Just two and a half hours north of Sydney and 25 minutes from Newcastle Airport, with daily coach transfers available, Port Stephens is an extraordinary natural destination, centred around a tranquil harbour and pristine Marine Park, framed by awe-inspiring sand dunes and rugged national parks, and bordered by a spectacular collection of white-sand beaches — incredible by nature.
Download your free Port Stephens travel guide and start planning your incredible getaway.
Port Stephens is part of the Country of the Worimi Aboriginal Nation, a place where ancient stories are etched into the landscape and where visitors are invited to walk gently upon the land. The Worimi People welcome you to experience the spirit of this remarkable region, its incredible natural beauty, deep cultural significance, and living connection to Country.
Here, nature and culture intertwine in ways both powerful and serene. Discover a coastline where golden dunes shift with the ocean breeze, where dolphins dance through turquoise waters, and where every sunrise paints a new masterpiece across the sky. Venture further to encounter sacred places, tranquil bushland trails, and a community that embodies the warmth and generosity of coastal life.
In Port Stephens, the extraordinary is every day from the thrill of adventure to the quiet joy of connection. Feel the sand between your toes, listen to the song of the whales, and breathe in the salty air that carries both history and renewal.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, may you find yourself immersed in the wonder of this place - where nature inspires, culture endures, and every moment feels truly incredible by nature.
Getting here
Self Drive
Port Stephens is a 2½ hour drive north of Sydney along the M1 Motorway. At the end of the M1, turn right at the roundabout, following the sign ‘Hexham & Pacific Highway’ (BP service station and Hungry Jacks will be on your next left). The road will veer to the right and merge with the New England Highway after which you should merge to the left lane taking the sign ‘Taree & Pacific Highway’, which will direct you over the Hexham Bridge.
Look for the sign ‘Next Exit Richardson Road - Raymond Terrace/Nelson Bay’ to get to Lemon Tree Passage, Soldiers Point, Nelson Bay, Corlette, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach or Anna Bay. You continue along Richardson Road, following the Nelson Bay signs, until you reach a roundabout. Then... follow the signs to the destination of your choice!
Air
Newcastle Airport hosts direct flights to and from Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Gold Coast, Ballina/Byron, Adelaide, Sunshine Coast, Lord Howe Island, Port Macquarie, Cairns (seasonal) and Dubbo. International seasonal flights operate to and from Auckland.
For more information on Newcastle Airport call 02 4928 9800 or visit www.newcastleairport.com.au
Rail
NSW TrainLink provides services in and out of Newcastle from all over New South Wales. To find out more and to book, visit www.transportnsw.info/regional
Coach
Port Stephens Coaches run daily services from Central Station Sydney via Chatswood, Pymble and Hornsby to Port Stephens (excluding Christmas Day). Call 1800 045 949 or visit pscoaches.com.au for bookings and timetables.
Transfers
Newcastle Airport Information Services is your one-stop-shop for transfers. Book a door to door transfer to meet any flight in or out of Newcastle.
Phone 02 4928 9822 or visit newcastleairport.com.au
Port Stephens Coaches operate a public bus from Newcastle Interchange and Newcastle Airport to Port Stephens 7 days a week. Phone 1800 045 949 or visit pscoaches.com.au
Lucky Dog Private Transfers. Bookings required. Phone 0438 966 097 or visit luckydogtours.com.au
Taxis
If you need to catch a taxi from Newcastle Airport, you will find the Taxi rank conveniently located adjacent to the departures end of the terminal. To book your taxi simply call 4032 7999.
Diggers Taxis operates throughout the Port Stephens region, providing transport across key suburbs and destinations.
School Holidays
Joining us for the school holidays or well earned getaway?
It is time to relax and enjoy this special time and we’re here to ensure your holiday is one to remember. An abundance of experiences await, from local attractions and tours, to our vibrant restaurant. We also have a calendar of events and activities happening so start planning your break.
See the list of NSW school holidays and also the Australian Public Holidays.
Information and Booking Centre
Allow the trained staff at Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre to assist in planning your getaway. The Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre is your one stop shop for local tips, unforgettable experiences and easy holiday planning. From accommodation advice and tour bookings, to maps, souvenirs and hidden gems – our friendly team is here to help you make the most of your Port Stephens adventure.
Need inspiration? Whether you’re chasing family fun, adventure-filled days, relaxing beach escapes or local favourites – we’re here to help you discover the very best of Port Stephens.
Port Stephens Visitor Information and Booking Centre
Address: 60 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
T: 1800 808 900
E: info@portstephens.org.au
Operating hours:
9:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
10.00am to 2.00pm Saturday
Closed Sunday
Port Stephens Weather & Climate
Port Stephens weather is mild and easygoing all year round so whenever you visit, you'll find comfortable conditions and plenty of sunshine.
Summer (December - February): Summer in Port Stephens is warm and inviting, with average temperatures between 18–28°C. It's the perfect season to stake your claim on one of our 26 beaches and get into the water - swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, or simply floating the day away.
Autumn (March - May): Sunny days give way to cooler nights through autumn, with temperatures ranging from 12–24°C. The mild conditions make it an ideal time for fishing, sailing, and taking on the dunes.
Winter (June - August): Winter here is generally sunny, with cooler but comfortable temperatures of 9–18°C. It's also whale season - from late May through August, thousands of humpback whales migrate along our coast, and Port Stephens offers a front-row seat.
Spring (September - November): Spring brings sunny days and mild, warm evenings, with temperatures between 13–25°C. September is especially good for cycling, walking, and exploring our national parks as everything comes back to life.
