Port Stephens, North Coast — New South Wales

Port Stephens is a Local Government Area (LGA) located in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, mostly around the natural harbor from which the area is named after. The harbor, in turn, was named by Captain Cook after Phillip Stephens, secretary of the Admiralty during 1770.

The LGA is composed of numerous towns and villages that are popular holiday destinations for its beautiful beaches and tranquil bush land.

The beaches are a major attraction of Port Stephens, with most of them ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, and sailing. Several hire companies were established to rent out catamarans, sailboats, canoes, and surf skis.

Most visitors head out to Shoal Bay, and have picnics at Tomaree Head. A short walk to its summit provides breathtaking views all around, from the coastline to the surrounding forests.

Most of the towns of Port Stephens lie on the edges of the Tomaree National Park, which boasts numerous birds, animals, and plant species. The park also borders on several beautiful beaches, providing contrasting views when visitors follow several of its paths.

Another interesting destination for the whole family is the Oakvale Farm and Fauna World, located in Salt Ash. Children will surely enjoy its animal nursery, pony rides, and bottle feeding sessions, while the whole family makes use of its picnic and barbecue area.

A short drive to the Tilligerry Peninsula, along the Lemon Tree Passage Road, will bring visitors to a koala colony maintained by the Tilligerry Habitat Association, located in Tanilba Bay. Here, there are ample opportunities to glimpse and even come near to these native animals, which became abundant following the society’s rehabilitation efforts. The area also boasts of a wide diversity of plant and bird life, viewed along its several paths.

Tanilba is also the location of Tanilba House, a historic residence which was constructed in early 19th century through convict labor. With appointment, the present owner can take visitors around its interiors and grounds, showing several well-preserved memorabilia and mementos from centuries past. The house also enjoys spectacular views of the bay and the nearby Snapper Island.

At the Stockton Beach, there are several activities waiting visitors wishing to explore this stretch of mobile sand dunes. There are several fishing spots along the beach, and lucky visitors may get to glimpse the Sygna shipwreck during low tides. Different modes of transportation can be hired to go from one end of the beach to another. Visitors have the option of renting four-wheel and six-wheel vehicles, horses, and even camels, for a more authentic coastal desert safari experience. The beach is also well known as the nesting place of the little tern, one of Australia’s endangered avian species.

Further north of the beach is Point Stephens, a small island connected to the mainland by a sandbar during low tide. The area has an operational lighthouse built in 1862 that is worth exploring. The lighthouse is also a good vantage point for whale watching. On the island is Fingal Bay, a good fishing and swimming spots. There is also a boat ramp for those wishing to explore the coastal waters.