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Extended Description:
Port Stephens NSW is an area approximately 104 square km and the harbour is actually larger than Sydney Harbour. The Port Stephens harbour is shallow and sandy but does contain deep water in areas to allow larger vessels. It is an excellent area for fishing and recreational boating.
Nelson Bay NSW is on the Southern coastline of Port Stephens. It's an ideal location to base yourself while you explore the rest of Port Stephens with its gorgeous beach and harbour. You may even consider a day trip to Newcastle or the Hunter Valley from Nelson Bay.The variety of shops in the area is perfect for a holiday town, it's not too big and not too small. There are a number of restaurants and cafes and Nelson Bay accommodation options are extremely diverse - there's something for everyone.
Please search below for your Port Stephens Accommodation.
Activity Info:
What to Do
There's a wealth of options at Port Stephens including adrenaline cruises, ecotourism, helicopter scenic tours, horse riding, surf schools, 4WD, kayaking, golf, scuba and snorkelling, whale and dolphin watching and koala walks.
Visit the Australian Shark and Ray Centre at 686 Marsh Road Bob's Farm. It's a great and very safe way to experience Australia's awesome sea predators in the worlds first interactive aquarium. You can hand feed sharks, rays & huge fish. Try snorkelling, scuba or walk through the aquarium.
A trip on the water is popular way to spend a day in Port Stephens and a variety of cruises are available. You can watch dolphins and whales play in the ocean or take a deep sea fishing trip. A variety of boats for fishing, sight seeing or dolphin watching are available for hire if you'd like to organise your own day.
See the Rocky Headlands, it's been described as a water wonderland, however so much of the beauty is below the water. The best place to scuba dive is difficult to say as the locals and visitors all have their own favourite sites around Port Stephens, but Rocky Headlands is always mentioned. One thing is certain, no matter where you dive you will find an incredible undersea world to explore.
Explore the Hunter Regional Botanical Gardens at Heatherbrae. There are 140 Hectares of land at the location and the Gardens feature thousands of native plants, walking trails, themed gardens, guided tours, picnic area, cafe and is used as a wedding venue.
Why not take a 4WD adventure on the beaches. There are two types of vehicle permit available for the Worimi Conservation Lands: a Beach Vehicle Permit for 4WD access to Stockton Beach; and a Recreational Vehicle Area Permit enabling registered vehicles to access the Recreational Vehicle Area.
What's On
The Riviera NSW Gamefishing Competition is now in its 45th year, attracting over 200 vessels and 1000 anglers and members of the public are able to attend the weigh station over the tournament period.
The Karuah Oyster and Timber Festival is held every year at Karuah features wood chopping events, stalls and entertainment, oyster and timber displays and fishing competitions.
Festival of the Whales starts September and continues into October. Along with daily whale watching cruises there's live entertainment, kids games, car shows and a sailing regatta. It's a perfect opportunity for the whole family to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Most of the action is at d'Albora Marinas in Nelsons Bay.
Where to Stay
There are so many options with Port Stephens accommodation. Why not try a houseboat on the bay, bed and breakfast or guesthouse, a caravan or camping ground, or maybe you'd like to stay at one of the resorts with all the trimmings.
Places to Eat
Zest Restaurant at beautiful Nelson Bay, is open for dinner 6 nights a week. The contemporary atmosphere together with award winning food and service, makes Zest a popular venue amongst visitors and locals. Expect to pay between $30 - $40 for a mains.
The Rock Lobster, at D'albora Marinas in the heart of Nelson Bay, is known for its fresh seafood, lobsters and platters. The Rock Lobster also offers vegetarian and children's menus. Expect to pay $20 - $40 for a typical mains and $190 for a seafood platter for 3 people.
The Point Restaurant is situated in the Soldiers Point Marina Complex and hosts breathtaking views of Port Stephens. Sit on the balcony sipping your favourite cocktail with a typical mains like Char grilled Quail, verjuice, grapes and tossed green pea salad for $33. A seafood platter for two will cost $130.
Weather Info:
When to Go
Port Stephens is perfect during Australia's spring and summer months of September- February for a pleasant all-round experience and a climate like that experienced on Queensland's Gold Coast. The best time to see the whales is September / October.
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Brief Description:
Port Stephens
Travel Info:
How to Get There
Coach tours can be arranged from Newcastle or Sydney. Newcastle airport offers direct access to visitors from Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Norfolk Island, Port Macquarie and Tamworth. Virgin Airlines, Jetstar, Quantas and Tiger Airways, Brindabella Airlines and Aeropelican all serve Newcastle Airport.
Rail access details are available via State Rail and the other option would be to hire a car and drive where you like- why not explore Newcastle and the Hunter Valley as well. If you do take that option make sure you get a vehicle with GPS to avoid losing valuable time by taking a wrong turn.
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