Best known for its sheltered bays and family-friendly beaches, Port Stephens is a beautiful natural escape from the larger city of Newcastle. From wineries to water sports, its tourist attractions are plentiful.

The golden beaches in Port Stephens are the perfect launching point for ocean activity. Swimming, snorkelling and kayaking are all popular choices, particularly with visiting families. Box Beach and One Mile Beach attract surfers for their spectacular and challenging breaks. Dolphin watching tours leave from Nelson Bay, while whales can be spotted in the right season. Hike up to Tomaree Headland to catch a glimpse of one of those gentle giants. Foodies can enjoy freshly shucked oysters at an al fresco restaurant, tour Murray’s Brewery and Port Stephens Winery for the area’s best beverages or hand pick their own figs at Sams Fig and Olive.

A drive out the peninsula from Newcastle to Port Stephens takes just under an hour via Nelson Bay Road. In less than two hours, visitors can take a bus from Scott St before Wolfe St to the Donald St Opp Nelson Bay Woolworths bus stop. Port Stephens Coaches offer pickup from Newcastle Airport and Hamilton Railway Station.

The remote bay area of Port Stephens was named by Captain Cook, who passed by in 1770. Its relative isolation meant that nothing more developed in the area than a cluster of small port towns, and the result is a pristine slice of Australia’s natural beauty. In 2005, the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park was established, ensuring the preservation of this splendid marine getaway.