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Newly Painted Venue — Image credit: PSCAC

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Port Stephens Community Arts Centre

The Gallery has a range of unique and beautiful items perfect for gifts or as a memento of your stay in Port Stephens. Their vision is cultivating creativity and friendship via community arts and crafts. The mission is to promote and encourage the development of arts and crafts in the Port Stephens area and offer the community the opportunity to experience and take part in a broad range of arts and crafts activities. Port Stephens Community Arts Centre provide a comfortable venue and supportive milieu, where creative people can develop to their full potential as humans.

Nelson Bay NSW

0.2 km away

Splash Waterpark Nelson Bay

Amusement and Theme Parks

Splash Waterpark Nelson Bay

Splash Waterpark Nelson Bay offers the ultimate inflatable playground on water—an exciting challenge of agility, balance, and endurance, all set against the stunning backdrop of sunlit skies and sparkling waters. Whether climbing, jumping, or navigating the floating course, every moment at Splash is packed with energy and fun. Time flies when you're having this much fun—especially with family and friends by your side. Perfect for school groups, team-building events, and special occasions, Splash Waterpark caters to a wide range of group bookings, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved. To join the fun, participants must be at least 6 years old and 110 cm tall. Children aged 6 to 9 must be accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 or older. All guests must be confident swimmers. For safety, every participant is fitted with a buoyancy vest and given a full safety briefing before entering the waterpark. Trained lifeguards are stationed on and around the course to ensure everyone stays safe while having the time of their lives. Jump into the adventure—Splash Waterpark is waiting!

Nelson Bay NSW

0.8 km away

Fish Feeding Daily @10:30 am

Entertainment Venues

d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay

d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay is a vibrant waterfront destination featuring boutique shopping and a variety of dinning options. Just a short walk from town centre, it's the perfect place to enjoy local food and wine, waterfront walks, fish feeding and family friendly activities. Relax by the water, watch the boast come and go, and enjoy live music on Saturday afternoons! Check out their socials for more information and other marina activities.

Nelson Bay NSW

1.1 km away

Charli Blue Collective

Entertainment Venues

Charli Blue Collective

Their storefront has a range of hand made and hand-crafted products from over 35 local artisans. They sell souvenirs, jewellery, artworks, gifts, bags, homewares, creative holiday gift packs and more. They are an inclusive store with artisans from all walks of life including teenagers and people with a disability. They create personalised items to suit your preferences and tastes. They also have a creative studio with workshops for kids, teens and adults that isn't your standard paint and sip studio. They create an experience for all.

Nelson Bay NSW

1.2 km away

Fort Tomaree walk

Natural Attractions

Fort Tomaree walk

This easy walk on a paved track around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head brings you face-to-face with local military heritage – World War II gun emplacements, built in 1941 to defend the east coast of Australia. Learn about Fort Tomaree from interpretive signs, or take a guided Discovery tour for even more detail. A further track takes you up elevated walkways on Tomaree Head Summit walk, which offers breathtaking lookout views over Port Stephens and nature reserves like Cabbage Tree Island. Humpbacks migrate past here in winter and spring, so you’ll want to bring your camera for whale watching. Finish your visit by relaxing on the lovely sands of beautiful Zenith Beach, near where the walk begins. Or make your way to the nearby picnic area; an idyllic spot to unwind underneath the shade of angophora trees.

Shoal Bay NSW

2.0 km away

Wreck Beach walk

Natural Attractions

Wreck Beach walk

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to soak up the serene marine splendour of Port Stephens, take this short walk to Wreck Beach - tucked away behind the houses at Shoal Bay and visible from the majestic lookout at Tomaree Head summit. From Verona Road, follow the track uphill and onto the fire trail which eventually takes you onto Wreck Beach walk. Walking through this lush coastal angophora forest leads onto a small cove, with beautiful sand and open views of the ocean, which is perfect for seasonal whale watching. Enjoy a walk barefoot along the beach as the water laps at your feet. When you’re finished, settle down in a relaxing picnic spot and enjoy the solitude of one Port Stephens’ best kept secrets. If you feel like getting in the water then your best option is to drive five minutes over to Box Beach; a better swimming spot with great facilities.

Shoal Bay NSW

2.1 km away

Tomaree Head Summit — Image credit: D. Parsons/DPE

Natural Attractions

Tomaree Coastal Walk

Located on the traditional lands of the Worimi people, the 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk traverses an ancient volcanic landscape rich in culture and nature, starting at Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay and finishing at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place at Anna Bay. The track weaves along the stunning coastline of Tomaree National Park guiding walkers over lush coastal headlands, across rock ledges and through angophora forests, before arriving at the southern hemisphere's largest mobile sand dunes at Worimi Conservation Lands. Walkers will be treated to breathtaking scenery including panoramic ocean views, sparkling beaches and coves, unique rock formations and an abundance of flora and fauna including birds, dolphins and seasonal migrating whales. The walk is best experienced over 2 days (or 3 days for those wanting a more leisurely pace), with a range of accommodation options available in local villages. It's an ideal introduction to multi-day walking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature along an easy-to-navigate track by day, and enjoy the accommodation and dining options of Port Stephens by night. Visitors can also choose to complete shorter sections of the track including half-day or full-day walks, with many suitable entry and exit points along the route. Tomaree Coastal Walk is one of the NSW Great Walks – a series of multi-day hikes that highlight some of the state's most spectacular and diverse natural landscapes.

Shoal Bay NSW

2.5 km away

Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Natural Attractions

Tomaree Head Summit Walk

Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161 metres above the Port Stephens entrance. As you hike the 2.2km return track, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – these nature reserves are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel. When you reach the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands from the north platform. From the south platform, views of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse will be sure to impress. Be sure to check out the historic World War II gun emplacements. Take your binoculars as you might be lucky to see some dolphins. There’s a picnic table at the lookout, so if you have time, take a picnic lunch or some morning tea to enjoy as you take in the view. On the way back down, don’t forget to try Fort Tomaree walk.

Shoal Bay NSW

2.5 km away

World War II gun emplacements

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

World War II gun emplacements

If you're interested in Australian military history, make sure you take the short walk along Fort Tomaree walk to Tomaree Head. The headland, part of Fort Tomaree, played an important role in Australia's east coast defence system during World War II. Fort Tomaree included search light stations, a radar tower, torpedo tubes and barracks, where around 500 army, navy and air force personnel served. Most of the Fort's buildings and guns have been removed; however the historic gun emplacements remain, a visual reminder of Australia's military history. It's easy to see why this location was chosen the headland features panoramic views of Port Stephens and the coast. If you'd like to find out more, check out the interpretive panels near the emplacements, or take a guided Discovery tour. On the way back to the car, take Tomaree Head Summit walk to the summit of Tomaree Head for a picturesque view of Port Stephens. Take a virtual tour of the World War II gun emplacements captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Shoal Bay NSW

3.1 km away

Tomaree National Park — Image credit: OEH

National Parks and Reserves

Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park provides a magnificent backdrop to the coastal villages of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile, Boat Harbour and Anna Bay. With 27km of connected hiking Tomaree Coastal Walk offers you a taste of everything in this surprisingly diverse park. It's the only place in NSW where you can see outcrops of the acid volcanic rock rhyodacite. The national park also borders the largest marine park in the state as well as the largest moving coastal sand dune in the southern hemisphere at nearby Worimi Conservation Lands. The Worimi connection to Country is strong and you can learn more about this at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place. It's an excellent spot for whale watching and offers a range of scenic walks, including the short Wreck Beach walk through coastal angophora forest and the longer Morna Point walk that comes alive with spring wildflowers. As you walk, look for sea eagles in the sky, koalas dozing high in the trees, and echidnas on the ground. The park's beaches are pretty places for a family barbecue and there are picnic facilities around Anna Bay, Fingal Bay, and Fishermans Bay. Enjoy a swim or snorkel at...

Nelson Bay NSW

3.8 km away

Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest — Image credit: Simon Wilson Photography

Natural Attractions

Jimmys Beach

Jimmys Beach is sheltered from the ocean and protected from Summer Northeast winds making it an ideal place for kids. There's very little surf and is perfect for swimming. The beach stretches in a five-kilometre arc from the mouth of the Myall River to Yacaaba Headland. The water is always clear and there are great views across Port Stephens. This beach is not patrolled. Dogs can be walked on leads only at certain times in the morning and evening on the Yacaaba end of the beach.

Hawks Nest NSW

4.3 km away

They use only purely Australian eco-luxe products from Sodashi, Mukti and La Gaia.

Spas and Retreats

Spa Lucca

Tucked within the waterfront surrounds of Anchorage, Spa Lucca is a private sanctuary devoted to rest, restoration, and unhurried indulgence. From the moment you arrive, every detail invites you to slow down. Retreat into one of our private treatment rooms, share the experience with someone special in a double treatment room, or linger in the Hydro Suite and relaxation lounge. Leave feeling lighter, calmer, and completely renewed Spa Lucca provides eco-luxe products from Sodashi, Dermaviduals, and Simka which are sustainably made, ethically produced, and use no harmful chemicals. Appointments are essential.

Corlette NSW

4.8 km away

Yacaaba Head

Natural Attractions

Yacaaba Head

Please note: Yacaaba Headland, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Port Stephens/Hawks Nest, is open to a viewing point. Beyond this point the track is closed for visitor safety. Please see National Parks & Wildlife for more information. Yacaaba Head is the largest headland of the bay called Port Stephens at the southern boundary of the Barrington Coast at Hawks Nest. The headland offers spectacular views. The final section of the walk to the top is very steep and unformed, it is more suitable for experienced walkers. There is no formal lookout but the top is marked by an old trigonometrical survey point. The walking track begins from Bennetts Beach (also called Hawks Nest Beach) and the initial section is a well-formed path, winding its way through a tall open forest. You'll walk six kilometres in total and ascend 228 metres above the glittering waters of the Pacific Ocean and Port Stephens. Allow three hours for a return journey.

Hawks Nest NSW

4.8 km away

Yacaaba Headland Walking Track — Image credit: Photo: John Spencer

Natural Attractions

Yacaaba Headland Walking Track

Please note: Yacaaba Headland, in southern Myall Lakes National Park at Port Stephens/Hawks Nest, is temporarily closed while environmental and cultural heritage assessments are undertaken. If you enjoy a challenging walk and scenic views rolled into one, then grab your hiking boots and make your way to Yacaaba Headland walking track. This lightly challenging walk leads up and across the northern headland of Port Stephens, in the southern reaches of Myall Lakes National Park. From the southern end of Bennetts Beach, the track climbs steeply and you’ll notice smooth barked angophoras giving way to gnarly banksias and grass trees. As the track veers north, take a break and admire the inspiring views up the coastline. On a clear day, the distant blue ridgeline of Barrington Tops is visible. The track gets rockier and steeper, but along the forested ridge top you’ll be treated to coastal views of Seal Rocks and Tomaree Headland. Out to sea, Cabbage Tree Island, known as John Gould Nature Reserve, protects the only known breeding colony of one of the world’s rarest birds; the Gould’s petrel.

Hawks Nest NSW

4.8 km away

Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest — Image credit: Destination NSW

Natural Attractions

Hawks Nest Beach

Award-winning Hawks Nest Beach (also known as Bennetts Beach) is the most popular and easily accessed beach in the Myall River precinct of the Barrington Coast. The southern end of the beach is known as The Dolphins Playground and has surf suitable for both board riders and body surfers and a great spot for swimmers. The Hawks Nest Surf Club lies three kilometres from Yacaaba Headland, at the southern end. There is a rugged track to the top of Yaccaba which offers stunning views north and south. This beach is patrolled. Dogs can be walked on leads only, between certain times on this beach and Yacaaba.

Hawks Nest NSW

5.2 km away

Tea Gardens,NSW

Natural Attractions

Christmas in July Fest

Christmas in July Fest is a first for the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, just 45 minutes north of Newcastle. It will be located on the shores of the beautiful Myall River in Tea Gardens and will be both accessible by road and ferry. There will be at least 60 stalls, face painting, petting zoo, and fun games for all ages and abilities. The towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest do it tough through the Winter months. Come along and support them.

Tea Gardens NSW

5.4 km away

Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island

Point Stephens Lighthouse stands tall and elegant on Fingal Island with a view over the rocks of Fingal Bay. The coastal views from the island back to the mainland are worth the effort to get there. Built in 1862, Point Stephens Lighthouse features a swept tower base and first floor entrance that give a flared appearance. This construction, along with the terrace of Lighthouse Keepers' quarters within the lighthouse precinct makes Point Stephens unique among Australian lighthouses.

Fingal Bay NSW

5.4 km away

Singing Bridge at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest

Natural Attractions

Singing Bridge

The Myall River is one of several beautiful rivers born in the hinterland of the Barrington Coast. Between the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, the river is crossed by the famous Singing Bridge, whose railings play mournful sounds during strong winds, acting as a wind harp. The Jean Shaw Koala Reserve is located at its northeastern end, part of a wildlife corridor to the Myall Lakes. Koalas have been known to cross the bridge at night. The Myall River is renowned for its calm scenic beauty that's perfect for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming and scenic cruises.

Hawks Nest NSW

5.4 km away

Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest — Image credit: Mackenzie Hayes

Natural Attractions

Bennetts Beach

Award-winning Bennett's Beach is the most popular and easily accessed beach in the Myall River precinct of the Barrington Coast. The southern end of the beach is known as The Dolphin's Playground and has surf suitable for both board riders and body surfers. The Hawks Nest Surf Club lies three kilometres from Yacaaba Headland, at the southern end. There is a rugged track to the top of Yaccaba which offers stunning views of Port Stephens. This beach is patrolled. Dogs can be walked on leads only, between certain times on Bennetts Beach and Yaccaba.

Hawks Nest NSW

5.5 km away

The Gallery, Galleries in the Gardens

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Gallery, Galleries in the Gardens

The Gallery is home to the largest, ever-changing display of artworks by Galleries in the Gardens artists - from the renowned artists community of Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest/Myall Coast. This waterfront cottage sits within its lush garden opposite the Myall River, and is just a two-minute flat walk from the Tea Gardens ferry wharf. Artworks by Galleries in the Gardens members include paintings, drawings, pastels, lino cuts, etchings and art prints, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, original art cards, music and more – and are for sale. Regular specially-themed exhibitions are also held. Come and have a browse, enjoy the artwork and the beautiful, tranquil garden. There you may see some of the Galleries in the Gardens artists in action, too.

Tea Gardens NSW

5.6 km away

Myall River at Bulahdelah — Image credit: East Coast Photography

Natural Attractions

Myall River

The Myall River is one of several beautiful rivers born in the hinterland of the Barrington Coast. As their crystal clear waters tumble from the rugged peaks, they breathe life into the land; for this is the Barrington Coast - a place where the leaves touch the waters from the mountains to the sea. The Myall River is renowned for its calm scenic beauty, perfect for boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming and scenic cruises. It's formed in the Kyle Range near Stroud, flows south-eastwards for 92 kilometres and descends 355 metres before joining the bay of Port Stephens at Hawks Nest. After flowing past the town of Bulahdelah, the Myall River enters the Bombah Broadwater, which is the most southern lake of the three Ramsar-protected Myall Lakes within the Myall Lakes National Park. Between the towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest, the Myall River is crossed by the famous Singing Bridge, whose railing plays mournful sounds during strong winds, acting as a wind

Hawks Nest NSW

5.8 km away

Hawks Nest Golf Club

Entertainment Venues

Hawks Nest Golf Club

Just an hour north of Newcastle, Hawks Nest Golf Club is a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of championship-level golf and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated on the stunning Mid-North Coast, our 18-hole all-weather course is renowned for its immaculate greens, coastal charm, and ability to challenge and delight players of all skill levels. The clubhouse provides the perfect setting for any occasion, whether you're planning a celebration, a corporate event, or a wedding. With panoramic views of the course and the surrounding natural landscape, it's a space that combines elegance with comfort. Easily accessible from Sydney, Newcastle, and Port Stephens, Hawks Nest is the ideal destination for golfers and leisure seekers alike. With a range of nearby accommodation options, you can take advantage of our Stay'n'Play packages or explore our tailored Group Golf packages. Adding to the experience is our new dining destination, Sando's Café and Restaurant. Offering a unique blend of modern coastal cuisine infused with fresh and exciting flavours. Sando's welcomes both members and visitors to enjoy exceptional dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, served in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a day on the green, savouring exceptional dining, or celebrating life's special moments, Hawks Nest Golf Club promises an unforgettable experience.

Hawks Nest NSW

5.9 km away

Samurai Beach

Natural Attractions

Samurai Beach

Popular with Nelson Bay locals, this south-facing surf beach lies between One Mile Beach and the rugged coastline along Big Rocky Island. Reach this clothing-optional beach by walking from the Big Rocky area along informal walking trails. You can also drive there via Gan Gan Road, but only if you have a 4WD vehicle. Be sure to drive your vehicle only where permitted on access trails and the beachfront. Do not drive on the fragile dunes behind the beach. Samurai Beach is for day use only. Before you drive, check if there are park alerts or closures because this beach can sometimes close to vehicles for safety reasons.

One Mile NSW

6.3 km away

skywalk - psks

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

A special place where koalas live as they would in the wild - resting high in the gum trees, moving at their own pace and surrounded by native bushland. See koalas from an entirely fresh perspective with an easy, self-guided walk for all ages. Follow the winding path through eucalypts and native gardens as local koala Kasey's story of rescue, care and recovery - unfolds through giant sculptures, storytelling and discovery. Stop by the Port Stephens Koala Hospital - a working wildlife hospital where veterinary staff and volunteers care for rescued koalas and other native wildlife. The Sky Walk is home to our wild recovering koalas. Winding gently through the canopy, the elevated walkway brings you eye level with koalas in their natural habitat - not viewed through enclosures or from the ground below, but quietly observed where they belong. After exploring, relax at Wild Light Café. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the café offers simple, nourishing food and drinks designed to be enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Before you leave, wander through the thoughtfully curated gift shop. Discover locally inspired gifts and take home a keepsake of your visit to remember the connection with the sanctuary and its conservation story. Every purchase helps support the important work of koala care and conservation.

One Mile NSW

6.5 km away

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