Soldiers Point, North Coast — New South Wales

Soldiers Point is one of the suburbs of the Port Stephens Local Government Area in New South Wales, located within its Hunter Region. The suburb used to be called Friendship Point and was the site of the Cromarty land grant. The place-name was derived from the fact that a Corporal’s Guard station was once situated here.

The suburb is located on the headland stretching out into the Port Stephens Harbor, providing it with beaches on three sides. Because of its location, it offers visitors with tranquil settings for their holidays, away from the hustle and bustle associated with urban places. It provides a good setting for families to bond and spend some quality time together.  

The beaches of Soldier Point are the major reasons why tourists come to Soldier Point during holidays and during the rest of the year. There are several choices for good swimming spots within the area. Patches of grass and shady trees also make them popular picnic destinations. The water of the harbor provides setting for several water-based recreations like jet skiing, parasailing, boating, and snorkeling. Equipments and boats can be rented by hire companies near the foreshores.

Fishing can also be done on designated spots, while the more avid fishermen can charter boats for deep sea fishing trips. However, visitors should also note that part of the harbor and the coastline is included in the Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve where fishing is not permitted. Snorkeling and scuba diving, on the other hand, are very much encouraged for visitors to appreciate the efforts of the local government to protect its marine resources. The dive sites near Soldiers Point are teeming with fishes, corals, and other marine creatures that will surely delight divers of all ages and expertise.

The suburb also lies in the edges of the Tomaree National Park, where several paths are provided for bushwalking. The park touches on several beaches in the area and provides spectacular views unique only in a coastal bush land such as this. Visitors should watch out for signage on the activities allowed in a particular area, though there are several designated spots for picnics and camping. The rest of the park is devoted to bird watching and animal viewing.

The harbor is also frequented by dolphins and whales, and there are several cruises available to get close to these delightful marine animals. There are also several tour companies in the area that offer four-wheel and six-wheel drives to Stockton Beach, where massive sand dunes are located.

For leisure of the more urban type, the Soldiers Point Bowling Club is the place to go. At the nearby Nelson Bay is a public golf course catering to golfing enthusiasts of all ages.

The suburb also boasts of its own Big4 Soldiers Point Holiday Park, where families can enjoy their visits without even having to leave its premises. Apart from several types of accommodations offered, the park also features adult-size swimming pool, wading pool for children, and water slides. The beach is also nearby, for all day fun. The park also has its own bicycle track, gaming facilities, and tennis courts.