Port Stephens Holidays

There’s lots of things to do in Port Stephens, particularly if you’re a fan of getting active and spending time outdoors. If golfing is your sort of thing, you have five fantastic clubs to choose from. But, Nelson Bay Golf Club is a lot of people’s top pick, thanks to the kangaroos that hop along the course.

Port Stephens is also a great place for trying out some new watersports. Visit the local surf school and learn to stand above the waves, or let the wind sweep you away as you have a go at kitesurfing. Alternatively, you can go diving or take a boat tour to see some of the area’s astounding marine life. From dolphins and whales, to sharks and rays, there’s plenty to see beneath the waves.

Port Stephens in home to the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. So, during your trip, it’s a good idea to book yourself onto a dune safari. Have fun tobogganing or sliding down the dunes or, if you’re feeling confident, you can try stand-up sandboarding. And, if you’re in need of more adrenaline, you can follow that up with a totally-thrilling quad-biking tour.

The sand dunes are located on Conservation Lands that belong to the Worimi Aboriginal Community. To learn more about the land and its relationship to the Worimi people, plan a visit to the Ganyamalbaa Camping Area. Enjoy leisurely beach walks and fishing trips during the day, then spend endless hours stargazing after the sun goes down.

Consider yourself a bit of a foodie? Then, you’re in for a treat on a Port Stephens holiday. In particular, the seafood here is a standout. Pop over to the Little Beach Boathouse & Bar to feast on scallops, fried squid and fresh oysters – all while looking out to the sparkling ocean. Or, tuck into a delicious seafood platter at The Point Restaurant, complete with views of the bay’s main oyster racks.

Sustainability is big in Port Stephens, with many restaurants growing their own produce on-site. Over at The Greenhouse, the menu changes with the seasons. And, B Farm By Murray's have their own brewery, distillery and winery cellar door. Head over for a laidback beer, or enjoy a luxury picnic across the pristine grounds.

Like a lot of places in Australia, the hottest months of the year in Port Stephens are December, January and February. With temperatures sitting at about 30 °C during their peak, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and spending hours on the golf course. June to August are the coldest months, but it’s still weather that’s considered warm by British standards, so it shouldn’t stop you getting out and about.

If you do visit during Australia’s winter, you’ll be right on time for whale-watching season. Or, if you plan your trip between September and November – spring in Port Stephens – you’ll get to see the landscape when it’s bursting with wildflowers. So, overall, there really is no bad time to plan your Port Stephens holiday.