Top Things to do in Port Stephens
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Port Stephens, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Port Stephens, Australia including Tomaree Head, Tomaree National Park, Samurai Beach, Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve, Fly Point, Gan Gan Lookout, Point Stephens Lighthouse, One Mile Beach, Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay, Port Stephens Community Art Centre.
Restaurants in Port Stephens
1. Tomaree Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 719 reviews
Reviewed By DebB123123 - Lismore, Australia
Paved path up the hill for about 600m with some seating for rests, then you can go sideways for 650 m to see the WW11 bunker which was just an empty shell and not worth it, or walk up to the summit, it does have sections of steep metal stairs with narrow steps, but then more gentle areas to get your breath back before the next stairs. The path wraps around the hill near the top to give great views of the coast and 2 viewing platforms at the top where I saw 2 whales and a pod of dolphins, well worth the effort
2. Tomaree National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Teejayy19 - Sydney, Australia
It took me about 45 minutes to get to the summit after taking a little detour to see the WW2 gun emplacements. I wouldn’t even bother going to the WW2 gun emplacement as there is nothing to see here. It is abandoned and run down with a few posters to read about it. The walk to the summit has lots of steps that are very steep when walking up. If you suffer from knee or major health issues, I wouldn’t recommend you do the walk. I did see a fair few people over 60’s doing the walk. Wearing joggers is a must as there are parts of the walk that are un even, so please don’t wear sandals or flip flops. When you reach the top, the views are absolutely gorgeous. They are the type of views that you would see all over social media. I took some food with me and had a little picnic at the top while I rested and enjoyed the views. If your lucky enough, you might catch dolphins or whales swimming in the distance. Do yourself a favor, come here and do the walk. You won’t regret it, it’s great!
3. Samurai Beach
4. Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 512 reviews
Reviewed By 423peterm423
Interesting visit to the inner light house to see some of Port Stephens history and view of Shoal Bay and out the headlands.
5. Fly Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By orinoco72 - New South Wales, Australia
Great spot for seeing local fish and sea creatures , need good swimming-ability as it can be a strong current? Easy to park nearby, lovely beach close by too
6. Gan Gan Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 762 reviews
Reviewed By Y6333LUtimf - Campbelltown, Australia
Beautiful 360 degree view of nelson Bay and surrounds, could see down to Stockton beach across to the Myall Lakes and out to lemon tree passage.
7. Point Stephens Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Bunchie71 - Newcastle, Australia
We looked up the tides and set off to cross in the window where you could get across the spit without getting your feet (too) wet. What an experience! Not only was the beach walk spectacular (my favourite) but you get to experience history as well. As a ‘local’ I never knew this existed! We even had time to have a swim in the sheltered beach on the other side of the spit. PS We recently (Sept 2020) attempted to cross again but hazardous surf has limited access. If you can do it safely, it’s worth doing.
8. One Mile Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By CandiceHunt - Newcastle, Australia
Such a beautiful beach, family friendly, even with little kids. Perfect for a job from one end to the other. Highly recommend seeing the sites if you are visiting the area.
9. Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By NicolaErith - Exeter, United Kingdom
Found this place by accident and what a lovely find. Ladies in the cafe very friendly. Walked though the reserve and saw beautiful scenery but no Koalas. Easy walk along the boardwalks and gravel pathways. Very tranquil place with great views.
10. Port Stephens Community Art Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By BeeeWilson
This is a beautiful community art centre where one is spoilt for choice. Great selection of art works and various mediums from paintings, sculpture, pottery, mosaics, jewellery, crochet, seeing and glass work to name a few. Prices very reasonable for quality art works. Pleasantly surprised. The gardens surrounding and cafe looked lovely to had I more time. Purchased a gorgeous pottery lighthouse by artist Roger Rigby.
