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Nature Bathing Bliss — Image credit: Wellness Centre Port Stephens

Spas and Retreats

Wellness Centre Port Stephens

Welcome to Wellness Centre Port Stephens! A completely unforgettable nature filled paradise, a short walk from One Mile beach. Set on 5 nature filled acres, Wellness Centre Port Stephens has a special kind of magic, immersed in beautiful subtropical gardens, shady Melaleuca trees and trickling water features. The unique setting exudes a calm and serene energy that is nourishing for the spirit and soul. Facilities include a covered events space with bar, a yoga room, gardens, plus a 9 room onsite purpose built wellness centre. Wellness Centre Port Stephens feels like you are a million miles from anywhere yet is conveniently located only a 600m level walk from stunning One Mile beach, Port Stephens NSW and a mere 10 minutes drive from major conveniences and attractions. Local shops and restaurants are 3 kilometres away. Looking for the perfect venue to run your own retreat? Dream of running a retreat but don't have everything you need to bring it to fruition? Want to get away and design your own retreat for one, two or a few? Contact them to bring your dream to life!

Boat Harbour NSW

0.4 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

1.5 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

1.6 km away

Fishermans Bay foreshore

Natural Attractions

Fishermans Bay foreshore

Fishermans Bay foreshore in Tomaree National Park is a wonderful place for a family day out by the sea. Featuring a lovely, secluded beach, it's a great area for snorkelling and kayaking on a sunny day. If you're there between May and November it's a good spot to watch whales on their annual migration along the north coast. For those looking to go boating or kayaking for the day, you can launch your vessel from the small boat ramp here. And you'll be able to find out more about the area at the information bay. At low tide you could head out on a snorkelling exploration you never know what exotic sea creatures you may see here. If you're hiking Tomaree Coastal Walk or Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walking track then this is a good spot to refill your water and use the facilities.

Fishermans Bay NSW

2.3 km away

Sandboarding on Stockton Beach — Image credit: Destination Port Stephens

Natural Attractions

Anna Bay

Just 20 minutes from Newcastle Airport and Nelson Bay, you’ll find the quiet surfing neighbourhood of Anna Bay which is the entry point to one of the most significant land formations on the east coast. The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in the Worimi Conservation Lands, are the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere. The 32 kilometres of sandscape reaches heights of 40 metres and slopes of 60 degrees. here are many ways to explore the dunes. Take a sunset camel or horse ride, cruise around in a four-wheel drive or climb to the top to slide down the slope on a sandboard. Further south, you can join Sand Dune Adventures for a cultural quad bike tour, learning about the local Aboriginal heritage and visiting ancient campsites. Though the dunes provide the main attraction Anna Bay has much more on offer; discover rockpools, great surf, four-wheel driving and beach fishing. Birubi Beach is a patrolled surf beach and Crest Cafe sits atop where you can enjoy a coffee and beautiful views. Along the main road, you’ll find fresh produce from farm gate stalls where you can try the famous, tasty Anna Bay tomatoes and farm-fresh eggs. A little further along is a golf driving range and mini-putt course. Accommodation ranges from lodge-style cabins, to holiday parks and seaside holiday homes.

Anna Bay NSW

2.6 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

4.4 km away

Get up close and personal with our gorgeous Zebra Sharks during an encounter

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters are leaders in marine education, conservation and fun. This unique experience is unmatched by any other location in the country. Visitors interact with marine life during a self guided tour of the aquarium, joining them in their natural-style lagoons, petting and feeding them all under the ever-watchful eyes of the experienced guides. There are even opportunities to get up close with a special encounter with sharks and rays or to snorkel in the deep and swim amongst them. Irukandji is a massive family; fish and staff alike, as they set out to reveal the true character of some of the worlds most beautiful, intelligent, elusive creatures. With a mission to inspire change, Irukandji educate svisitors about Australia's delicate ocean ecosystems and ocean pollution, in attempt to change the world: one shark at a time.

Anna Bay NSW

4.5 km away

Bricks n Things LEGO Fan Space — Image credit: Kevin Evans

Entertainment Venues

Bricks n Things LEGO Fan Space

Looking for the ultimate school holiday activity? Join them at Bricks n Things LEGO Fan Space for their LEGO Experience and Build Sessions. Whether your kids are aspiring Master Builders or just love to get creative with bricks, their space is the perfect place to spend the morning. You can walk around and get inspired by their 14 massive LEGO displays created by Kevin, Angela, and Tristan.

Taylors Beach NSW

4.8 km away

Readers Retreat Bookshop — Image credit: Alison Rogers

Shopping and Markets

Readers Retreat Bookshop

Readers Retreat is a bookshop where words and people come together. Their bookshop stocks an eclectic range of new and used books. Not only are local authors a feature, but a range of the latest fiction, non-fiction, classics, young adult and children's books are available for purchase. They also stock beautiful stationery, gifts, cards and a selection of art works.

Salamander Bay NSW

6.5 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

6.7 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

7.1 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

7.1 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

7.3 km away

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

7.9 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

8.2 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

8.8 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

8.9 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

9.3 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

9.3 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

10 km away

Clos to the action

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Port Stephens Animal Adventures

Some places you visit. These Animal Adventures will stay with you forever. Port Stephens Animal Adventures is a fully indoor, all weather wildlife and aquarium attraction, one of the most interactive family attractions in the region and a popular choice for things to do in Port Stephens. Visitors can feed and interact with nearly 150 sharks and rays in a supervised touch pool, some 2.5 metres long and some that will sit in your hand. Guests can also enter the water with sharks, rays, freshwater eels, moray eels, zebra sharks and a giant grouper. Our Rescued Reptile Encounters happen all day and offer genuinely close up experiences with snakes, lizards and bearded dragons, handled by the animal care team and ready for photos. Out in the farmyard, sheep, goats and an alpaca are waiting to be hand fed. Australia's most interactive Macaws are a must do experience, along with feeding our famous rescued long necked turtles. All ticket holders also get entry to the Crocodile Encounters billabongs next door, three indoor pools home to 21 saltwater crocodiles including Rocksteady. The ultimate experience is the Crocodile Swim and Giant Grouper Shark Feed, featuring Rocksteady, Australia's largest crocodile you can swim up to at 4.8 metres and 800 kilograms. Located near Nelson Bay, Newcastle and just 2.5 hours from Sydney.

Bobs Farm NSW

11 km away

Koala asleep in the heat — Image credit: Ian Rabbitt

National Parks and Reserves

Tilligerry Habitat

Tilligerry Habitat is a nine-hectare crown reserve in Tanilba Bay on the foreshore of beautiful Port Stephens. Tilligerry Habitat showcases koalas and wildlife habitat, as well as a native nursery. Visitors are welcomed in the information centre, which is an eco-friendly straw bale building, where interactive displays and a souvenir shop are located. Local natives and garden plants are for sale from the onsite nursery. There is a wide range of scenic forest, scrub, wetland and coastal environments accessed by a network of paths and boardwalks. A fully accessible picnic area is situated next to the visitor centre. An easy two-kilometre walk on flat gravel paths and boardwalks will afford the visitor the opportunity to see native plants, birds and possibly even a koala in the wild.

Tanilba Bay NSW

11 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

12 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

13 km away

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