https://www.staynelsonbay.com https://www.staynelsonbay.com/things-to-do-in-nelson-bay-a-local-s-guide-to-port-stephens <div data-rss-type="text"> <h3> <span> Beaches, dolphins, walks and local favourites </span> </h3> </div> <div> <img src="https://irt-cdn.multiscreensite.com/md/pexels/dms3rep/multi/pexels-photo-1068989.jpeg" alt="Palm tree against a blue sky in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens"/> </div> <div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Nelson Bay sits at the heart of Port Stephens, about two and a half hours north of Sydney, and it's one of the easiest places on the NSW coast to slow down. Whether you're here for a weekend or a full week, these are our favourite things to do when guests stay with us. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Climb Tomaree Head </span> </p> <p> <span> The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is short but steep, and the view from the top is the best in Port Stephens: Shoal Bay, Zenith Beach and the offshore islands all laid out below you. Go early in the morning or just before sunset, and bring water. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Go dolphin and whale watching </span> </p> <p> <span> Port Stephens is home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, and cruises leave from the Nelson Bay marina most days. In the cooler months, humpback whales pass close to the coast on their migration, so a whale-watching cruise is well worth it from around May to November. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Pick your beach </span> </p> <p> <span> Shoal Bay is calm and perfect for an easy swim. Little Beach is sheltered and great for families. Fingal Bay is a beautiful curve of sand, and Zenith Beach is the pick for surf. If you walk out on Fingal Spit, only cross at low tide and check conditions first, as the tide comes in fast. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Explore the Stockton sand dunes </span> </p> <p> <span> The Worimi Conservation Lands near Anna Bay hold the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Book a 4WD tour, try sandboarding or ride a camel along the beach for something the kids will talk about for years. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Snorkel at Fly Point </span> </p> <p> <span> Fly Point and Halifax Park sit inside a marine sanctuary, and the clear water is full of fish, rays and colourful sea life. It's one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving on the east coast. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Wander the marina </span> </p> <p> <span> Nelson Bay marina is the place for a long lunch, fresh fish and chips or a sunset drink by the water. It's also where most cruises and fishing charters leave from. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Take in Gan Gan Lookout </span> </p> <p> <span> If you'd rather drive than hike, Gan Gan Lookout gives you sweeping views across the bay and out to the ocean. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Meet the koalas </span> </p> <p> <span> The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary at One Mile Beach is a lovely half day out, with walking trails through koala habitat and the chance to see them up close. </span> </p> <p> <br/> </p> <p> <span> Stay with a local </span> </p> <p> <span> Stay NelsonBay is locally owned, and we're always happy to share our tips for the best cafes, walks and beaches. Browse our holiday homes and book direct for a stylish coastal stay in Nelson Bay and Port Stephens. </span> </p> </div> Sun, 08 Nov 2026 03:59:18 GMT https://www.staynelsonbay.com/things-to-do-in-nelson-bay-a-local-s-guide-to-port-stephens thumbnail main image