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DOLPHINS
DOLPHINS
MEET FRIENDLY LOCALS
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The 100 or so Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that live permanently in the waters of Port Stephens are not just an incredible eco-experience for our visitors they are a vital part of our local community. In fact, most of the regular pods are known by name... Shirley, Smoky, Splitfin and Nicky to name a few. Since 1998, scientists (with the help of local cruise operators, conservationists and volunteers) have been observing and studying the habits, condition and population numbers of the Port Stephens dolphins. Many whom have lived their entire life in the bay. So when you take a dolphin cruise you’ll see that, although they are wild and free mammals, they are treated like family, with respect and care. The rocky coastal headlands and long white beaches of Port Stephens provide an ideal vantage point for watching dolphins from the shore, or join daily dolphin watch cruises. Make a day of it and have lunch on board, swim in the boom net, or make a splash on the deckside waterslide. If you prefer to get right up close and personal try swimming with the wild Common bottlenose dolphins. Port Stephens is the only place in NSW you can enjoy this experience of a lifetime.
SEE AND DO
ADRENALIN TO ZEN
...and everything in between
You’ll never be stuck for something to do in Port Stephens with so many unique and incredible experiences to discover.
Take time out and watch a sunset with bare feet in the sand or go full throttle on a quad bike over the dunes. Take a swim in the calm blue bay or go swimming with the wild dolphins.
The adventure starts here…
SADDLE UP FOR ADVENTURE Experience the majesty of the dunes by camel, on horseback, with a 4WD tour, sandboarding or on a quad bike.
Pull on a wetsuit and dive right in to discover our underwater gardens, surf the perfect wave or jump onboard a whale watching cruise that will blow your mind.
Take a trek to the top of Tomaree Head Summit, find hidden beaches on a coastal walk or tackle the bush tracks on a mountain bike.
JUST FOR FUN The kids will love getting wet and wild at the waterpark in summer, testing their skills at foot golf, putting the pedal to the metal in a go-kart or taking up the challenge of mini golf or paintball. Surprise the family on an adventure to Fighter World and take control in the cockpit of a Macchi Jet trainer or experience the twist and turns at Tobaggan Hill Park.
TALK TO THE ANIMALS Bring out your wild side and get up close and personal with native fauna and baby farm animals.
Experience the unique Koala Sanctuary, take an eco tour at Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, hand feed the rays at Irukandji, take a cruise to meet the dolphins or interact with the animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park.
INDULGE YOUR SENSES Take some “YOU” time... you know you deserve it! Play a round of golf, have a hot rock massage, catch the ferry to Tea Gardens for lunch, stroll through heritage buildings and along white sandy beaches. Taste fresh local seafood on a sunset sail, sip cocktails by the pool, dip your toe into a pedicure and browse the boutiques at coastal villages.
Whether you want to get down to earth and back to nature, dive into an adrenaline-charged adventure or indulge in luxury and relaxation you’ll be delighted with the incredible experiences that await in Port Stephens.
OUR INCREDIBLE PLACES
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Beach, bay and park guide
Welcome to the neighbourhood! Here you’ll be able to explore the unique attractions and experiences of all of beautiful Port Stephens’ individual precincts. Whether you only have one day or a whole week - make the most of your time here and take advantage of our local knowledge to discover hidden treasures like secret walking trails, great sunset spots, where to get the best view of the whales or where to find the best fish and chips. Explore, enjoy and embrace… find out more at www.portstephens.org.au or visit a Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre (see page 5 for details).
Nelson Bay
The heart of Port Stephens, Nelson Bay is the CBD of the Tomaree Peninsula and the main tourist precinct with its thriving marina, pretty foreshore, bustling shopping, cafés and restaurants. Many cruises also depart from d’Albora Marinas. MUST DO: Get on board a whale or dolphin watching cruise for an experience of a lifetime.
Nelson Bay Foreshore Reserve
56 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay Map 1 O8
Nelson Bay Foreshore is perfect for relaxing after a walk along the foreshore or a dolphin cruise. The grassed area provides a great spot for lunch with views across the Bay. Between Nelson Bay and Little Beach is Fly Point Aquatic Reserve, a haven for diving, snorkelling and spectacular views.
Little Beach Reserve
Beach Road, Nelson Bay
The Little Beach foreshore has both a grassed and sandy beach area ideal for families. The jetty and boat ramp are popular spots where you can feed the pelicans. Little Beach features a disabled play area with wheelchair access to the jetty and water. Beach mobility chair available (see page 59).
Dutchmans Beach Reserve
1 Burbong Street, Nelson Bay
Dutchmans Beach Reserve or “Dutchies Beach”offers calm water swimming, grassy areas with BBQ’s for picnics and a fabulous playground for the children. There is a great walking path that takes you into Nelson Bay with spectacular waterviews.
Salamander Bay
A service hub on the peninsula, Salamander Bay features a major shopping centre with supermarkets, fresh food, boutiques and specialty stores. The area is also a family entertainment hub with ten pin bowling, Toboggan Hill Park and the aquatic centre. MUST DO: Take the plunge and zoom down the hill on the toboggan run.
George Reserve
173 Soldiers Point Road, Salamander Bay Map 1 L8
Anna Bay
Anna Bay is the entry point to Stockton Bight sand dunes, in the Worimi Conservation Lands - the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere. The 32km stretch of beach is a favourite spot for 4WDs, fishing and surfing as well as cultural and adventure tours. Must do: Experience the sand dunes by 4WD, sandboard, camel or horseback.
Birubi Surf Club
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay Map 1 L13
Lifeguard patrol Beach season - September to April Professional lifeguards patrol weekdays from 9am to 5pm in spring and autumn and 9am to 6pm in summer. Volunteer lifesavers operate on weekends from 9am to 5pm for the entire season. Off season - June to September There are no lifeguard services at Birubi Beach during this time.
Birubi Beach and Reserve
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay
Birubi Beach is a huge expanse of beach which extends from Stockton near Newcastle to Port Stephens and is one of the gateways for 4-wheel drive vehicles to the famous Worimi Conservation Lands. Facilities include picnic area, disabled amenities and Kiosk and Café.
Robinson Reserve
Corner Robinson and Fitzroy Streets, Anna Bay
Robinson Reserve has a picturesque southern view that overlooks Birubi Beach. This is a great location to have a picnic before having a swim. This is also the location of Anna Bay Skate Park.
Taylors Beach Foreshore Reserve
36 Albert Street, Taylors Beach
Located 10 minutes from Anna Bay, Taylor Beach Foreshore Reserve is a quiet shoreline dotted with tall pine trees and features a public jetty ideal for fishing. The grassed area and sandy beach makes it a perfect picnic setting.
One Mile & Boat Harbour
Map 1 N15
Where the the bush meets the rugged coastline, known for its natural beauty, secluded beaches, coastline walks, rainforest and koala habitats. Get back to nature, learn to surf or try a spot of fishing. MUST DO: Spot the whales off the headland at Boat Harbour (May-November).
One Mile Lifeguard Facility
23 Hannah Parade, One Mile
Lifeguard patrol Beach season - September to April Professional lifeguards patrol from 9am to 5pm in spring and autumn and 9am to 6pm in summer, 7 days a week. Off season - June to September Lifeguard services operate at One Mile Beach from 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week.
One Mile Beach and Reserve
2 Hannah Parade, One Mile
One Mile is a small township located adjacent to the Tomaree National Park between Boat Harbour and Nelson Bay. There is a shady picnic area on the reserve and the beach is a only a minutes walk over the sand dunes.
Boat Harbour North Headland
Fingal Bay
A picturesque coastal village surrounded by natural bushland with a sweeping, white sandy beach and rocky coastlines. This family-friendly, patrolled surf beach is perfect to catch a wave, take a walk, or just catch a sunrise. MUST DO: Take a cruise to Fingal Island and discover Point Stephens Lighthouse.
Fingal Beach Surf Club
3 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay Map 1 R10
Lifeguard patrol Beach season - September to April Professional lifeguards patrol weekdays from 9am to 5pm in spring and autumn and 9am to 6pm in summer. Volunteer lifesavers operate on weekends from 9am to 5pm for the entire season. Off season - June to September There are no lifeguard services at Fingal Beach during this time.
FINGAL SPIT WARNING
The Fingal Spit is a beautiful spot for a beach stroll on low tide to Fingal Island, but it is important to realise that it can turn deadly. ■ Do not cross in either direction if ANY water is over the Spit due to strong currents. ■ Always check the tide chart before crossing. ■ On your way back from Fingal Island, if there is water over the sand - stay where you are and call for help.
Fingal Bay Foreshore Reserve
5 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay Foreshore Reserve and Fingal Beach is a protected beach ideal for families. The foreshore reserve has a large children’s playground, beach pedestrian access and car parking. The beach has a modern surf club with a restaurant and coffee shop. Beach mobility chair available (see page 59 for details).
Barry Park
Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
Barry Park is located on the headland at the southern end of Fingal Bay Beach with spectacular sweeping ocean views in a natural setting. The park has some very scenic walking trails with an abundance of native plants as well as a whale watching platform.
Salt Ash & Bobs Farm
The Salt Ash and Bobs Farm precinct is the food bowl of the peninsula with working farms and vineyards providing foodies with farm-gate fresh produce. The area has a unique hands-on animal adventure park, go-karts, paintball, brewery and more. MUST DO: Feed the baby animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park.
Williamtown & Medowie
Williamtown is home to Newcastle Airport, the RAAF base, Fighter World aviation museum and access to the dunes for a quad bike adventure. Medowie boasts a championship golf course and many fresh produce stalls. MUST DO: Watch the fighter jets take off from the viewing deck then visit Fighter World. Map 2 L10
Map 2 K9
Corlette
Corlette is a bayside area featuring relaxing shoreline walks, gorgeous waterfront parks and reserves perfect for picnics and cycle paths where you can ride into Nelson Bay. Take a stroll from Roy Wood Reserve around the headland to The Anchorage resort. MUST DO: Take the Bridle Path, spot the koalas and enjoy the waterviews along the way.
Bagnalls Beach Reserve
150 Government Road, Corlette Map 1 M9
Bagnalls Beach Reserve is a great location to enjoy a summer sunset and water views. There are three areas to the reserve which provide access to the beach and connected by a popular walking/cycling path. Facilities: ■ Reserve east - playground, picnic area, BBQ, toilets, beach ■ Reserve middle - picnic area ■ Reserve west - playground, picnic area, public amenities with disabled toilets
Roy Wood Reserve
160 Sandy Point Road, Corlette
An ideal location for families with BBQs and picnic seating metres from the beach. It is a beautiful spot for water activities and to watch the sunset.
Conroy Park
70 Sandy Point Road, Corlette
A foreshore reserve with family friendly facilities making the perfect picnic destination. There are water views and a popular children’s playground.
Corlette Point Park
28 Corlette Point Road, Corlette
This is a picturesque, foreshore location with easy access to the beach for a swim - a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Soldiers Point
Map 1 K6
Located on a peninsula with stunning waterways, featuring a marina, jetties, boat ramps and calm swimming beaches - this is the perfect spot for boating, fishing and enjoying nature. MUST DO: Pack a picnic and head to Sunset Beach for a spectacular sunset.
Pearson Park
Pearson Park, Soldiers Point
Pearson Park is located at the southern end of Sunset Beach with a grassed area and sandy shoreline ideal for picnicking and playing.
Kangaroo Point Reserve
123 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point
Kangaroo Point Reserve is a small park with sweeping water views to Tomaree and Yacaaba Headland and has beach access.
Spencer Park
Raymond Terrace
Map 2 H9
Spend some time in this historic rural town on the edge of the Hunter River… the perfect spot for waterskiing or picnics on the grassy river banks. Discover the rich history when you take the Heritage Walk and, if you’re lucky enough to be there in springtime, marvel at the purple avenue of Jacarandas. MUST DO: Lunch on the riverbank and stroll down historic King Street.
Boomerang Park
Irrawang Street, Raymond Terrace
Boomerang Park is a large expanse of parkland covering over 50 acres. There is a off-leash dog area.
Bettles Park
1 Sketchley Street, Raymond Terrace
Bettles Park is a popular “Driver Reviver” stop with public amenities and picnic area.
Riverside Park
4 Hunter Street, Raymond Terrace
Riverside Park is located adjacent to the Hunter River and is ideal for a rest spot when driving or for a picnic with its scenic river views.
Seaham Park
75 Warren Street, Seaham
Seaham Park is in the traditional lands of the Worimi people and has been a significant focus for community gatherings for several generations.
Karuah
Karuah is a tranquil riverside hamlet renowned for its oysters, house boats and fishing spots. Visit in October and discover some local history at the Timber and Oyster Festival. Grab your fresh fish and chips and picnic on the picturesque riverside. MUST DO: Taste the freshly shucked oysters from local oyster farmers.
Longworth Park
7 Barclay Street, Karuah Map 2 L5
The park is a perfect foreshore location for lunch and is a popular driver rest spot and boating wharf.
Memorial Park
1 Memorial Drive, Karuah
Memorial Park adjoins Longworth Park via a scenic walk under the bridge and along the foreshore. There is an information plinth on the riverbank in this park that displays historic facts about Karuah.
Key
Picnic tables
Tidal baths
Dog friendly Covered picnic area
BBQ facilities
Playground Beach access
Skate park
Boat ramp Fish washing facility
Whale watching
Cycle pathways Outdoor exercise equipment
Public amenities
Public and disability amenities
Shoal Bay
This heavenly hamlet is just 5 minutes from Nelson Bay CBD and handy to clubs, pubs, restaurants, cafes and water activities. It boasts a postcard perfect beach with a lighthouse at one end and the famous Mount Tomaree at the other. MUST DO: Walk to the top of Tomaree Head Summit for unforgettable views.
Shoal Bay Foreshore Reserve
70 Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay Map 1 R8
The Shoal Bay Beach and Foreshore Reserve is one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Australia. The gentle aquamarine waters, white sands and grassed area make it a perfect family friendly beach for picnics and relaxing.
Tilligerry Peninsula
Take a left at Salt Ash for the Tilligerry Peninsula leading to historic Tanilba Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Mallabula - all relaxed waterfront hamlets in nature’s playground. Don’t miss the Tilligerry Habitat Reserve - 9 hectares of flora and fauna reserve. MUST DO: Take the Tanilba Bay Boardwalk and spot the local koalas.
Caswell Reserve
4 Bay Street, Mallabula Map 2 E10
Caswell Reserve is a foreshore park. An ideal family spot with ample parking space and a large covered picnic shelter with electric barbeque facilities.
Tanilba Park
18 Tanilba Avenue, Tanilba Bay
This park is perfect for families with a large, modern playground designed to cater for a range of ages, large BBQ shelter and beach access.
Peace Park
1 Peace Parade, Tanilba Bay
This park is set in a quiet bushland setting surrounded by native flora and fauna. It is a beautiful foreshore location for picnics.
Henderson Park
48 Cook Parade, Lemon Tree Passage
This spot is popular for family and social picnics. The tidal baths, grassed area and large playground provide a great place for children to play. The large boat ramp and wharf is a very popular facility. The park is located within walking distance of shops, cafes and the marina.
Skate and BMX parks
Skateboarding, scooters and BMX riding are popular recreational sports. There are seven skate parks that cater for beginners to skilled riders. All skill levels are equally entitled to use the ramps, however skate parks are not an appropriate place for toddlers using mini-bikes or toy riders. Visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/play/recreation-in-port-stephens/ skate-parks
Boat ramps, public wharves and jetties
Port Stephens Council maintains a number of public boat ramps, wharves and jetties for boat and fishing enthusiasts. Visit portstephens.nsw.gov.au/play/recreation-in-port-stephens/ beaches-and-foreshores
ACCOMMODATION
STAY
There is nothing like waking up in a beautiful room and looking out over a glistening pool to a sparkling bay… you know you’re on holidays.
Start with a warm welcome from your host at one of our resorts, apartments, holiday homes, hotels, holiday parks, bed and breakfasts or backpackers - then enjoy as much, or as little indulgence as you desire. Perhaps a spa treatment, cocktails by the pool and dinner served to the room… or maybe a BBQ and a beach walk is more to your liking? Make the most of the natural surroundings and stay in a cabin planted amongst a Melaleuca forest, try glamping with a fireplace and a waterfront view and don’t leave until you’ve experienced a few nights nestled into the Koala Sanctuary.
From backpackers with a sense of adventure and a dose of wanderlust to seasoned travellers longing for luxury at a sensational coastal getaway - Port Stephens has the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget.
DINING OUT
SAVOUR
Offering a range of acclaimed waterfront restaurants, hip cafés and impressive wineries and breweries, the dining options in Port Stephens are matched by equally stunning locations.
The abundance of fresh seafood sourced direct from fishing trawlers, and local farmers growing everything from oysters, avocados and stone fruit to figs and macadamias - it’s easy for chefs to design menus inspired by the fresh local produce the region is renowned for.
Indulge in a glorious sunset dinner cruise across the calm waters and watch the bay lights sparkle to life as night falls. Visit a lighthouse for a spot of devonshire tea and an irresistible view.
Head to Soldiers Point for a sensational waterfront seafood feast or discover the taste of France in a picturesque bay at Lemon Tree Passage. Take it easy and drop into the marina for a tasty wood-fired pizza and an icy cold beer! Venture to the local vineyard and boutique brewery for a lazy Sunday afternoon of music, craft beer, wine and food or maybe the gin distillery - is just the tonic!
Wander through Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay with sidewalk cafés and sensational coffee… it all adds to a wonderful smorgasbord of flavours to savour and food experiences to indulge your senses.
EVENTS
WHAT’S ON
SUMMER
■ Christmas Carols and New Year’s Eve Celebrations ■ Australia Day Celebrations ■ Port Stephens Pro Surf Series ■ Peter Wilson Memorial Cup Junior Touch Football ■ NSW Game Fishing Association Interclub ■ Garmin Billfish Shootout Tournament ■ Wildcard Trials, Surfest
AUTUMN
■ ANZAC Day ■ Port Stephens Surf Festival ■ Port Stephens Triathlon ■ Sail Port Stephens ■ Spartan Race Port Stephens
WINTER
■ PCYC Nations of Origin ■ NAIDOC Celebrations ■ Love Sea Food
SPRING
■ TreX Multicross Triathlon and Tomaree Trail Festival ■ Karuah Timber and Oyster Festival ■ Port Stephens Toyota Surf Pro ■ King of the Box Surfing Contest
HOLIDAYS WITH PETS
POOCH PERFECT
If you’re dotty about your dalmation, in love with your pug, or just adore your labrador …it’s okay, we understand. Here at Port Stephens we are just fine with your canines… as long as you follow a few rules for everyone’s protection.
Here is a list of the numerous parks, beaches and reserves where dogs can be exercised off-leash. Some areas have limitations on times and specific boundaries.
To find out more - go fetch the “dog park maps” online at www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas: ■ Birubi Beach Reserve, Anna Bay (daylight savings
5pm - 9am; non-daylight savings 4pm - 10am). ■ Fishermans Bay Park ■ Iluka Reserve, Boat Harbour South Headland ■ Marrungbangbaa Reserve (beach only),
Shoal Bay (Prohibited between 9am to 5pm). ■ Bagnalls Beach Reserve, Corlette ■ Sergeant Baker Dr, Corlette ■ Tom O’Dwyer Oval, Nelson Bay ■ Caswell Reserve/Billy’s Beach, Tanilba Bay ■ Kooindah Park, Tanilba Bay ■ Alton Park, Raymond Terrace ■ Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace ■ Aliceton Reserve, Karuah
Fenced Dog Exercise Areas: ■ Fingal Bay Dog Park (adjacent to foreshore) ■ Lancaster Park, Soldiers Point ■ Coachwood Drive Dog Park, Medowie ■ Boomerang Park, Raymond Terrace
Responsibilities of pet owners in NSW
■ If your dog is in a public place it must be under the effective control of a competent person (over 16 yrs old) by means of an adequate chain or leash. The exceptions to this are: dogs exhibited at a show or engaging in obedience or agility trials or a dog secured in a cage or in an approved off-leash area ■ If your dog is being exercised in an approved area it must always be under effective control of a competent person (over 16 yrs old) ■ You are not permitted to walk more than 4 dogs at any one time in an on-leash or an off-leash area ■ Greyhounds must be muzzled at all times when in a public place, except if the greyhound has successfully completed an approved greyhound retraining program and the greyhound wears an approved collar when it is in a public place ■ Dogs are prohibited in children’s play areas, food preparation/ consumption areas, recreation areas, public bathing areas, school grounds, child care centres, shopping areas and wildlife protection areas ■ Some areas are off-leash but with time restrictions
HIKE OR BIKE
TAKE A WALK
TOMAREE HEAD SUMMIT - SHOAL BAY Distance: 2.2km (return) Time: 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours Difficulty: Medium - Hard
Take the invigorating walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. Enjoy unparalleled views from the top.
FORT TOMAREE - SHOAL BAY Distance: 2.5km (return) Time: 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty: Medium
This easy walk on a paved track around the lower slopes of Tomaree Head brings you face-to-face with local military heritage - World War II Gun emplacements, built in 1941.
NATIVE FLORA GARDENS - NELSON BAY Distance: 1km Time : 30 minutes to 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
These gardens feature local and Australian native plants, diverse bird life, steps and pathways (some water views). There are a number of Aboriginal canoe trees in and around the gardens. Formerly the site of HMAS Assault from 1942 to 1945. WRECK BEACH - SHOAL BAY Distance: 2km (return) Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour Difficulty: Easy
This easy walk to Wreck Beach, through a lush coastal Angophora forest, leads onto a small cove with beautiful sand and open views of the ocean.
ONE MILE BEACH - ONE MILE Distance : 3km (return) Time: 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy
Backed by sand dunes and bushland, favourable for swimming, surfing and sunbathing the beach is an easy stroll along the sand and be sure to keep an eye out for sea life such as whales and dolphins.
BIG ROCKY - FINGAL BAY Distance: 2.8km (return) Time: 1 hour Difficulty: Medium
A sandy track leading to a rocky headland - ideal at low tide.
RIDE A BIKE
BARTLETT CYCLEWAY - NELSON BAY - CORLETTE Distance: 5km (one way) Time: 30-45 minutes at leisurely speed Difficulty: Easy
From Bagnalls Beach to Little Beach / Inner Light Tea Rooms via Dutchies, Nelson Bay Marina, Fly Point and Little Beach.
From Fingal End of Tomaree Road to Barry Park via Fingal Surf Club, Fingal Beach and Barry Park Whale Watching Platform.
Difficulty: Medium (some areas require caution) From Zenith Beach to Fingal Cycleway via Wreck Beach and Box Beach. RAYMOND TERRACE TO MEDOWIE Distance: 11km (one way) Time: 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes at leisurely speed Difficulty: Medium
This route connects the two communities of Raymond Terrace and Medowie. Starting at the Lakeside Leisure Centre carpark, the route passes Finnan Park Picnic Area, (BBQ and toilet facilities) then skirts the Grahamstown Dam shoreline. Next stop is the Grahamstown Aquatic Centre (picnic area) and then through the rural area of Medowie into the main shopping centre. This is an easy ride for all users with minimal road crossing points with the route being entirely off road.
OTHER TRAILS IN TOMAREE NATIONAL PARK ■ Anna Bay Bore Line ■ Moorland Trail ■ Tank Trail ■ South Gan Gan Trail ■ Shoal Bay Bore Line ■ Big Rocky Road ■ West Ridge Trail ■ Fenceline Trail ■ Shoal Bay East Trail ■ Skid Pan Trail ■ Austral Street Trail ■ Met Station Trail ■ Kurrara Trail ■ Glovers Hill Trail ■ Swamp Trail ■ North South Trail ■ Sewer Line Trail ■ Met Station Link Trail
