Port Stephens’ beautiful bays, beaches, rainforest, and abundance of wildlife make it the perfect place for families to get back to nature.
Only two-and-a-half hours from Sydney and chock full of family-friendly fun, Port Stephens is an appealing destination for a long weekend or school holiday getaway.
Often called the dolphin capital of Australia, the waterway is two-and-a-half times the size of Sydney Harbour and calls itself home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins.
With camels and horses to be ridden, beaches to be seen, sand to be surfed, and whales to be spotted, this NSW coastal holiday destination should be on your family travel agenda!
Unique things to do in Port Stephens with kids
Join Danielle Lucas and her as they discover discover a nature lover’s paradise in Port Stephens. Here are their top five things to do in the region:
1. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
I gaze up into lush greenery, the sun gently filtering through the treetops high above us. It’s blissfully quiet, bar the melodic chirping of the native birds flitting about. “Oh, it’s so cute!” exclaims my daughter, Brooke, pointing to the fork of a nearby eucalypt.
We’re on Worimi Country, at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, and she’s just spotted one of the local residents. “That’s Maree, she’s very sweet,” says Lois, one of the volunteers. Maree, we learn, is a small, blind koala who ended up here following a car accident.
We’re on the Newcastle Airport SKYwalk, an elevated pathway and viewing platform that gives us the sense that we’re in the wild with the koalas. My children are captivated. They move along the path, excitedly chatting about koalas they spot, with names like Solstice and Galloping Jax.
I’m equally impressed by the educational offerings. Signs inform us about the lives, habitat and threats to this iconic native animal. “We’re very much about conservation by education,” says the sanctuary’s manager, Zahee Girjes. “By 2050 they won’t be in the wild if we don’t intervene.” It’s a sobering thought.
An onsite Koala Hospital treats the injured, and visitors can watch clinics via a viewing window. Fully rehabilitated koalas are returned to the wild and those with ongoing issues make the sanctuary home. A percentage from every experience here including tickets, sales at the Fat Possum Cafe, koala adoptions and accommodation goes to the hospital.
As we wander back past the impressive glamping tents and resort-style pool, each embracing the natural surrounds, I recall a comment Lois made: “It’s such a calm, tranquil place.” She isn’t wrong.
2. Nelson Bay Dolphin Cruise
We head to d’Albora Marina at Nelson Bay for the next part of our adventure with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. It’s slightly overcast as we board the MV Spirit, but the stunning turquoise water beckons and we set sail on our Splash & Slide Dolphin Cruise.
Skipper Rob is midway through his introductory spiel when a call goes out. Often highly elusive, the popular aquatic mammals have been spotted already! My son, Connor, jumps from his seat and rushes to the railing. “Wow, there’s one right there,” he says, pointing, as a tail near us disappears into the blue. Pure joy is spread across his face.
Around 160 bottlenose dolphins live in Port Stephens and, over the course of the next hour, we see many. Sometimes it’s just a fin gliding gracefully out of the water, while some come close, playfully bow-surfing alongside the catamaran. The kids move back and forth between decks to get the ultimate vantage point.
“Look mum!” squeals Brooke with delight, pointing as a baby dolphin leaps in the air repeatedly, showing off. We cruise to different parts of the bay as the skipper points out distinctive landmarks and tells us about the dolphins and other wildlife often spotted, including seals and penguins.
We soon pull up in a sheltered bay and a large boom net is lowered from the side – it’s time for some fun! The kids climb down, tentative at first as they dip into the cool water, but they’re not letting this opportunity pass by. A short time later the crew set up the waterslide – a thrilling drop straight from the top deck into the bay. This time I can’t resist, and we have a blast.
3. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
The wildlife theme of our day continues with a visit to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters at Anna Bay. We’re only ankle-deep in the lagoon when we’re greeted by the curious and playful rays. One of them is Frizzle, a 180kg smooth stingray. We’re blown away to learn that females can grow to 400kg – the size of a queen bed.
In our shallow encounter we feed and pat the rays – some are slimy, some coarse. Other experiences on offer include snorkelling with the rays and sharks, and a zebra shark encounter.
Senior keeper, Bronte, slaps the water calling out “Mungo, Jessica, Aerial, Houdini” – summoning the resident tawny nurse sharks who live in the lagoon along with other sharks, rays and a variety of fish. We watch as one effortlessly floats against a jet of water.
The kids check out the shark nursery while I learn about the mini marine biologist program, exciting development plans (including a big new lagoon), and about Sea Shelter, the conservation organisation involving the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals. It’s definitely an educational experience, and topics like sustainable fish farming and shark myths form part of the visit.
4. Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Our final day begins with the invigorating Tomaree Head Summit Walk. A short but steep hike to Tomaree Head rewards us with panoramic views. I gaze south towards a strip of land, framed by the calm waters of Shoal Bay on one side and the stunning coast on the other.
Our biggest decision today is which of the 26 beautiful beaches we will cool off at after our descent. With so much on offer for families here in Port Stephens, one decision I’ve already made is that we will definitely be back.
More things to do in Port Stephens with kids
Get back on nature’s track at more of Port Stephens’ unique attractions:
5. Worimi Conservation Lands & Stockton Beach sand dunes
No trip to Port Stephens is complete without experiencing Worimi Conservation Lands and the majestic sand dunes of Stockton Beach – the largest moving coastal sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere.
The awesome dune system is 32 km long and covers over 1600 hectares, running between Newcastle and Nelson Bay. A range of fun tours mean families can discover this coastal desert wilderness by horse, camel, four-wheel drive, quad bike or simply on foot.
The mighty sand dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees – perfect for sand boarding. You can skip your daily workout too, as the walk back up the dunes will do the trick!
You can also ride camels, uncover the remains of the Sygna shipwreck that was wrecked off the coast in 1974 and ‘tin city’ made up of several tin squatters’ huts located in the dunes and owned by weekend fishermen.
6. Explore Port Stephens and Nelson Bay by bike
Visitors to Port Stephens and Nelson Bay can explore the region’s waterfront trails by bike – without having to pack their own – thanks to Boomerang Bikes’ self-hire kiosks. The region has two 24-hour hire locations: the Visitor Information Centre at 60 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, and Fingal Bay Holiday Park.
Each bike hire station is stocked with six unisex adults bikes (two with child seats) and two kids’ bikes (suitable for children at least 110cm tall). Prices range from $15 per hour through to $168 for 7-day hire, with payment accepted via credit or debit card. Helmets are also available from the Visitor Information Centre.
7. Oakvale Wildlife Park
Meet a menagerie of Australian native and domestic farm animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park, along with a few exotic critters! Residents at this Australian-owned and operated park include koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Kids can feed, pat and walk with the animals for a memorable hands-on experience, then burn off steam on the playground. Oakvale is conveniently located at Salt Ash, on the outskirts of Port Stephens.
8. Toboggan Hill Park
Set amongst natural bush just off Salamander Way at Nelson Bay, Toboggan Hill Park features a 1km toboggan run, indoor rock climbing, roller skating, a tractor train and more.
9. Luxury yacht cruise
Blue Water Sailing offers exquisite private cruises of Port Stephens and the surrounds in luxury yachts.
10. Go fishing with an estuary charter
Port Stephens has one of the largest estuary systems in NSW. Depending on the time of year, you might catch bream, flathead, whiting, kingfish, salmon, or even a blue swimmer or mud crab. Fish Port Stephens Estuary Charters, owned and operated by local Paul Lennon, is Port Stephens’ only dedicated estuary fishing charter boat.
11. Port Stephens Animal Adventures Wildlife Refuge
Families can feed leopard sharks, pat stingrays, and play with eels at Port Stephens Animal Adventures. Home to over a dozen species of shark and ray, the unique attraction offers kids a closer look at creatures of the deep in a safe and fun environment. If you’re bold, you can even don a wetsuit and venture in for a swim! The centre also features rescued reptiles, creepy crawlies and a butterfly house.
12. Swim and play at Fingal Bay
Head to pretty Fingal Bay Beach for a swim and a play. The views are magnificent! If you plan to walk walk across Fingal Spit, be sure to check the tides before you go – not all tides offer a safe crossing.
13. Feel the force at Fighter World aviation museum
Sit in a real jet fighter, check out real guns and missiles and watch fighter jets taking off and landing at Fighter World in Williamtown. With pilots on hand to ask questions, there’s lots to learn at this aviation education centre. Make sure you listen to the action as they talk to the air traffic control tower at the RAAF base next next door.
Where to stay in Port Stephens with kids
Choose from the region’s family-friendly resorts, hotels and holiday parks, offering a quiet relaxing atmosphere for that perfect coastal getaway.
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Located in the coastal holiday haven of Salamander Bay, Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort offers affordable self-contained apartments. Two- and three-bedroom options with a kitchen and laundry are perfect for families, with fantastic facilities like a large wrap-around pool and spa to enjoy.
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point
With a purpose-built ‘little explorers’ bike track and an indoor adventure pool, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point is an adventure playground for kids. There’s trampolines, pedal karts, giant chess, tennis courts and a kids’ club during weekends and school holidays. Self-contained cabins, powered and powered en-suite sites mean there’s something at this holiday park for every budget.
Samurai Beach Bungalows - Port Stephens YHA
Samurai Beach Bungalows (Port Stephens YHA) can be found in sleepy Anna Bay, only 10 minutes from the heart of Port Stephens. Family rooms share a verandah and bathroom with one other room in the bungalow – an ideal arrangement for a group trip or large family booking both spots. Koalas are frequently spotted in the trees, and guests can take advantage of the lagoon style pool and spa, BBQ area and bike hire.
Top tips for visiting Port Stephens with kids
How to get there
Port Stephens is a 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney and just 30 minutes’ drive from Newcastle Airport, which has flights to and from most of Australia’s major cities. For a great road trip, take the longer, scenic route with detours to the magnificent Birubi Beach, Stockton, Swansea and Belmont.
Best time to visit
The weather in Port Stephens is pleasant year-round, with average winter days reaching a high of 18°C. For whale watching, visit during migration season from late May to August.
Where to eat
The small coastal town of Nelson Bay is a hub for restaurants and boutique shopping. The Hog’s Breath Cafe has an excellent kids menu and beautiful view of the bay.
For delicious woodfired pizzas, head to The Kitchen & Patio at popular Shoal Bay Country Club, where you can gaze out over the water while sampling the extensive gourmet menu and cocktail selection.
More information
Content contributors: Danielle Lucas, Aleney de Winter, Colleen Hinch
Danielle Lucas was a guest of Destination Port Stephens.
