Port Stephens
Distances
Sydney: 2 hr 45 min | 206 km
Brisbane: 8.5 hr | 775 km
Hunter Valley: 1 h 15 min | 95 km
Port Stephens is a large inlet and is known as the dolphin capital of NSW and you can get a close look at these playful and charismatic guys by taking a dolphin tour. Nelson Bay is the main town.
Dolphins at Port Stephens. Photo: LisaSkeltonPhotography via IG
Things to do
- Port Stephens is the perfect place to explore by kayak, paddle board or bicycle and there are plenty of places from which you can hire the equipment you need.
- Tomaree Peninsula on the south side of the harbour has near-deserted beaches, national parks, undulating sand dunes and Nelson Bay on its tip.
- Clothing is optional on Sumarai Beach.
- One Mile Beach has gently sloping powder-soft sand and incredibly blue water.
- The Tomaree Peninsula National Park has coastal walks with panoramic views and is home to the endangered quoll.
- If you like sand dune landscapes, Worimi Conservation Land is a must.
Stockton Sand Dunes. Photo: _danieltran_ via IG
Port Stephens
Swimming at Port Stephens. Photo: JamayaHardy via IG
Barrington Tops National Park is on the inland side of the Great Dividing Range. Dungog is a main access point to the Barrington Tops National Park, which contains two 1600 metres of alpine plateaus that fall away steeply to just 400 metres. The park is noted for its wildlife and some unusual local flora, and has a variety of walking trails and picnic areas.
Where to Stay
There are so many caravan parks in Port Stephens in which you can stay in your campervan and four are right by the beach. All have a full range of facilities. We've mapped them for you below.
Add on trips
- Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Brisbane Water and Bouddi National Park - Newcastle - Port Stephens - Hunter Valley - Wollemi National Park - Blue Mountains National Park is an 8 - 10 day loop that begins and ends in Sydney.
- You could make Newcastle and Port Stephens the first leg of a 5 - 9 day Sydney to Brisbane drive along Australia's east coast.
