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Estuarine lake in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: Rkalingaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Port Stephens is a coastal area surrounding the Port Stephens Bay, just north of Newcastle in New South Wales.
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The largest beach in NSW has 72 km² of sand dunes, this is where some scenes for Mad Max and parts of that ubiquitous Aussie anthem 'Down Under' were filmed. Most easily visited on a guided tour (see #Do) but some parts are open to 4x4s, and you can stroll around the visitor center at Birubi Beach for free.
Named after the town One Mile rather than the other way around, is a stunning place to visit whether you surf or not. Atmospheric views down the peninsular and dramatic swells abound here. There's a car park just off the beach and a small store that sells refreshments.
A 2.2-km return walk will lead you to the summit of Mt Tomaree, where you will find fantastic views of Mt Yacaaba, as well as Cabbage Tree, Fingal, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands, and the Point Stephens Lighthouse.
This lookout offers fantastic views of the Nelson Bay region and its surrounds.
Located on Fingal Island, this lighthouse is accessible from Fingal Bay by walking across Fingal Spit, however a much safer option is to go by boat/kayak.
A beautiful stunning island with unspoilt beaches. Only accessible during low tide via Shark Beach.
Specialises in dolphin and whale watching. The whale watching cruise runs at 10AM and 1:30PM for 2.5 hours. And if you don't get to see whales, they offer a second whale-watching trip for free within the following 6 months.
The whale watching cruise operates at 10:30AM and 2PM and lasts for 3 to 3.5 hours. If no whales are sighted they offer a second trip for free.
The only operator that allows stand-up sand surfing, which is much more fun (but trickier) than just sledding. 4WD shuttles from the carpark every 10 min or so.
Shark and Ray Centre
Swim with sharks and stingrays here. The stingrays here have had their barbs trimmed, so there's no need to worry.
Excellent Italian food. The site is licensed and BYO with $5 corkage.
A popular place for its gourmet pies.
Valhalla is packed to the rafters with Viking-themed kitsch, but the wood fired pizzas (named after Norse gods, of course) are tasty and the mighty "Ragnar Rack" (1kg of BBQ pork ribs) will placate even the hungriest berserker. Live music on Sundays, plus a garden in the back where kids can kick around a ball and admire the Highland cows from a safe distance.
An upmarket establishment. Has a playground for the kids. Try the schnitty or parma.
Quirky backpackers hostel with lots of character and lovely owners.
A beautiful little hostel in a peaceful garden setting with a pool, bikes, a unique bush kitchen, and Wi-Fi available. Has the feeling of being in Asia with lovely statues scattered around the garden. They have a few different room styles from dorm rooms to privates with shared or private bathroom.
Self-contained 2/3-bedroom apartments in low-rise blocks across the street from the beach, with classic holiday park amenities like pools, trampolines, BBQs and a laundry block. Not luxurious, but clean, comfy and renovated.
Luxurious five-star bay resort overlooking Corlette Beach and the port. Features fine dining, 2 bars, day spas and speciality packages for families and couples.
By train
If you're coming from Sydney, then the train to Newcastle is a good option in terms of speed and cost. From there, Port Stephens is a 30-minute drive by taxi or otherwise bus options are available.
By plane
Newcastle Airport is only 30-minute drive away via B63 and has connections to many large cities on the east coast. Sydney Airport is about 2.5 hours away by car.
By bus
You can catch a train to Newcastle then 130 bus to Port Stephens. Services run roughly every sixty minutes.
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Williamtown · International · NTL
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