Relaxed Waterfront Living
Discover the quieter side of Port Stephens, NSW in Corlette and Salamander Bay, where sheltered beaches, calm waterways and beautiful coastal views create an easy-going holiday escape. Enjoy the waterfront and beaches around Corlette, follow scenic walking and cycling paths, or settle in for a relaxed family stay close to Nelson Bay.
Nearby Salamander Bay is a major shopping and dining hub, with Salamander Bay Square, family attractions and a wide range of accommodation close by. Centrally located for exploring the beaches, wildlife and attractions of Port Stephens, Corlette and Salamander Bay make a convenient base for a family holiday, weekend getaway or coastal escape.
Corlette and Salamander Bay offer the perfect blend of coastal beauty, relaxed family fun and holiday indulgence. In Corlette, you’ll find the stunning Anchorage Port Stephens, where luxury meets the sea. Set right on the waterfront overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect place to enjoy beautiful views, exceptional dining and a little well-deserved relaxation at the day spa.
Just around the bay, Salamander Bay is home to the family-friendly Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort. Famous for its spectacular lagoon-style swimming pool, the resort lets you step straight from your accommodation into the water — making it a favourite for families and anyone looking for a laid-back coastal escape. With casual dining, shopping, a tavern and ten-pin bowling all close by, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
For those who love exploring on foot, the Corlette to Anchorage headland walk is a must. Follow the picturesque coastline from Corlette Beach towards the Anchorage, stopping along the way for a morning coffee or afternoon drink. Keep your eyes on the trees and you may even spot one of the local koalas. Continue along the waterfront and you can make your way all the way into Nelson Bay, discovering beautiful parks, reserves and peaceful bays along the route.
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Bagnalls Beach Reserve: Enjoy beach access, picnic areas, playgrounds, barbecues and the popular waterfront walking and cycling path.
- Roy Wood Reserve: Relax metres from the beach with picnic tables, barbecues and beautiful sunset views.
- Conroy Park: A family-friendly foreshore reserve with a playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and water views.
- Corlette Point Park: Enjoy a picturesque waterfront setting with beach access, playground, picnic facilities and barbecues.
- Corlette foreshore walk: Follow the shoreline and headland towards The Anchorage for a scenic walk with lovely views across the bay.
- The Anchorage precinct: Enjoy the marina setting and waterfront atmosphere at Corlette.
- Salamander Bay Square: Browse the peninsula’s major shopping centre for supermarkets, specialty stores, food and everyday essentials.
- Family activities: Salamander Bay is close to recreation and entertainment options including swimming, bowling and other family attractions.
The foreshore is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of scenic spots for a family picnic or BBQ, many featuring playgrounds for the kids. If you prefer to keep active, walking and bike paths follow the water’s edge from Corlette through to Salamander Bay, offering a wonderful way to experience the coastline at your own pace.
Salamander Bay Square is your go-to destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, with Woolworths, Coles, Kmart and Aldi alongside a variety of specialty stores and a food court. Grab a casual bite, browse the shops or enjoy some family entertainment, with Tomaree Aquatic Centre and Toboggan Hill Park also nearby.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing waterfront getaway, family adventures, scenic coastal walks or plenty of places to eat, shop and play, Corlette and Salamander Bay make the perfect base for discovering Port Stephens.
LOCALS TIP
- Pack an afternoon picnic and head to Roy Wood reserve – it’s a beautiful waterfront spot to watch the sunset over the bay.
- Bring the dog for a run and a splash at Bagnalls Beach – the beach reserve is an off-leash dog exercise area and has a waterfront walking & cycling path.
- Walk or cycle the foreshore between Bagnalls Beach and Corlette for an easy outing with plenty of places to stop by the water.
GETTING AROUND
Leave the car at home
Local Bus – The local bus travels to Corlette or Salamander Bay multiple times a day, taking you to Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay and beyond. See map and timetable https://www.pscoaches.com.au/timetables/#current-alerts
Ride Share – Ride-share is available in Port Stephens – avoid looking for parking – check the app to see if there is a driver near you.
Local Taxis – phone 4032 7999 - diggerstaxis.com.au
Courtesy Buses
The Shoal Bay Country Club - Operates a daily courtesy bus starting at 5:00 pm, Wednesday – Sunday with bookings required by calling 0431 725 928. The service covers Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Nelson Bay and Corlette.
The Salamander Hotel – operates a courtesy bus on Fri-Sat nights from 5pm. Call to book. Ph 4982 0550
Book an airport transfer - mini bus or private tour – Lucky Dog Tours, Heavenly Tours, Nelson Bay Diggers Taxis, Port Stephens Coaches
BIKE PATHS
Bike Ride from Salamander Bay to Nelson Bay
Begin your ride at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre and head down Bagnalls Beach Road. Turn right at the roundabout onto Spinnaker Way, first left onto Bonito Street. Meander along Bonito Street until you meet up with the shared pathway allowing you a safe crossing of Government Road. Continue along shared pathways pedalling past Bagnalls Beach, Dutchies Beach and arriving in Nelson Bay. Take in the scenic views along the way. It’s approximately 7km route (one way).
Want to hire a Bike?
Check out Shoal Bay Bike Hire or E-Go-Try-Bikes
WALKING PATHS
- Mariners Walk Heritage Trail: This 3.3km trail runs through Salamander Bay peninsula to Soldiers Point. It has interpretive signs telling the maritime history of the region. The full walk takes about 40 minutes. Pick up your Mariners Walk Heritage Trail Map from The Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre.
- The Corlette Headland Walk: The walk follows the water from Corlette Beach past The Anchorage Hotel & Spa toward Nelson Bay. It’s an easy, flat walk linking waterfront parks and reserves, with koalas often spotted in the trees and many spots offering playgrounds and barbecues.
- Stoney Ridge Walk: A short 2.9km bushland loop suited near Salamander Bay Village. It offers a quick, shaded, and easy nature escape that is popular with local dog walkers. Starting point on Diemars Rd, Salamander Bay.
