Top Things to do in Port Stephens
What to do and see in Port Stephens, New South Wales: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Port Stephens, Australia including Tomaree Head, Tomaree National Park, Fly Point, Oakvale Wildlife Park, Tilligerry Habitat Tanilba Bay, Koala Reserve Mangrove Boardwalk, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Gir-um-bit National Park.
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. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Koala Reserve Mangrove Boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Located on the far side of the marina, Koala Reserve is a foreshore reserve set amongst the eucalypts. A foreshore boardwalk starts at this park and meanders through to Nyrang Park. This walk gives a beautiful insight into the lush mangrove vegetation native to the Tilligerry Peninsula. Viewing platforms give scenic water views of the surrounding area.
7. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Port Stephens Council in partnership with Port Stephens Koalas has created a Koala Sanctuary to ensure first-class care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Now opened daily, the Koala Sanctuary offers visitors a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat. A visit to the Sanctuary also supports their long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild. Visitors to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary will enjoy: A Natural setting Unique experiences with koalas in a natural and idyllic bushland setting Informative Guides All our excursions start off with a tailored educational tour from one of our local guides on care, rehabilitation and what is needed for koalas to survive in the wild. Stay with us Opportunity to stay overnight in a ‘glamping style tent’ within the Sanctuary grounds Preservation A new opportunity to directly contribute to the preservation of koalas in Port Stephens
Reviewed By BellaAJean - Sydney, Australia
This is a new facility and it is impressive to see what they are doing to protect koalas. The sky walk is fully accessible for prams and you see about fifteen koalas who are in long term care, with information about their stories. It doesn’t take too long to visit the site. The entry cost of $25 per adult should be seen as partly a donation towards koala rehabilitation and protection. Our baby was too little to appreciate the actual koalas but she loved looking at the koala statues dotting the path. Would definitely recommend as an educational visit for young children.
