Top Things to do in Port Stephens
Top 10 Things to do in Port Stephens, Australia
Discover the best top things to do in Port Stephens, Australia including Tomaree Head, Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, Gan Gan Lookout, Fighter World, Oakvale Farm and Fauna World, Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve, Stockton Sand Dunes, Fly Point, Soldiers Point Marina, D'Albora Marinas.
Restaurants in Port Stephens
1. Tomaree Head
Overall Ratings
5 based on 530 reviews
Reviewed By Amanda L - London, United Kingdom
Well worth the stairs and the walk....husband managed to have baby in a harnessed backpack and walked up with only one rest. Easily marked walk so no risk of getting lost. All worth the magnificent scenery up the top.
2. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 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 theaprilsun - Sydney, Australia
Let me first start by saying how cheap this place is!!
I have done quite a few animal encounters through zoos and you pay $100+ for about 20 minutes.
Here at irukandji you pay $50 and you get up close with all sorts of rays and sharks and you get to feed and pet them for as long as you want.
I stayed here for 3hrs and could easily have stayed longer.
You don’t have to pay the full amount and get in the water with them but I highly recommend it!
This isn’t just a place for kids either as I am in my 30s and loved every second of it!
The guide is very informative and happily answered all our questions.
You also learn about sharks and rays and how you can help save our oceans but they don’t ask you for donations like some places do.
You can tell they look after and care about the animals.
Educational, interactive and fun for the whole family!
This was the highlight of my trip and I will definitely be returning.
3. Gan Gan Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
Reviewed By Jimclevs - Terrigal, Australia
Not a long climb up a small hill - Australians will insist on calling these things a mountain - which it isn't. However, at the top the view is magnificent with very informative boards pointing out the many views in all directions. Well worth it for seeing the area spread out below you.
4. Fighter World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Located just 20 mins drive north of Newcastle, adjacent to the entrance to RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle Airport, Fighter World is a totally ‘hands on’ experience. Exhibited in two hangars, visitors can walk-around, touch and look into the cockpits of such iconic aircraft as the Mirage III, the Avon Sabre, the Gloster Meteor, the first Vampire jet built in Australia and the mighty F-111C. Conveniently located adjacent to the main hangar, Cafe Fighter World offers a range of snacks and light meals as well as cold beverages and steaming hot espresso coffee and of course free WiFi means you can stay abreast of what’s happening at home. Stay cosy inside or venture outdoors to enjoy all the noise and action of an operational Air Force Base. The choice is yours. Make sure before you leave you visit the Fighter World Shop where you’ll find a wide range of books, souvenirs and models available. Fighter World is disable friendly and open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10am to 4pm.
Reviewed By Nesha C
Decided to come last minute, spent just a couple hours there but my partner and I had a great time. Staff were pleasant and friendly as well. Finished it off with some hot coffee (cheap but very good and well designed!), and some fish and chips.
5. Oakvale Farm and Fauna World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By CCDownunder72 - Tumbi Umbi, Australia
During the recent school holidays our family of 2 adults and 3 kids (9,7,7) spent about 6 hours a Oakvale Farm and Fauna World. We arrived in time for the morning baby farm animal feed which everyone enjoyed. We had been to Oakvale before about 3 years ago and we noticed the changes, different koala enclosure, new playground, new water park, new lemur island etc. You can see that the owners are happy to invest back into the business. The tractor train ride is a great way to see the entire area before heading off on foot. The animals all look happy and content in their enclosures. Oakvale is also happy for you to take your on picnic lunch or food for a BBQ which is what we did. The kids took there swimmers and really enjoyed the Water park especially the giant water bucket that dumps every 5 minutes or so. After lunch we walked around the rest of the farm and we all enjoyed hand feeding the kangaroos, they are very quiet and easy to approach and keen to have a munch.
I can highly recommend a visit to Oakvale. Well Done to the Management and Staff of Oakvale farm for a great tourist attraction.
6. Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By Mike P - Sydney, Australia
What an oasis !!!
Extremely friendly people found at a delightful location.
The road in is narrow, so I don’t suggest any semi trailers
Once at the top there is a very informative walkway around the top which is fully paved.
All paths lead to the top where the original lighthouse building stands. For a small donation u can take your time and inspect the very informative museum.
This leads to a souvenir shop with prices so low they are amazing and the quality of goods sold is so high.
Also one finds a fantastic cafe not only with views to die for but a massive variety of tasty morsels and delightful drinks to purchase.
A must do if you are in the area.
7. Stockton Sand Dunes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
20 Miles Of At Least 98-foot-high Dunes.
Reviewed By Sue O - Melbourne, Australia
We were blown away by this beach..you feel like you are looking at a desert area, it goes back so far. Lots of vehicles, camels, horses travelling to the beach through the sand dune area. We just enjoyed walking along the beach front and then going up to café area to look out over the sand dune areas.
8. Fly Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Mark B - Nelson Bay, Australia
A great place to take the kids where they can hand feed the local fish. Once you have attracted the attention of the fish you will find that the water boils with hungry fish right up to your legs if you dare. The best food to feed them is bread. To find this spot, follow the road to the northern end of Fly Point where you will come across a car parking area. You will then find a set of stairs leading down to a rocky beach. At the bottom of these stairs you will find a small gap in the rocks (sandy bottom) where you can wade into the water and start throwing pieces of bread into the water. It won't take long before you find many fish attracted to the bread. A great place for the kids to have some fun and interact with the wildlife.
9. Soldiers Point Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 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.Totally rebuilt to world-class standards, the marina offers the boatowner a state-of-the-art base, with a quality of services and facilities rarely seen on the eastern seaboard.The Marina is managed in an environmentally sensitive fashion, with a management team which recognises its responsibility in conserving this pristine environment for future generations.
Reviewed By M0numentAL - Sydney, Australia
There are three excellent eateries here and the views of the bay and environs are great. The location is West facing so this is a good spot for a "Sun Downer". It is really nice to walk around the pontoons looking at the fantastic yatchs...MoreThank you for your review of our beautiful marina, we love to hear customer feedback. We hope you visit us again soon. Many thanks Darrell and team.
10. D'Albora Marinas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 423 reviews
D’ALBORA Marinas is the largest marina operator in Australia with seven Marinas, offering exchange berthing rights and a premium service, while fostering a genuine sense of belonging within our community.
Reviewed By Ray R - Maroochydore, Australia
Lovely to walk around the marina and grab lunch or dinner with a large choice of venues. Gift shops in abundance and of course lots of boats to look at and envy. This location is also the place to go if you are looking to...MoreThank you for your review. It is always so pleasant looking at the boats bobbing around on the water in the marina and yes, C Arm is the place to go to book your next dolphin or whale watching adventure or cruise.
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