AU · New South Wales · 32.70°S 152.12°E

port stephens

Dolphins in the bay, huge sand dunes and a steep headland walk above the coast.

Best time
March–May and September–November are mild, good for walks and boat trips. December–January is busy; June–August is cool, but humpbacks pass the coast from May to November.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly direct to Sydney in about 8 hours, then drive about 2.5–3 hours north to Nelson Bay. New South Wales is 2 hours ahead of KL, 3 during daylight saving (October to early April).
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AU · New South Walesport stephens32.70°S 152.12°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Dolphins in the bay, huge sand dunes and a steep headland walk above the coast.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPort StephensAU, New South Wales
KLport stephens
≈ 6,630 km from KL, as the crow flies
View from the west end of Jimmy's Beach (Winda Woppa), looking east toward Yacabba Headland Taken on holiday at Hawks Nest, February 2004

Photo: J.lyle at English Wikipedia · Public domain

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Port Stephens is a big blue bay ringed by small holiday towns, about two and a half hours north of Sydney. Dolphins in the bay, the biggest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere and a steep headland climb fill a couple of days easily.

Makan

  1. Port Stephens oystersRock oysters fresh from the farms around the bay.Map ↗
  2. Fish and chipsOn the marina at Nelson Bay.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Tomaree HeadA short, steep climb to views over the islands, beaches and the mouth of the bay.Map ↗
  2. Stockton Bight dunesHuge drifting dunes near Anna Bay, explored on 4WD tours or with a sandboard.Map ↗
  3. Dolphin cruiseBoats from Nelson Bay look for the bay's resident bottlenose dolphins, with whales on winter trips.Map ↗
  4. Shoal BayA calm beach and promenade at the foot of Tomaree Head.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Ordinary hire cars can't go on the dunes; tours, or a 4WD with a sand-driving permit, are the way in.
  • Climb Tomaree in the cool of the morning; it's steep and exposed.
  • Halal food is limited around the bay, so seafood is the easy option; Sydney is the place to stock up.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.