★ ★ ★ ★
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
One Mile
Deluxe glamping where you can get back to nature and wake up with the koalas.
from $325
4 Days Outdoor Escapist Itinerary in Port Stephens
Day 1
Morning
Depart to Port Stephens
Take a quad bike tour on the majestic sand dunes
Go on a tour with Sand Dune Adventures on the sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands, quad biking, sand boarding and Aboriginal culture with your dedicated guide.
Lunch at Murrays Craft Brewing Co
Enjoy a lunch and beer tasting at Murrays Brewery, whose Whale Ale and Middle Man Golden Ale have a loyal following. Murray’s Craft Brewing Co also shares its home with Port Stephens Winery, the region’s oldest vineyard.
Afternoon
Check into Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
The deluxe 4 star glamping tents offer the perfect place to rejuvenate while enjoying a unique nocturnal experience. Set in 8 hectares of stunning bushland and nestled on the edge of One Mile Beach.
Take a stroll or short drive to One Mile Beach – take your board if you like to surf.
Evening
Pre-dinner drinks and dinner at Shoal Bay Country Club
Shoal Bay Country Club is an iconic gathering place for all ages and occasions. Offering a range of Port Stephens’ best dining options (for breakfast, lunch & dinner), the country’s best live entertainment and unparalleled views across the idyllic Shoal Bay Beach.
Where to Stay (Day 1)
Day 2
Morning
Guided Koala Walk at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
See these cuddly creatures up close in a stunning natural setting whilst contributing to conservation efforts. The Sanctuary also supports the long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Koalas in the wild. Enjoy your breakfast hamper on the deck of your glamping tent at your leisure before checking out.
Drive to Nelson Bay
Take a dolphin watching or whale watching cruise
Take a dolphin watch cruise (all year) to meet the friendly Bottlenose Dolphins or between May and November spy thousands of humpback whales as they swim along Australia’s east coast. One of the best places to spot whales is Port Stephens. Get the best vantage point of these incredible creatures on a leisurely 3-hour cruise with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises or Imagine Cruises.
Afternoon
Lunch at the Little Nel
From humble beginnings, Little Nel Café has grown into a favourite haunt for locals and visitors alike. Delicious coffee, an evolving menu that changes more than the seasons do and a relaxed coastal vibe (fancy some kombucha on tap?) set it apart.
Check in to the Hotel Nelson located in the Heart of Nelson Bay
Take a stroll around the boutique shops and DÁlbora Marinas.
Evening
Drinks and dinner at the Little Beach Boathouse
Little Beach Boathouse is perched right on the edge of Nelson Bay’s Little Beach, offering a Modern Australian menu incorporating local produce and seafood – try freshly shucked oysters or squid ink spaghetti.
Where to Stay (Day 2 & Day 3)
★ ★ ★ ★
Hotel Nelson
Nelson Bay
A stylish, modern hotel in the heart of Nelson Bay with a range of room types.
from $162
★ ★ ★ ★
The Anchorage
Corlette
Where luxury meets the sea. A seaside oasis with luxurious waterfront resort accommodation and decadent dining.
from $314
Day 3
Morning
Tomaree Head Summit Walk for sunrise
As you hike the track 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. You will enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – these nature reserves are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould’s petrel.
Breakfast at Mermaids Café at Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay SUP
Take a paddle on the picture perfect and calm water of Shoal Bay where it is relatively shallow 4-8m so you have a very clear view of the sea grasses and the marine life below. You will see fish but also may see dolphins, turtles, cormorants, and other types of wildlife.
Drive to Birubi Beach at Anna Bay
Afternoon
Lunch at the Crest Café
Perched atop of Birubi Beach at the northern end of Stockton Bight in Anna Bay, Crest offers views of the turquoise water, across Stockton Sand Dunes and beyond. Enjoy lunch in this stunning location.
Take a camel ride with Oakfield Ranch Camels
Take a journey into the sand dunes on a camel before taking a stroll along the 32km Stockton Beach with the dunes as your backdrop.
Evening
Dinner at The Cheeky Dog
The Cheeky Dog has a great sun-soaked beer garden, laidback bistro and a delicious Mediterranean inspired menu.
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast & check out.
On the way home stop at Gan Gan Lookout
Enjoy the spectacular views of beautiful Port Stephens and beyond from Gan Gan Hill Lookout, one of the highest points in the area. Gymea Lilies frame the view from the lookout, as you look over to the islands along the coastline.