Top Things to do in Port Stephens
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Port Stephens, New South Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Port Stephens, Australia including Big Rocky, Tomaree Head, Hunter Wetlands National Park, Tomaree National Park, Stockton Sand Dunes, Soldiers Point Marina, Samurai Beach, Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, Fly Point, Oakvale Wildlife Park.
Restaurants in Port Stephens
1. Big Rocky
2. 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
3. Hunter Wetlands National Park
4. 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!
5. Stockton Sand Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
20 Miles Of At Least 98-foot-high Dunes.
Reviewed By apim - Sydney, Australia
A big stretch of sands offering multiple possibilities. You can just sit and relax, draw figures and sketches in the wet sand area with kids, hire and go on quad biking in the dunes, hire 'sun-board' and have the dry surfing fun or can just jump into the waters - the waves are enticing.
6. Soldiers Point Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Soldiers Point Marina provides the perfect hub for exploring the magnificent waterways and hinterland of Port Stephens—a region covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres of scenic diversity, mild weather and extensive tourist facilities. Soldiers Point Marina has been awarded the coveted Platinum Anchor accreditation under the Global Gold Anchor Scheme. Platinum status is the highest possible level of the Anchor accreditations, with only seven (including Soldiers Point Marina) in the world accredited to this level. Here at Soldiers Point Marina we consider ourselves to be a boutique style marina, similar to a high-end hotel. Located in the pristine waterways of Port Stephens, the marina and its luxurious facilities are an experience within them self. Our commitment is to offer you service of the highest standard and a memorable boating experience. We take pride in our ‘can-do’ attitude. You will find that nothing is too much for our experienced and knowledgeable staff.
Reviewed By markcY5604LH - Sydney, Australia
This is easily the best marina we have used along the east coast of NSW. The factors are - 1) price ( not as pricey as the other major "name" and boutique marinas in the area 2) range of facilities - the marina has everything needed - bathrooms/ showering, visitor lounge, coffee shop, breakfast bars, restaurants, fuel, bilge & head pumping, chandlery etc etc. 3) excellent AAA professional friendly and personal service from the whole team from the manager, Darryl, through to all staff. This is easily my first choice of Marina in Port Stephens. I could not fault it in any department and we look forward to our annual visits for the Sail Port Stephens Regatta
7. Samurai Beach
8. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an amazing experience of swimming and interacting with Sharks and Rays. The owners are passionate and dedicated to our Ocean's conservation and Marine Science. Every visitor can learn about the ocean depths and step outside their comfort zone by diving in with these amazing ambassador animals. Once you have experienced these majestic creatures individual personalities, you will have the confidence to take the next step and dive Looking Glass, a popular Nelson Bay shark dive site. Wondering about the name Irukandji? The Irukandji Jellyfish may be the most deadly thing in the world! Coming soon you will see them with your own eyes and learn about the Jellyfish blooms that are currently taking over the ocean like never in history. If you are after an out of this world experience that can be shared with the whole family (even tiny babies get a wetsuit and booties for a swim with the Sharks) then Irukandji is your next adventure waiting to happen.
Reviewed By beckyandjames83 - Broulee, Australia
Staff were all super friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend paying the extra to get in the water for the feedings so you can be up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
9. 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
10. Oakvale Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
The Ultimate Hands-On Experience. Set on 25 acres of open natural bushland, Oakvale Wildlife Park is 100% Australian owned and operated. At the park, you will find an endless menagerie of Australian native, domestic farm and exotic animals such as koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, goats, sheep, rabbits, alligators and ostriches. Plus many, many more. Established in November 1979 by Jeff and Elaine Sansom and later passed down to their son Kent Sansom in 1995. Oakvale Wildlife Park has remained a family-owned and operated business for more than 40 years. Since 1979 the farm has undergone countless changes. The most recent of which is our koala breeding and education centre ‘Koala Country’. However, one thing that remains the same is our commitment to providing an opportunity for our customers to learn about our native wildlife and how we can protect it. We strive to provide a fun, safe, educational, accessable and value for money experience for the whole family.
Reviewed By Berniesbusabout
We visited Oakvale today, to say I was impressed would be an understatement. The staff were friendly, the animals were all well looked after, the grandchildren loved being able to feed the animals and the playground kept them entertained. Well done Oakvale we thoroughly enjoyed our day.
