Gan Gan Lookout

The highest lookout in Port Stephens offers spectacular views, especially at dusk. On a clear day you can see all the way down the peninsula to the Newcastle docks, and north-west over Hawks Nest to the gigantic headlands of Nelson Head and Nelson Bay. The drive up Lily Hill road to Gan Gan Lookout - through an abundance of Gymea lilies, which grow to five metres - is gorgeous.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/nelson-bay/attractions/gan-gan-hill-lookout

• Address:

  Lily Hill Road, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315

Great Lakes Marine Park

The 98,000 hectare Great Lakes Marine Park extends from Stockton Beach to Forster - including Port Stephens, Karuah River, Myall River, Myall and Smiths Lake - and three nautical miles out to sea. On shore, the bushland has many indigenous cultural and spiritual sites. Offshore, deep submerged cliffs create a water heaven for divers. An official marine conservation area, the park is home to dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds and seaweeds, along with threatened species such as grey nurse sharks and green turtles.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/nelson-bay/attractions/port-stephens-great-lakes-marine-park

• Address:

  Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315

• Phone:

  +61 2 4984 8270

Hunter Botanic Gardens - Heatherbrae

The award-winning Hunter Region Botanic Gardens feature more than 30 hectares of tranquil landscaped gardens displaying the beauty and diversity of Australian native flora. The gardens also feature are large expanse of natural bushland with several walking tracks. The walks provide an opportunity to see local plants and wildlife including birds, goannas, possums, wallabies and koalas.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/attractions/hunter-region-botanic-gardens

• Address:

  2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae, NSW 2324

• Phone:

  +61 2 4987 1655

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters - Bobs Farm

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters are leaders in marine educations, conservation and fun. This unique experience is unmatched by any other location in the country. Visitors interact with marine life during a guided shark encounter tour; joining them in their world, petting and feeding them all under the ever-watchful eyes of the experienced guides. Irukandji is a massive family, fish and staff alike, as they set out to reveal the true character of some of the worlds most beautiful, intelligent, elusive creatures, at the same time they educate visitors about Australia's delicate ocean ecosystems, ocean pollution and conservation. Located in the beautiful Port Stephens on the mid north coast: one of the best holiday destinations in Australia.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/nelson-bay/attractions/irukandji-shark-and-ray-encounters

• Address:

  686 Marsh Road, Bobs Farm, NSW 2316

• Phone:

  +61 2 4982 2476

Sand Dune Adventures

Sand Dune Adventures (SDA) offers clients an exclusive 'Cultural Quad Bike Riding' experience like no other; traversing the majestic and traditional landscape of the Worimi Sand Dunes / Port Stephens in NSW, recorded as the largest coastal moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. Customers ride safely from bush to beach on a 400cc quad bike and take in the glorious views of the sweeping coastline (no experience necessary) with experienced Aboriginal guides. Customers receive hands-on introductions to authentic Aboriginal culture and history, visiting ancient campsites and learning about the local bush foods, medicines and the secrets of finding fresh water. SDA tours cater from beginners to the experience and offer the thrill of riding sand dunes that climb as high as 100 feet. So if it is adrenalin or just cruising; SDA offers the greatest adventure on one of Australia's greatest kept secrets, the Worimi Sand Dunes!

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/sand-dune-adventures

• Address:

  2163 Nelson Bay Road Williamtown NSW 2318

• Phone:

  +61 2 4033 8808

Stockton Beach

Stockton Beach stretches 32 km and is a sweeping expanse of sand and sand dunes and Australia’s largest moving coastal sand mass. The gigantic dunes, behind Birubi Beach at Anna Bay, are a magnet for sand boarders, 4WD and quad bike enthusiasts. The beach is also great for swimming and learning to surf. Rich with marine life, fishing and diving is also popular at Stockton. After your adventures, enjoy a picnic and barbecue in the park next to the beach.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/newcastle-area/newcastle/attractions/stockton-beach

• Address:

  Pitt Street, Stockton, NSW 2295

Sail Port Stephens

If one event captures the spirit of Port Stephens - this is it. Each April, one of the fastest growing regattas in Australia sets sail from the glistening waterways of the marine park and out to sea, around the islands and back. This gorgeous race course is set to become internationally recognised. But it’s not all about sailing and spinnakers – the event is a load of fun with family entertainment to be found both on and off the water. Keep an eye out for the Regatta Markets.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/events/sail-port-stephens

• Address:

  d'Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay, NSW 2315

• Phone:

  +61 422 844 198

Beautiful Beaches

Port Stephens is known for its unspoilt beaches with perfect surf breaks or sheltered bays for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Or try parasailing over the bay. Walk along the beach at Shoal Bay to Tomaree Headland for splendid panoramas. At sunset, kayak with dolphins at Nelson Bay and Soldiers Point. Fingal Bay Beach has its own island. Surfers will be thrilled by One Mile Beach, Birubi Beach, Zenith Beach, Box Beach, or Samurai Beach. Families will love One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour and Birubi Beach.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/beaches

Sand Dune Adventures

Ride on quad bikes from the bush to the beach, traversing magnificent sand dunes and learning about Aboriginal culture in the Worimi Conservation Lands. On a Sand Dune Adventures tour, riding a 400 cc bike, you’ll be in awe of the area’s natural beauty. Expert Aboriginal guides will lead you through the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving coastal sand dunes, some rising more than 30 metres. You’ll learn about traditional Aboriginal foods and how to find fresh water.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/sand-dune-adventures

• Address:

  2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, NSW 2314

• Phone:

  +61 2 4033 8808

Swim with Dolphins

Dolphin Swim Australia remains the only permitted wild dolphin swim in NSW, licensed by the Marine Park Authority to operate in the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park. Aboard an ocean-going catamaran, qualified dive masters take you through the most amazing experience of your life, frolicking with short-beaked common dolphins and oceanic bottlenose dolphins.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/dolphin-swim-australia#aquatic-marine-viewing-experience

• Address:

  Nelson Bay, NSW 2315

• Phone:

  1300 721 358

Tomaree National Park - Fingal Bay

Tomaree National Park is a magnificent backdrop to the charming coastal towns of Port Stephens. It's the only place in NSW where you can see outcrops of the acid volcanic rock rhyodacite. The stunning rocky bush coastline is a delight for walkers – take the short Wreck Beach trail through angophora forest – and great for whale watching. Check out the historic gun emplacements of Fort Tomaree. And take your fishing rod – the fish bite well.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/attractions/tomaree-national-park

• Address:

  Tomaree National Park, Fingal Bay, NSW 2315

Whale Watching

Port Stephens is a top spot to see humpbacks and southern right whales during their annual migration. From mid May to early September thousands of whales move north to their breeding grounds, and from mid September to mid October they migrate south - you may spot mothers playing with their newborn calves in the calmer waters. Watch them from Tomaree Head Summit - or get up close on a tour from Nelson Bay.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/port-stephens-area/whale-watching

• Address:

  Port Stephens, NSW 2315