Some places stay with you long after you’ve checked out. Port Stephens is full of those special spots, where the ocean hums in the background, the pace slows, and every sunrise feels like a quiet promise. Here, days are made for barefoot beach walks, long lunches by the water and afternoons that stretch a little longer than planned.
But finding the perfect place to stay can make a good getaway truly unforgettable. Think luxurious waterfront apartments where the views steal the show, boutique hotels made for indulgent escapes, and welcoming coastal retreats where gathering with your favourite people is all part of the magic.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family holiday or a much-needed change of scenery, these eight stays capture the many sides of Port Stephens. Each offers its own reason to linger a little longer, explore a little further and start counting down the days until your next visit.
Anchorage Hotel & Spa
A Little Slice of Waterfront Luxury
For a stay that feels like stepping into a coastal daydream, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa delivers a generous helping of seaside indulgence. Positioned beside a boutique marina in Corlette, this waterfront retreat combines elegant accommodation, beautiful surroundings and a distinctly relaxed sense of luxury.
The rooms and suites make the most of the setting, with options ranging from spacious guest rooms to mezzanine-style loft suites and a private villa with sweeping views across the bay. Outside, the marina and nearby beach provide a picturesque backdrop for a morning stroll or a quiet moment by the water.
Dining is another highlight. The Galley Kitchen showcases seasonal menus featuring local produce and seafood, making it tempting to linger over breakfast, lunch or dinner rather than venture too far from the resort. For an extra dose of pampering, Spa Lucca offers a chance to slow down and completely switch off.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a special occasion, The Anchorage is a reminder that sometimes the most memorable holidays are the ones where doing very little feels like the ultimate luxury.
Location: Corlette
Perfect for: Romantic weekends, spa escapes and special celebrations.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
A Stay on the Wild Side
Imagine waking to birdsong, breathing in the fresh bushland air and knowing that koalas are resting in the trees nearby. At Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, nature isn’t simply something to explore during your holiday; it’s part of the experience.
Set among eight hectares of native bushland near One Mile Beach and the Worimi Conservation Lands, this unique retreat offers a refreshing change from the traditional seaside stay. Guests can choose from deluxe glamping tents, studio rooms and spacious suites, making it possible to enjoy the natural surrounds without sacrificing comfort.
The glamping experience is a particular highlight, inviting you to slow down, step onto your private deck and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also the opportunity to learn about koala conservation and the important work being done to care for sick, injured and orphaned koalas.
With beaches, sand dunes and coastal adventures close by, it’s a stay that brings together wildlife, relaxation and a little wonder.
Location: One Mile
Perfect for: Nature lovers, families and travellers seeking a memorable escape.
Bannisters Port Stephens
Luxury Meets Coastal Cool
A little nostalgic, a little glamorous and entirely at home by the water, Bannisters Port Stephens brings a fresh take on the classic Australian seaside holiday. Located at Soldiers Point, the hotel reimagines the much-loved Salamander Shores site with a stylish boutique feel and a nod to the relaxed holiday culture of the 1960s and ’70s.
The renovated rooms and suites make a comfortable base for exploring the region, but the temptation to stay on-site is strong. With waterfront views, a swimming pool and several dining options, there’s plenty to keep you happily occupied without needing to go far.
Food lovers will want to make time for Rick Stein’s restaurant, known for its focus on fresh seafood prepared simply and beautifully. For something more casual, Julio’s Mexican offers a lively alternative, while Cheeky Dog brings a welcoming pub atmosphere to the mix.
It’s this combination of good food, stylish accommodation and easygoing coastal energy that makes Bannisters stand out. Come for a weekend of indulgence, stay for the atmosphere, and leave already thinking about your return.
Location: Soldiers Point
Perfect for: Foodies, design lovers and relaxed luxury escapes.
Aimee's at Anna Bay
Where Comfort Feels Like Home
When the best part of a holiday is spending time together, Aimee’s at Anna Bay makes a wonderful home base. Designed for group getaways, this private mini resort gives families and friends the freedom to enjoy their own space while sharing the moments that make a trip memorable.
The property features six self-contained accommodation units, including family units and studios, with capacity for groups of up to 34 guests. Outside, a swimming pool, expansive lawns, barbecue facilities and a fire pit create plenty of opportunities to gather, whether you’re enjoying a lazy afternoon or settling in for a relaxed evening under the stars.
Its Anna Bay location is another major drawcard. The spectacular Stockton Bight sand dunes are nearby, while One Mile Beach and Birubi Beach offer opportunities for surfing, beach walks and fishing. For those seeking adventure, sandboarding and camel rides are among the experiences available in the surrounding area.
Best of all, booking the entire property means your group can enjoy the getaway together without sharing the facilities with other guests.
Location: Anna Bay
Perfect for: Family reunions, milestone celebrations and group weekends away.
Amarna Resort
Where Barefoot Meets Beautiful
Some places make relaxation feel effortless, and Amarna Resort is one of them. Tucked beside the shoreline of Dutchmans Beach in Nelson Bay, this luxury retreat pairs sophisticated coastal living with the kind of laid-back atmosphere that makes you want to cancel your plans and stay put.
The apartments are designed to make the most of their spectacular setting, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views across the sparkling waters of the bay. Mornings invite you to linger over coffee as the coastline comes to life, while evenings are made for watching the changing colours of the sky.
When it’s time to unwind, the resort’s 25-metre heated lap pool and spa offer another reason to slow down, whatever the season. The nearby beach and scenic coastal paths make it easy to enjoy a little fresh air before returning to your peaceful retreat.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a few days away from everyday life, Amarna delivers a beautiful balance of privacy, comfort and coastal luxury.
Location: Nelson Bay
Perfect for: Couples, luxury seekers and indulgent weekend escapes.
Hotel Nelson
Your Coastal Home Base
Right in the heart of Nelson Bay, Hotel Nelson is an ideal choice for travellers who want the best of the region within easy reach. With beaches, cafés, shops and the marina just a short stroll away, you can park the car, settle in and spend your holiday exploring on foot.
The accommodation ranges from comfortable guest rooms to stylish apartments, with options for couples, families and longer stays. Selected rooms offer balconies and views towards the marina, while the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to feel at home from the moment you arrive.
When you’re ready for a slower day, the heated swimming pool is a lovely place to unwind. Little Nel Café adds to the appeal, serving coffee, breakfast and other meals in a casual setting overlooking the surrounding park and marina.
It’s a stay that makes exploring effortless. Start the morning with a coffee, wander down to the waterfront, browse the local shops and return whenever the mood strikes. For a classic Nelson Bay getaway, Hotel Nelson ticks all the right boxes.
Location: Nelson Bay
Perfect for: Couples, families and travellers who love a central location.
Stay Port Stephens
Holiday Homes with Heart
There’s something special about having a whole holiday home to call your own. No hurried breakfasts, no competing for space and no need to do anything other than settle into the rhythm of your getaway. Stay Port Stephens makes this kind of holiday possible with a curated collection of premium holiday homes across Nelson Bay and the surrounding coastline.
The appeal lies in the variety. Depending on the property you choose, you might wake to uninterrupted harbour views, spend your afternoons beside a private pool or find yourself tucked away in a peaceful bushland setting. Some homes sit right on the waterfront, while others offer generous living spaces designed for bringing everyone together.
Fully equipped kitchens, outdoor entertaining areas and thoughtful comforts make these properties particularly appealing for longer stays. There’s room to cook, connect and create the kind of holiday memories that happen when nobody is watching the clock.
Whether you’re travelling with family, planning a group getaway or looking for a luxurious home base for exploring the region, Stay Port Stephens offers a more personal way to experience the coast.
Location: Nelson Bay and surrounds
Perfect for: Families, groups and travellers who love a little extra space.
Find Your Own Little Piece of Port Stephens
The beauty of Port Stephens is that no two getaways need to look the same. You might find yourself waking among the gum trees at the Koala Sanctuary, watching the sun set over the water from a luxury apartment, gathering everyone around a holiday-home barbecue or spending a slow morning exploring Nelson Bay on foot.
Each of these eight stays offers a different way to experience this beautiful stretch of the NSW coast, but they all share something special: the chance to step away from the everyday and reconnect with what matters most.
So whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend escape or a long-awaited family holiday, let the coastline set the pace. Find a place that feels right, leave a little room in your itinerary for the unexpected, and give yourself permission to stay just one more night.
Because in Port Stephens, the hardest part of a holiday might just be saying goodbye.
