The Heart of Port Stephens
At the heart of Port Stephens, NSW, Nelson Bay is a vibrant coastal town where beautiful beaches, sparkling waterways and unforgettable wildlife experiences come together. Stroll the waterfront and marina, discover local cafés, restaurants and shopping, or head out on a dolphin watching or whale watching cruise from the harbour.
With sheltered beaches, coastal walks, water activities and a wide choice of Nelson Bay accommodation, it’s the perfect base for exploring the best things to do in Port Stephens – whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, family holiday or coastal escape.
Nelson Bay serves as the vibrant central business district of the Tomaree Peninsula and functions as the primary tourist hub of Port Stephens. Located only a scenic 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney or 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport, this coastal town perfectly balances bustling commercial activity with relaxed seaside charm. The neighbourhood features a thriving waterfront, a beautiful foreshore, and a comprehensive town centre equipped with boutique shops, major supermarket, a cinema, art galleries, a bowling club, and a premier golf course.
Waterfront Dining and Marine Adventures
At the heart of the waterfront is d'Albora Marinas, a world-class facility where luxury yachts and cruisers dock alongside popular boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Right on the water's edge, the local fish co-op serves fresh seafood—including prawns, oysters, crabs, and lobster—caught directly by the local trawler fleet. These docks serve as the departure point for iconic marine excursions, including dolphin and whale watching cruises with providers like Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and Imagine Cruises, direct ferry transit to Tea Gardens, and general boat charters.
Nelson Bay serves as the vibrant central business district of the Tomaree Peninsula and functions as the primary tourist hub of Port Stephens. Located only a scenic 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney or 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport, this coastal town perfectly balances bustling commercial activity with relaxed seaside charm. The neighbourhood features a thriving waterfront, a beautiful foreshore, and a comprehensive town centre equipped with boutique shops, major supermarket, a cinema, art galleries, a bowling club, and a premier golf course.
Waterfront Dining and Marine Adventures
At the heart of the waterfront is d'Albora Marinas, a world-class facility where luxury yachts and cruisers dock alongside popular boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Right on the water's edge, the local fish co-op serves fresh seafood—including prawns, oysters, crabs, and lobster—caught directly by the local trawler fleet. These docks serve as the departure point for iconic marine excursions, including dolphin and whale watching cruises with providers like Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and Imagine Cruises, direct ferry transit to Tea Gardens, and general boat charters.
LOCALS TIP
- Bring your snorkel and explore Fly Point Aquatic Reserve – just metres from shore you can discover colourful fish, sponge gardens and even the occasional seahorse. Remember it is a protected sanctuary zone, so look but do not take.
- Sunrise and Sunset - While tourists queue up to climb Tomaree Head at dusk, locals often drive straight up to the peak of Gan Gan Hill. At 160 metres high, it is the region’s highest accessible vantage point, offering a 360-degree vista of the entire peninsula bathed in twilight without the strenuous hike.
- Free Fish Feeding Daily - Head to d’Albora Marinas for the daily 10:30am fish feeding – a fun, free activity where you can watch the fish gather beneath the marina. Great for kids!
- Indulge yourself in Fresh Seafood at the main hub for buying fresh, raw seafood in Nelson Bay is Teramby Road, located right by the commercial d'Albora Marinas foreshore. Local trawlers unload their daily catches directly behind this strip.
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO
- d’Albora Marinas: Enjoy waterfront dining, boutique shopping, harbour views and the lively marina atmosphere.
- Dolphin & whale watching: Join one of the cruises departing from Nelson Bay to explore the waters and marine life of Port Stephens.
- Nelson Bay Foreshore: Stroll beside the water, relax on the grass and enjoy views across the bay.
- Fly Point Aquatic Reserve: Snorkel or dive in one of the region’s best-known protected marine sanctuary areas.
- Little Beach: Swim in gentle water, picnic on the foreshore and enjoy the jetty, playground and family-friendly facilities.
- Gan Gan Hill Lookout: Take in expansive views across Port Stephens, Tomaree National Park, the coastline and surrounding waterways.
- Dutchmans Beach: Enjoy calm-water swimming, a family-friendly reserve and the scenic waterfront path back towards Nelson Bay.
- Town centre: Browse local shops and boutiques or stop for coffee, lunch or dinner in the main shopping and dining precinct.
GETTING AROUND
Leave the car at home!
Local Bus – The local bus travels to Nelson Bay multiple times a day taking you in any direction. See map and timetable https://www.pscoaches.com.au/timetables/
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 www.diggerstaxis.com.au
Courtesy Buses
Shoal Bay Country Club bus operates Wed-Sun from 5pm. Call the driver on 0431 725 928 during bus operation hours only. Free.
The Game Fish Club operates Fri – Sun, Ph 4981 1459 to book.
Nelson Bay Bowling Club runs a dedicated service from Thurs-Sun. Pick-ups start from 3:45 PM or 4:30 PM depending on the day. Call 4981 1272 to arrange a pick-up time.
Fingal Bay Bowls Sports & Recreation Club Offers a completely free pick-up and drop-off service servicing Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, and Fingal Bay. The bus operates Fri-Sun 4pm or 4:30pm. Call 4984 1244.
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 between Nelson Bay to Corlette or Shoal Bay
Nelson Bay to Shoal Bay shared pathway- Starts at d'Albora Marinas (Nelson Bay Foreshore Reserve), passes Fly Point and Little Beach, and finishes at Shoal Bay. Approx. 4km (one way). An easy, flat, concrete shared trail connecting the main maritime hubs. It features excellent swimming spots, public BBQs at Little Beach, and the skate bowl at Neil Carroll Park. Note a short on-road connection via Achilles Street.
Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay shared pathway
An 8km route connecting Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay. It combines shared paths and is relatively easy, however extra care is needed with younger riders. Finish at Fingal Bay, where you’ll find the beach, picnic areas and nearby Barry Park.
Bridle Path (Nelson Bay to Dutchmans Beach) This short, historic, and highly scenic shared-use trail, winds through dense native bushland along the shoreline of Nelson Bay. The trail directly connects d'Albora Marina (via Teramby Road and Apex Park) to Dutchmans Beach. 1km (one way) 10-minute walk. Accessible for wheelchairs, kids' bikes, and scooters. Point-to-point (not a loop). Stop for a swim at this beautifully calm, waveless water which is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding and family swims, complete with a grassy reserve, public BBQs, and shady trees right on the sand. You will need to backtrack or you can continue onto the connected Bartlett Cycleway toward Bagnalls Beach.
Bartlett Cycleway (Dutchmans Beach to Corlette) - Starts at Dutchmans Beach (Dutchies) and winds west toward Bagnalls Beach and Corlette. Follow this easy path for 5km (one way) to enjoy a highly scenic, family-friendly coastal path.
WALKING PATHS
Nelson Bay to Fly Point & Little Beach
Start at the Nelson Bay Foreshore reserve and follow the scenic waterfront pathway along Victoria Parade through Fly Point Park to Little Beach reserve. An easy, mostly flat walk with beaches, bay views and plenty of places to stop along the way.
Nelson Bay to Shoal Bay Foreshore Walk
Continue beyond Little Beach along the waterfront towards Shoal Bay Foreshore reserve. A lovely longer walk, linking Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, with swimming spots, cafes and beautiful water views along the way.
Nelson Bay to Bagnalls Beach
Head west from Nelson Bay towards Dutchmans Beach and continue along the foreshore to Bagnalls Beach off -lead dog exercise are. A relaxed waterfront option with calm bay scenery and shady sections.
Native Flora Garden Walk
A short 1km, 30-60 minute walk through native gardens featuring local plants, birdlife and pathways.
Gan Gan Hill Lookout
Start near the corner of Stockton Street and Galoola Drive, Nelson Bay and follow the cycle way to Lily Hill road before climbing to Gan Gan lookout. The 2.5km return, grade 2 walk takes around 45minutes, with a fairly steep 100m climb. At the 160m high summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views across Port Stephens, from the Myall Lakes in the north towards Newcastle in
READY TO EXPLORE MORE OF PORT STEPHENS?
Stop by the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre or contact our friendly VIC Team
for expert local advice and everything you need to make the most of your time in Port Stephens.
Ph: 4988 0900
60 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay
