Offering eclectic water activities and the opportunity of glimpsing dolphins and whales, Port Stephens is a perennially popular daytrip for people visiting the Hunter Valley. Port Stephens is around 100kms from the Hunter Valley towns of Lovedale, Pokolbin and Singleton.
On average it is a 90-minute trip by road. An early start allows plenty of time before returning in the evening.
Port Stephens Great Lakes Park is a preservation area and sheltered bay that stretches inland for 15kms from the Tasman Sea. It is formed by the rivers Myall and Karuah. A school of up to 80 bottlenose dolphins reside in the lake and they are frequently sighted while frolicking in its waters. Between the last week of May and November it is whale watching season.
Point Stephens is the southern headland of the lake park. Fingal Bay is on the Tasman side of the headland and the best land-based place to spot humpback whales. Those wishing to get closer to these remarkable marine creatures could book themselves a cruise from Nelson Bay on the north side of the headland.
Read More:
Learn more about Port Stephens.
Find out about the weather in Port Stephens.
The beach at Shoal Bay is a delight for beach lovers. This beach and the popular One-Mile surfing beach and Samurai Naturists’ Beach are all a part of Point Stephens’ Tomaree National Park. Soldiers Point is on the lake-shore of the headland and the location of Salamander Shopping Centre as well as a cluster of shops and eateries.
The resort towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens are on the north shore of the lake. Ferries run across to them from Nelson Bay. Playful dolphins invariably follow the ferry.
This district’s Bennetts Beach is popular with anglers and surfers. Parasailing, snorkelling and diving are other activity options from Port Stephens. Adventurists can try their hand at sandboarding and riding a quad bike on the dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Accommodation at Port Stephens
There is a great range of accommodation in Port Stephens to suit any budget and a great selection of one, two and three bedroom units in some of Port Stephens’ most popular locations.


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