Port Stephens, Australia. Where to stay and what to do in the Dolphin Capital of Australia.

Port Stephens Overview

Port Stephens is around three hours north of Sydney, via the Pacific Highway, and about 90 minutes east of The Hunter Valley, the famous wine region.

The ecological balance in the bay is perfect for dolphins so you are almost guaranteed to see, and even swim with them if you take a cruise on one of the Nelson Bay based boats.

Unsurprisingly, this area is known as the Dolphin capital of Australia and between 150 and 200 bottlenose dolphins live in the water off Nelson Bay and Port Stephens.

Also in this area is the Myall Lakes National Park where you can hire a house boat and spend a few leisurely days cruising and exploring.

Migrating Humpback Whales

Port Stephens is sufficiently far eastward for migrating Humpback, Minke and Killer Whales to be seen off the coast - usually between May to July and then again from September to November.

The 50 tonne whales get to 15m long and some 3000-4000 whales migrate 5000km from the Antarctic to tropical waters further north. Whale watching tours operate from Nelsons Bay and other towns in Port Stephens.

Stockton Beach

Stockton Beach is one of the few beaches which allow 4WD's (there is plenty of space for everyone here) and Camel treks.

This beach is truly a unique Australian experience. Other activities in the Port Stephens area include diving, fishing, golf and walking. Across the bay on the north side are the towns of Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens.

Breathtaking Bays

There are some breathtaking bays and beaches in Port Stephens e.g. Shoal and Fingal Bay.

Then there is the vast previously mentioned 20 mile long Stockton Beach.

You can walk for hours and not even make an impression on it. It is one of the few beaches which allow 4WD's (there is plenty of space for everyone here) and Camel treks. This beach is truly a unique Australian experience. The dunes behind the beach are popular for sand sledding and some of the organised 4WD beach tours will include this in the trip.

Nelson Bay Golf Course

Nelson Bay Golf Course has a good reputation in this part of the world and it is a well maintained and enviably located near the Tomaree National Park.

At times kangaroos have been known to watch golfers from the fairways! The Landmark Hotel is bounded by the golf course.

Port Stephens accommodation

Port Stephens is a popular holiday location as it is within a few of hours drive north of Sydney.

See our general Port Stephens accommodation listings and Backpacker accommodation for hostels.

Location

Port Stephens is located on the New South Wales coast 200 Km drive north of Sydney. It has a Latitude of 32.7°S and a Longitude of 152.1° E.

Driving To Port Stephens

Some approximate driving times are:

2.5Hrs From Sydney (200Km)

11.5Hrs From Melbourne (1000Km)

10Hrs From Brisbane (830Km)

See Route and Distance Calculator for more accurate driving times and routes from additional locations throughout Australia.

Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is situated in the Port Stephens region which is around two to three hours drive north of Sydney.

The ecological balance in Nelsons Bay is perfect for dolphins so you are almost guaranteed to see, and even swim with them, if you take a cruise on one of the Nelson Bay based boats. ( The boats can be booked from Nelson Bay Marina).

Nelson Bay is probably the biggest town and holiday resort in Port Stephens and has a thriving marina where dolphin, pleasure and self drive cruises depart.

A relatively new development on the marina is a precinct of restaurants and shops overlooking the bay. This includes a seafood restaurant and a 'Hogs Breath Cafe'.

There are some pleasant walking trails leading from Nelsons Bay to Dutchmans Bay, Bagnalls Beach and eventually to Anchorage Marina, the location of the famous Peppers Hotel.

Port Stephens Climate

These figures are for guidance only: