How to Plan a Day Trip to Port Stephens

Port Stephens home to idyllic holiday hot spot Nelson Bay is a fabulous haven of sun sand and surf. Day trips to this New South Wales resort are extremely popular; especially amongst the younger generation. If you are interested in planning one during your visit to nearby cities like Sydney read on for an idea of what’s on offer.
Book your Tour and Get an Early Start
Choose tours from a reputed operator and you will be assured of the best exposure and adventure in Port Stephens. Most tours departing Sydney for Port Stephens leave by 6.45 am or earlier. The distance is 215kms from the north end of Sydney and can take up to 2.5 hours for your bus to reach its destination. Make sure you take along a comfy neck pillow to enjoy some shut eye on the way; wake up fresh and rejuvenated for your fabulous day in Port Stephens. Alternatively, you could strike up a conversation with your fellow passengers and partners for a day.
The First Stop — Shoal Bay
You will arrive at Shoal Bay which is a gorgeous stretch of sea framed by off-white sandy shores. Take along the cameras for stunning views of the Nelson Bay Lighthouse on one end and the huge Mount Tomaree standing menacingly on the other end make for some pretty impressive photos. Once you get there, let go and relax on the sandy beach. Enjoy the ocean and soak up the sun; do keep a lookout for Fairy Penguins often spotted by guests from a Port Stephens hotel.
Next Up — Dolphin Watching
Once you are done with the beach hop into the boat provided by the tour operator and set off across the ocean in search of dolphin pods. Enjoy skimming over the ocean as the sun warms your skin and wind whips your hair. The Nelson Bay Marina close to Oaks Lure is known as the ‘gateway to blue water paradise’ and is famous for sightings of marine mammals enjoying the waters especially during the warmer months.
Enjoy a BBQ
Once the dolphin spotting tour is done, head over to the nearest park where the crew will cook up an authentic Australian BBQ complete with kangaroo meat. This is your time to mingle, enjoy a good meal and savour the beautiful surroundings.
Next Head Over to Anna Bay for Camel Riding and Sandboarding
Anna Bay will suddenly make you feel as though you stepped into a Middle Eastern desert. The shifting sand dunes and sights of camels are truly remarkable. A 4WD bus is available to take visitors interested in sandboarding to the dunes reserved for sand boarding. These vary in height making the sport accessible to everyone.
Head on a Nature Trail Across Mount Tomaree
Once you are done sand boarding get back on the bus and head over to the verdant confines of Mount Tomaree. There you are instantly invigorated by the fresh air to indulge in a walk across the headlands to the lookout point. Absolutely fabulous the place offers stunning vistas of Port Stephens coastline together with beautiful Zenith Beach and the surrounding islands. Click away and take as many gorgeous pictures before you head back to the bus and your return journey to Sydney.
Consider a Stay in Port Stephens for Wider Coverage
This day trip although planned from Sydney could also be indulged in while staying at a lovely Nelson Bay resort from there you could plan the same itinerary with the exception of returning to your Port Stephens lodging at the end of the day. This way you could add more attractions to your multiple day trips around the region. Happy Adventures!
