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

Great Lakes Marine Park

The Great Lakes Marine Park stretches from Stockton Beach to Forster, encompassing Port Stephens, the Karuah and Myall Rivers, Myall and Smiths Lakes, and extending three nautical miles offshore. On land, the surrounding bushland is rich with Indigenous cultural and spiritual sites. Offshore, submerged cliffs create a haven for divers. As an official marine conservation area, the park is home to a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, fish, seabirds, and seaweeds, along with threatened species like grey nurse sharks and green turtles.

• Web:

  www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/port-stephens-marine-park

• Address:

  Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay NSW

Hunter Region Botanic Gardens

The award-winning Hunter Region Botanic Gardens spans over 30 hectares of tranquil, landscaped gardens showcasing the beauty and diversity of Australian native flora. The gardens also include a large expanse of natural bushland with several walking tracks, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife such as birds, goannas, possums, wallabies and koalas.

• Web:

  www.huntergardens.org.au

• Address:

  2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 4987 1655

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4pm

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters lead the way in marine education, conservation, and fun. This unique experience allows visitors to interact with marine life during guided shark encounter tours, where they can pet and feed these creatures under the careful supervision of experienced guides.

• Web:

  sharkencounters.com.au

• Address:

  2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 4982 2476

Sail Port Stephens

If one event captures the spirit of Port Stephens, it’s this regatta. Each April, one of Australia's fastest-growing sailing events takes to the glistening waters of the marine park, navigating around islands and back. This stunning race course is set to gain international recognition. But it's not just about sailing — there's plenty of fun with family entertainment both on and off the water. Don't miss the Regatta Markets.

• Web:

  www.sailportstephens.com.au

• E-mail:

  info@sailportstephens.com.au

• Address:

  Nelson Bay NSW

Stockton Beach

Stockton Beach stretches 32 kilometres, making it Australia’s largest moving coastal sand mass. The gigantic dunes behind Birubi Beach at Anna Bay attract sand boarders, 4WD, and quad bike enthusiasts. The beach is also ideal for swimming, surfing lessons, fishing and diving. After your adventures, relax with a picnic or barbecue in the park next to the beach.

• Web:

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

• Address:

  From Stockton to Anna Bay NSW

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 quad bikes from the bush to the beach, traversing magnificent sand dunes while learning about Aboriginal culture in the Worimi Conservation Lands. On a Sand Dune Adventures tour, you’ll ride a 400 cc bike through the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving coastal sand dunes, some rising over 30 metres. Guided by expert Aboriginal guides, you’ll be immersed in the area’s natural beauty while learning about traditional Aboriginal foods and methods for finding fresh water.

• Web:

  sandduneadventures.com.au

• Address:

  Sand Dune Adventures (SDA), 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown NSW

• 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.dolphinswimaustralia.com.au

• Address:

  d'Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW

• Phone:

  +61 1300 721 358

Tomaree National Park

Tomaree National Park provides a stunning backdrop to the coastal towns of Port Stephens. It’s the only place in NSW where you can see rhyodacite outcrops, a rare volcanic rock. The park's rugged bush coastline is perfect for walkers, with the Wreck Beach trail offering a scenic route through angophora forest. It's also great for whale watching and exploring the historic gun emplacements at Fort Tomaree. Don’t forget your fishing rod — the waters here are teeming with fish.

• Web:

  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/tomaree-national-park

• Address:

  Tomaree National Park, Fingal Bay NSW

Whale Watching

Port Stephens is a prime location to observe humpbacks and southern right whales during their annual migration. From mid-May to early September, thousands of whales head north to their breeding grounds, and from mid-September to mid-October, they migrate south. You might even see mothers 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