Seaham

Riverside History & Country Charm

Set on the Williams River, Seaham is a peaceful historic village surrounded by rolling countryside and natural beauty. Discover the village’s heritage, visit the historic Seaham Hotel, explore nearby Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve, or enjoy the river and rural landscapes that give this part of Port Stephens its distinctive country character. Just a short drive from Raymond Terrace, Seaham is a lovely detour for those wanting to slow down and discover the quieter side of Port Stephens.

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Seaham is a peaceful rural village in the Port Stephens hinterland, set beside the Williams River north-west of Raymond Terrace. Surrounded by farmland, bushland and wetlands, the village is a rewarding stop for visitors interested in nature, birdwatching, local history and quiet country scenery.

The best-known natural attraction is Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve, a small but significant freshwater wetland reserve. Its mix of open water, mudflats, melaleuca forest, woodland and pasture provides habitat for many waterbirds and other native wildlife.

A short 300-metre walking track passes through ironbark forest with views towards the swamp. Visitors may spot waterfowl and migratory birds as well as kangaroos, goannas and eastern snake-necked turtles. The Seaham Swamp Bird Hide provides another quiet vantage point for observing the wetland and its birdlife.

Seaham also has an unusually rich geological story. Within the reserve, the historic Seaham Quarry contains scientifically important sediments associated with ancient glacial meltwater, dating back around 90 to 120 million years. The site was set aside for scientific preservation in 1925 and remains an interesting stop for visitors curious about the natural history of the Hunter region.

Tom McLellan’s Cottage, commonly known as Tom’s Cottage, is a colonial-era slab cottage within the reserve. Together with the village’s rural landscape and nearby Williams River, it provides a glimpse into an earlier period of life in the Hunter and Port Stephens hinterland.

LOCALS TIPS

Bring binoculars and a camera to Seaham Swamp – the reserve is well known for waterbirds and is especially rewarding for birdwatching.
The Seaham Swamp walk is only around 300 metres, making it an easy nature stop to add to a hinterland drive.
Pack a picnic and allow time to enjoy the wetland and bird hide rather than simply driving through.
Look out for Tom’s Cottage and the historic quarry while exploring the reserve – Seaham has both natural and cultural stories to discover.
Combine Seaham with Raymond Terrace, Hinton and Woodville for an easy heritage and nature-focused hinterland day trip.
Slow down and enjoy the fresh produce at local farm gates, such as In Our Hands Farmgate, Hicks Home Grown and The Dirty Gardener.

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GETTING AROUND

The local bus connections servicing Seaham, NSW are primarily dedicated regional routes and school bus lines connecting to hubs like Raymond Terrace and Maitland.

Seaham Bus Routes

Raymond Terrace ↔ Seaham: The primary public route is the Line 1333 bus, operated by CDC NSW Hunter Valley Buses. It operates a few times a day connecting Port Stephens St in Raymond Terrace to Warren St opposite Seaham Public School. Additional single daily trips are offered by Busways.

Maitland ↔ Seaham: The Line 2361 bus runs once daily between Seaham Public School and Maitland (stopping at locations like Linuwel School). Route 2245 also operates a connecting service between these areas.

By car

Seaham is north-west of Raymond Terrace and is best explored by car.
From Raymond Terrace, follow Seaham Road towards the village. Seaham Swamp Nature Reserve is accessed around Warren and Torrence Streets.
A car also makes it easy to continue through the surrounding rural areas towards Hinton, Woodville and other hinterland villages.

Ride Share

Ride-share is available in Port Stephens – check the app to see if there is a driver near you.

Courtesy Bus

The Raymond Terrace Bowling Club courtesy bus operates from 4pm – late. Service area: Medowie, Thornton, Brandy Hill, Tomago, Seaham, Balickera and surrounding areas in between. For bookings, please call reception on 4987 2404.

Book an airport transfer - mini bus or private tour – Lucky Dog Tours, Heavenly Tours, Port Stephens Coaches