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Port Stephens, New South Wales - Beaches, Dunes & Laid-Back Coastal Living
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Apr 2, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Port Stephens, New South Wales - Beaches, Dunes & Laid-Back Coastal Living
Just an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a spectacular natural harbour surrounded by relaxed coastal towns, pristine beaches, and protected national parks. With calm bays, dramatic headlands, and some of the most impressive sand dunes in Australia, it’s a destination that offers both adventure and easygoing holiday vibes.
Exploring the Heart of Port Stephens
During our stay in Port Stephens, we spent our time soaking up the scenery and ticking off some of the region’s highlights. We wandered the marina at Nelson Bay, admired the sweeping views from Gan Gan Lookout, explored beautiful beaches, visited the koala sanctuary, and ventured out to the iconic Stockton Sand Dunes — including a camel ride along the beach.
Nelson Bay & The Marina
At the centre of the action is Nelson Bay, a pretty coastal town built around the waterfront. d’Albora Marina sits right in the heart of town and is lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a lovely place for a stroll.
From the marina, you can hire a boat, join a fishing charter, or head out on a cruise. The waters here are part of the Great Lakes Marine Park, home to more than 100 resident dolphins. Dolphin-watching cruises run year-round, while whale-watching tours operate from May to November as humpback and southern right whales migrate along the coast.
Just to the east of the marina is Nelson Bay Beach, a calm, sandy beach backed by a grassy reserve — perfect for a relaxed swim or a quiet break by the water.
Stunning Views from the Gan Gan Lookout
One of the best viewpoints in the region is Gan Gan Lookout, located just off the main road to Nelson Bay. From the carpark, it’s a short, easy walk to the lookout. Sitting around 160 metres above sea level, Gan Gan Lookout offers sweeping views across Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, and the surrounding national parks. From here, you can really appreciate the scale of Port Stephens Harbour — which is twice the size of Sydney Harbour — and it’s an excellent spot for photos at any time of day.
Discover Beautiful Beaches
Port Stephens is blessed with a wide variety of beaches, each with its own personality.
Little Beach, tucked between Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, is a favourite for families. The calm waters are ideal for paddling and swimming, and there’s a large shady grassy area, playground, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. Pelicans are often spotted near the ramp, adding to the relaxed, coastal charm.
At the base of Tomaree Head, a short walk leads to the stunning Zenith Beach. With powder-white sand, turquoise water, and rugged headlands, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. From here, you can also tackle the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, a 2.2-kilometre return hike that rewards you with incredible panoramic views over the coastline.
Fingal Bay Beach is another standout, known for its clear, calm waters and wide stretch of sand. It’s popular for swimming, water sports, and simply relaxing by the sea.
Meeting Koalas at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary offers a meaningful and memorable wildlife experience. The sanctuary provides specialist care for sick, injured, and orphaned koalas and gives visitors the chance to learn more about these iconic animals in a natural setting.
Open daily from 9:00am, your visit begins with the Sanctuary Story Walk, a 250-metre path through native gardens featuring informative signage and engaging koala sculptures. You can then look through the viewing window into the state-of-the-art Koala Hospital, which includes treatment rooms, intensive care units, and rehabilitation yards.
The Sanctuary Skywalk is a highlight — a 225-metre elevated pathway that offers a treetop perspective into the koalas’ habitat. Each koala enclosure includes information about the resident koala and its story, making the experience both educational and personal.
You can even stay onsite, with accommodation options including hotel-style rooms and glamping tents, along with a café, outdoor seating, and a gift shop.
Stockton Sand Dunes & Camel Rides
One of the most unforgettable landscapes in the region is the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, located within the Worimi Conservation Lands. These are the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching for 32 kilometres from the Hunter River near Newcastle to Birubi Point at Anna Bay, and rising up to 30 metres high.
A great place to see the dunes is from the Birubi Beach Surf Life Saving Club viewing deck. From there, you can choose how adventurous you’d like to be — walking through the dunes, joining a 4WD tour, sandboarding, quad biking, or opting for a relaxed camel ride.
Oakfield Ranch camel rides operate six days a week (not Wednesdays) between 10:00am and 3:30pm. There’s no need to book — simply turn up and wait your turn. The ride takes around 20 minutes, travelling over smaller dunes and along the beachfront.
Birubi Beach itself is well set up with a café at the surf club, grassy areas, picnic tables, and a long stretch of sand ideal for walking, swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
Why Port Stephens Is a Standout NSW Escape
Port Stephens combines natural beauty with relaxed coastal living in a way that’s hard to beat. From dolphin-filled waters and scenic lookouts to calm beaches, koala encounters, and vast sand dunes, there’s something here for every type of traveller. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wildlife experiences, or simply a place to slow down by the sea, Port Stephens delivers — and it’s the kind of destination that keeps calling you back.
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