From world-famous beaches and unforgettable wildlife encounters to iconic coastal walks, sand dune adventures and waterfront dining, the Port Stephens Peninsula is where extraordinary holiday memories are made.
Discover the Peninsula of Port Stephens
The Port Stephens Peninsula is where breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters and unforgettable coastal adventures come together. Home to iconic destinations including Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, Corlette, Salamander Bay, One Mile, Boat Harbour and Soldiers Point, the Peninsula offers endless opportunities to explore, relax and reconnect with nature.
Start your journey in Nelson Bay, the vibrant heart of Port Stephens, where waterfront dining, boutique shopping, dolphin cruises, whale watching and marina experiences set the scene for the perfect coastal escape. Just around the headland, Shoal Bay boasts one of Australia's most picturesque beaches and is the gateway to the iconic Tomaree Head Summit Walk, rewarding visitors with spectacular panoramic views across Port Stephens and the Pacific Ocean.
The Port Stephens Peninsula is where many of the experiences the region is renowned for come together, pristine beaches and bays, turquoise waterways, incredible marine life, spectacular coastal walks, native wildlife and relaxed seaside towns. From Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, One Mile, Salamander Bay, Corlette, Boat Harbour and Soldiers Point, everything is within easy reach, making the Peninsula an ideal base for exploring Port Stephens.
At the heart of the Peninsula is the spectacular Port Stephens Marine Park, home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life and a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Join a dolphin cruise, head offshore to see migrating humpback whales during the annual whale season, or experience the waterways by kayak, paddleboard, sailing boat, fishing charter, snorkelling or diving. You can find calm, family-friendly swimming around the harbour or head to the ocean beaches of Fingal Bay, One Mile and Anna Bay for surfing, long beach walks and dramatic coastal scenery.
The Peninsula is also home to some of Port Stephens’ most iconic walks and views. Climb to the Tomaree Head Summit above Shoal Bay for panoramic views across the coastline and offshore islands, or take on all or part of the spectacular 27-kilometre Tomaree Coastal Walk, which winds through Tomaree National Park past headlands, beaches, coastal forest and breathtaking lookouts.
Wildlife and conservation are an important part of the Port Stephens experience. Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about koala conservation while walking through natural bushland, and discover the work of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital in rescuing, treating and rehabilitating local koalas. At Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, interactive experiences bring visitors closer to sharks and rays while building an understanding of marine conservation and the ecosystems of our oceans.
There’s plenty to discover beyond the beach too. Nelson Bay is the lively hub of the Peninsula, with its marina, boutique shopping, cafés, restaurants and waterfront dining, as well as being a departure point for many dolphin cruises, whale-watching tours and boating adventures. Shoal Bay combines clear water and white sand with spectacular waterfront bars and dining and easy access to Tomaree National Park, while Fingal Bay is known for its pristine surf beach, dramatic coastline and views towards Fingal Island and its historic lighthouse.
Around Anna Bay, the coastline meets the towering Stockton Sand Dunes and Worimi Conservation Lands, while nearby One Mile and Boat Harbour offer surf beaches, rocky coves and beautiful ocean scenery. On the calmer harbour side, Salamander Bay and Corlette are ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and family days by the water, with Salamander Bay also home to the Peninsula’s major shopping precinct. Continue west to Soldiers Point for marinas, boating, waterfront dining and some of the region’s most memorable sunsets.
Whether you're looking for things to do in Port Stephens, searching for the perfect beach, planning a coastal walk, hoping to see dolphins, whales and koalas, or simply wanting to enjoy great food, shopping and the laid-back coastal lifestyle, the Peninsula puts the best of Port Stephens within easy reach. Stay in luxury resorts, boutique hotels, beachfront apartments and holiday homes, holiday parks or family-friendly accommodation and discover why this spectacular stretch of coast is at the heart of the Port Stephens experience.
