any time of day (it's free) for stunning panoramic views of the mountains and ocean. You can also see out to the other opposite areas of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens. Hike-wise it's not very long, but it is somewhat steep.
• Zenith beach: after you've hiked back down the mountain, rinse off the sweat with a swim at Zenith beach. If you look up towards your left, you'll see the mountain you just climbed. Zenith is usually pretty quiet (even on weekends!) so it's perfect for laying on the beach and relaxing too.
• Stockton sand dunes: if you have a 4WD, you can drive down onto the dunes, which is pretty epic. If not, drive down to the car park and walk the kilometre to the dunes to see these amazing natural sand formations. It really feels like you're in the Sahara desert.
• One Mile, Box, Fingal beaches: also worth checking out, the beaches in this area are gorgeous and you’ll have a good stretch of them to yourself.
And there you have it — go forth and explore!
Fran x