Laid Back Living Close to the Coast
Surrounded by bushland and open countryside, Medowie offers a relaxed, leafy escape in Port Stephens, NSW, just minutes from Newcastle Airport and an easy drive to the region’s beaches and waterways. Tee off at Pacific Dunes golf club, discover local cafés, restaurants and produce.
Use Medowie as a convenient base for exploring both the Port Stephens hinterland and coast. With its peaceful setting, growing food scene and an easy drive to Nelson Bay, Newcastle and the airport, Medowie is a great place to stay, explore and discover another side of Port Stephens.
Medowie is a leafy, growing community in the Port Stephens hinterland, surrounded by bushland, rural properties and local growers. Its name is commonly associated with the idea of “place of tall trees,” an apt description for a town where natural landscapes and established trees remain an important part of its character.
The town centre around Ferodale Road is the heart of the community, with shops, cafés, parks, and public spaces all close together. Medowie’s growing Art Walk adds another reason to explore, linking murals, sculptures, community artworks, and local stories throughout the town.
One of Medowie’s best-known local experiences is its connection to fresh produce. The area has a long agricultural history, and visitors can still enjoy locally grown produce and farm-style experiences. Medowie is particularly well known for macadamias, with the local farm café and shops, a popular stop for visitors travelling through the hinterland.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Medowie is surrounded by protected bushland. Medowie State Conservation Area covers more than 2,800 hectares, while Medowie Nature Reserve protects another pocket of the local environment. The surrounding bushland provides an important natural backdrop to the town and habitat for native wildlife.
Medowie also makes a convenient base for exploring nearby Williamtown and Salt Ash. Newcastle Airport, Fighter World aviation museum, the RAAF Base viewing area, Oakvale Wildlife Park, and the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are all within easy driving distance, while Nelson Bay and the Port Stephens coastline are around half an hour away.
LOCALS TIP
- Follow the Medowie Art Walk to discover murals, sculptures and community stories dotted around the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Stop for local macadamias and fresh produce – Medowie’s rural surrounds and growers are an important part of the town’s identity.
- Take the kids to the town-centre parks, Boyd Sports Complex or Bower Reserve for play spaces and outdoor activities.
- Combine Medowie with Williamtown for an aviation-themed side trip or continue towards Salt Ash and the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes.
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Medowie Art Walk: Discover murals, sculptures, public artworks and local stories throughout the town, including works around Lions Park, the town centre and surrounding estates.
- Lions Park & town centre: See the community-created Map of Medowie, the original ANZAC memorial and nearby public artworks while exploring the heart of town.
- Local produce & macadamias: Enjoy one of Medowie’s best-known visitor experiences with locally grown produce, farm-style treats and macadamia products.
- Bower Reserve: A family-friendly neighbourhood park with play space and public sculptures to discover.
- Boyd Sports Complex & Skate Park: A popular recreation area for families, with sporting facilities, a skate park and public artwork.
- Medowie State Conservation Area: Experience the bushland that surrounds the town. Check NSW National Parks information and alerts before exploring.
- Williamtown & Fighter World: Head a few minutes south for aviation history, aircraft displays and the chance to see military aircraft activity around the RAAF Base.
GETTING AROUND
By Bus
Public bus routes in Medowie are primarily operated by Hunter Valley Buses (part of CDC NSW), connecting the suburb to Raymond Terrace, Stockton, and surrounding local destinations.
Major Local Bus Routes
- Route 136 (Stockton to Raymond Terrace via Medowie): Serves as a major connection. It passes through Medowie (with key stops like Kindlebark Drive and Abundance Road), running through to Stockton Wharf or Raymond Terrace Shopping Centre.
- Route 137 (Lemon Tree Passage to Raymond Terrace via Medowie): Runs frequently from Lemon Tree Passage through Medowie (e.g., Kula Road) to major hubs like Boomerang Park or the Raymond Terrace Shopping Centre on Sturgeon Street.
- Route 1284 (School/Local Loop): A weekday-specific afternoon route running from Raymond Terrace Primary School back into Medowie residential areas (terminating near South Street).
By car
- Medowie is approximately 15 minutes from Raymond Terrace and Newcastle Airport, and around 30 minutes from Nelson Bay.
- A car is the easiest way to explore Medowie and nearby Williamtown, Salt Ash and the Port Stephens coast.
- Ferodale Road is the main town-centre route, with shopping, cafés, parks and community facilities nearby.
Ride Share – Ride-share is available in Port Stephens – check the app to see if there is a driver near you.
Courtesy Bus
The Bull & Bush Hotel Medowie operates a local courtesy bus service. Fridays from 5pm – late, Saturdays from 5pm – late and Sundays 12pm – 6pm. To book a pickup, give the venue a call directly on 4982 8802.
Book an airport transfer - mini bus or private tour – Lucky Dog Tours, Heavenly Tours, Port Stephens Coaches,
Around town
- Walking – the Medowie Art Walk is a great way to explore local public art and community landmarks.
- Cycling & recreation – parks, sporting areas and residential pathways provide opportunities for an easy ride or outdoor activity.
- Driving – use Medowie as a starting point for a hinterland loop through Williamtown, Salt Ash and Raymond Terrace.
Cycling and Walking Paths
- Medowie to Raymond Terrace Shared Path – 11km Easy off-road ride via Grahamstown Dam and Finnan Park
- Medowie Road Shared Path – 2.5km Easy off-road path connecting Ferodale Road and South Street, ideal for walking, cycling and families.
