Port Stephens is a collection of coastal villages located a 2.5hr drive north from Sydney. This unassuming spot reveals its magic – an abundance of wildlife and a pristine natural environment, from the beaches to the sweeping sand dunes, the coast to the hinterlands and visitors waiting to discover it.
If you're planning a trip to Port Stephens embark on a journey with our suggested itineraries to appreciate the simple things in life: space to breathe, natural beauty, connection to nature and each other.
Itinerary 1 – Adventure & Aboriginal Culture
Connect with Country. Explore the landscape. Feel the freedom.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Stephens and settle into your coastal accommodation before heading out to discover the spectacular Tomaree coastline.
Take on the iconic Tomaree Headland Walk, where panoramic views stretch across the beaches, bays and surrounding coastline. Or, for a more relaxed afternoon, explore one of the region’s coastal trails, discover the local beaches or simply take time to enjoy the water.
With your first afternoon at a relaxed pace, there’s plenty of time to swim, explore the coastline or enjoy a long lunch before settling into the evening.
As the sun sets, make the most of Port Stephens coastal dining scene with a relaxed dinner or sunset drink overlooking the water.
Day 2: Begin your second day on Worimi Country, where the spectacular Stockton sand dunes meet the coastline. Discover the stories, culture and deep connection to Country that make this landscape so unique.
Get ready for an adventure across the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and one of Port Stephens most distinctive natural environments.
Choose your own adventure and experience the sheer scale of the dunes by quad bike, sandboard or camel. For those looking for adrenaline, take on the dunes by quad bike before trying your hand at sandboarding. Or slow the pace and experience this extraordinary landscape from a different perspective.
With a full day dedicated to the dunes and Worimi Country, there’s time to combine experiences rather than choosing just one, creating a day that feels adventurous, immersive and uniquely Port Stephens.
After a day of adventure, return to your accommodation to unwind before enjoying your final evening by the coast.
Suggested 2-night itinerary. Combine with experiences from the other itineraries to create a longer, more personalised Port Stephens stay.
Itinerary 2 – Coastal Wellness & Slow Living
Day 1: Arrive in Port Stephens and settle into your coastal accommodation before easing into the slower pace of the destination.
Begin with a wellness experience designed to help you switch off and reconnect, whether that’s yoga, meditation, a guided spiritual experience or simply time in nature.
Take a gentle coastal walk, breathe in the sea air and make space to slow down. Spend the afternoon exploring the beaches and bays at your own pace or simply relax by the water.
As the sun sets, enjoy a wellness treatment, sunset by the bay or a relaxed dinner featuring local produce.
Retreat to your accommodation and wake up ready for another day of discovery.
Day 2: Start your second day immersed in nature with a nourishing breakfast before heading out to discover Port Stephens remarkable natural environment.
Spend the morning exploring the coastline, walking a scenic trail or seeking out the region’s wildlife and conservation stories. Take time to experience the landscape without rushing, from pristine beaches and native bushland to the waterways and coastal scenery that define Port Stephens.
Pause for a long, leisurely lunch featuring local produce, then continue exploring at your own pace.
Add a wildlife experience, visit a conservation attraction and spend time connecting to and appreciating Australia’s unique wildlife through close encounters and private tours.
Return to your accommodation for an afternoon of downtime, with the option to enjoy a wellness treatment or another restorative experience.
Finish the day with a sunset experience and relaxed coastal dining.
Day 3: Wake up slowly and make the most of your final day in Port Stephens.
Start with a morning wellness experience, gentle movement or meditation before enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Then spend the day embracing the best of the coast, take a swim, explore a beach or coastal trail, or simply settle into a waterfront spot and enjoy the view.
For those looking to indulge, make time for a spa treatment, long lunch or local food and drink experience, creating space to relax before your journey home.
End your Port Stephens escape with one final sunset by the water and time to reflect on three days of nature, wellbeing and coastal relaxation.
Suggested 3-night itinerary. Mix and match with experiences from the other itineraries to extend your stay and create a longer, more personalised Port Stephens stay.
Itinerary 3 – Wildlife, Ocean & Coastal Luxury
Meet the locals. Explore the blue. Experience the wild.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Stephens and settle into your coastal accommodation before heading out to discover the region from the water.
Cruise through the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park, a spectacular marine environment covering more than 980 square kilometres. Keep watch for wild dolphins, discover the coastline from the water and learn about the marine life that calls the region home.
After your cruise, slow the pace with a long lunch overlooking the water before spending the afternoon exploring Port Stephens beaches, bays and coastal landscapes.
As the sun sets, enjoy a drink by the water or relaxed coastal dining before settling in for your first night.
Day 2: Wake up ready for a full day of ocean adventure.
Get in, on or under the water and experience Port Stephens from a different perspective. Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle or sail through the region’s sheltered bays and beaches, with experiences to suit different interests and adventure levels.
For an unforgettable wildlife encounter, get closer to wild dolphins in their natural environment through the only Dolphin Swim experience in NSW or, depending on the season, look out for visiting humpback whales.
From dolphin and whale cruises to dolphin swimming, there are countless ways to experience Port Stephens incredible marine life, from the deck of a boat to the water itself.
After a day on the water, return to shore for a relaxed afternoon before enjoying dinner by the coast.
Day 3: Continue the wildlife story on land with a day dedicated to discovering some of Port Stephens iconic native animals and the conservation work helping protect them.
Spend the morning getting up close to local wildlife before enjoying lunch and taking some time to explore the destination at your own pace.
In the afternoon, return to the coast for one final ocean or beach experience. Take a gentle coastal walk, swim in a sheltered bay or simply find a quiet spot to enjoy the scenery and reflect on your time in Port Stephens.
Finish your final day with sunset drinks, a long lunch or relaxed coastal dining, making the most of another evening by the water.
Suggested 3-night itinerary. Mix and match with experiences from the other itineraries to extend the stay and create a longer, more personalised Port Stephens holiday.
Itinerary 4 – Coast, Country, City and Wine
Make Port Stephens your base for a multi-night regional escape and discover the diverse landscapes and experiences within easy reach. Experience three very different sides of the region without changing your base.
Day 1: Arrive in Port Stephens and settle into your coastal accommodation before beginning your escape with an afternoon exploring the destination’s spectacular coastline.
Take a gentle coastal walk, discover the beaches and bays or head to Tomaree Headland for panoramic views across the region.
Make the most of the afternoon with a choice of signature Port Stephens experiences. Get out on the water with a dolphin or whale cruise, depending on the season, or continue the wildlife experience with a visit to one of the region’s native wildlife and conservation attractions. With a range of experiences available, agents can tailor the afternoon around arrival times and client interests.
As the afternoon winds down, enjoy a sunset drink or relaxed dinner overlooking the water before settling into your Port Stephens base for the first night.
Day 2: Dedicate a full day to discovering the extraordinary landscapes of Worimi Country and the Stockton sand dunes.
Begin by connecting with Worimi culture and learning about the stories, traditions and deep connection to Country that make this landscape so significant.
Then experience the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Choose your own adventure with quad biking, sandboarding, 4WD or camel riding, or combine experiences to make the most of your time in this remarkable environment.
After your dune adventure, return to the coast and spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or enjoying a long lunch.
Finish the day with dinner overlooking the bay before returning to your Port Stephens accommodation.
Day 3: After breakfast, make the short journey south to Newcastle for a day exploring one of Australia’s vibrant coastal cities.
Discover Newcastle’s beaches, ocean baths and scenic coastal walks before exploring its heritage, galleries, local markets and food scene.
Take your time over a leisurely lunch and experience the city’s relaxed coastal atmosphere before returning to Port Stephens in the afternoon.
With no need to change accommodation, enjoy another evening by the water, perhaps with a sunset drink, waterfront dinner or a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Day 4: Head inland for your final day and discover the rolling vineyards and renowned food and wine experiences of the Hunter Valley.
Spend the day exploring cellar doors, tasting local wines and discovering local food and artisan producers. Take your time over a long lunch and enjoy the countryside, with the flexibility to tailor the day around your clients’ interests.
Return to Port Stephens in the afternoon and enjoy your final evening by the coast. Take a final walk along the beach, watch the sunset or enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the water.
After four nights, travellers leave having experienced coast, culture, adventure, city, food and wine all from one coastal base.
Suggested 4-night itinerary. Mix and match experiences from the other itineraries, extend the stay or add additional nights in Port Stephens to create a longer, more personalised regional holiday.
