When the locals speak of Port Stephens they do it with a bashful smile - humbled by the riches of their bay. When you swim with the resident dolphins, look a whale in the eye or watch the sun paint the sand dunes gold, you’ll understand why. Every day offers extraordinary experiences and everyone leaves with an amazing story to share.
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“I’ve watched Port Stephens for generations, the tides whispering old stories, dunes shifting like time itself, and dolphins tracing familiar paths. This place doesn’t just welcome you; it remembers you, leaving a mark long after you’ve wandered on.”
Climb Tomaree for one of the best views in Port Stephens, or drive up to Gan Gan Hill if you can't manage the walk.
For something truly special, swim with wild ocean dolphins, not the resident bay pod, through Dolphin Swim Australia. You can't force the interaction, they come to you. Runs October through April.
Pick a cooler day and walk the coastal path from One Mile Beach to Fingal Bay, three to four hours, with a well-earned pint at Fingal Bay Cellars at the end. Just call for a lift back.
Get out on the water, that's where you really see the beauty of Port Stephens and take in the beauty from a different perspective. Take the ferry across the port to Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens, it's a great day out and a completely different perspective on the place.
Get to know the true custodianship of this land, the Worimi people, and hear their stories. It takes time, but it's worth it.
The magic happens in the quiet moments, you need to slow down, give yourself the time and space to relax and really experience Port Stephens for what it truly is. Keep space in your schedule to just 'be’. Avoid peak season, come at other times and see the real magic of how us locals see it. Approach Port Stephens as a place that can be returned to. You won't see it all in one trip, and you're not meant to. Come back, and let it unfold slowly.
Dive in
Port Stephens, a place to appreciate the simple things in life: space to breathe, natural beauty, connection to nature and each other. Embark on a journey where giant sand dunes provide the backdrop for exhilarating experiences, where dolphins and whales grace the coastline. A place where picture perfect beaches are the norm, a place full of nature and outdoor adventures and where the extraordinary is ordinary.
Explore the Region
