Experience the best of Port Stephens

Port Stephens is a drowned river valley, a deep natural harbour on the New South Wales coast, framed by two headlands and dotted with bays. Nelson Bay is the main town, with a marina, cafés and boat trips, and quieter villages such as Lemon Tree Passage and Tea Gardens sit on the water to the west and north.

Tomaree National Park covers the southern headland, with a short climb to the summit of Tomaree Head for a view over the islands and the coast. To the south, the dunes of Stockton Bight stretch for tens of kilometres, and visitors slide down them on boards. Bottlenose dolphins live in the bay all year, and humpback whales pass offshore.

Oysters from the estuary, prawns and fresh fish are the local seafood, and the vineyards of the Hunter Valley lie inland to the west. The bay's calm water suits swimming and sailing through the warm months.