★ ★ ★ ★
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
One Mile
Deluxe glamping where you can get back to nature and wake up with the koalas.
from $325
Brittany Hockley’s 4 Day Itinerary in Port Stephens
Day 1
Morning
Depart to Port Stephens
Lunch at 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.
Sandboarding Experience with Port Stephens 4WD Tours
Explore the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a sandboarding adventure with Port Stephens 4WD Tours at Anna Bay. The perfect adventure for all ages!
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
Dinner at The Point Restaurant
Enjoy a scenic sunset dinner and cocktails at The Point Restaurant.
Where to Stay (Day 1)
Day 2
Morning
Guided Koala Walk in 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.
Explore the Shoal Bay Area
One of the most popular holiday beach locations in the area.
Tomaree Headland Walk and Zenith Beach
Follow the path around the headland for spectacular views looking back across the bay, across to Yacaaba Headland and the entry to the Port Stephens waterways. On return take the path to Zenith Beach for magnificent views looking out to the coast.
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.
Lunch at The Kitchen, Shoal Bay Country Club
After you complete your morning activities the Shoal Bay Country Club is the perfect lunch location! Head up the famous stairs (yes, you will want to take a photo!) to The Kitchen and Patio. The restaurant showcases the region’s finest produce, offering delicious seasonal dishes with plenty of variety. Shoal Bay Country Club offers a relaxed beachfront setting and stunning ocean views.
Afternoon
Drive to Bannisters via Gan Gan Hill Lookout
Enjoy the spectacular views of beautiful Port Stephens and beyond from Gan Gan Hill Lookout, one of the highest points in the area. The short walk to the lookout is along a flat concrete path and then up to a viewing platform which takes in the colourful and scenic views. Gymea Lilies frame each picture, as you look over to the islands along the coastline.
Check in to Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters has preserved the bones of an iconic retro motel and built in its place a vibrant four-star hotel experience in a classic destination, a stylish boutique getaway, recalling the sunny day holiday vibes of the sixties and seventies. Surrounded by water, koala habitat and a sense of peace and seclusion.
Evening
Pre-dinner drinks and dinner at The Terrace Bar
With a delicious range of fused Mediterranean and modern Australian dishes, The Terrace Bar at Bannisters is the perfect way to kick back and relax, offering informal dining by the hotel’s infinity pool and a range of classic cocktails.
Where to Stay (Day 2 & Day 3)
★ ★ ★ ★
Bannisters Port Stephens
Soldiers Point
A boutique getaway surrounded by water with bay views.
from $290
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast at Little Nel Café
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.
Board a Dolphin Discovery Cruise (1.5 hours)
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises offer a great range of cruises and boast the largest fleet of vessels in Port Stephens ensuring both a comfortable and memorable cruising experience. Bring your swimmers if you would like to swim in the boom nets.
Lunch at leisure and wander boutique shops in Nelson Bay
Afternoon
Private Surf Lesson with Port Stephens Surf School at One Mile Beach
Experienced instructors will guide you through the thrills and spills of surfing, delivering fun, well-structured, encouraging surfing tuition, teaching one of Australia’s greatest lifestyle sports.
Evening
Dinner at Little Beach Boathouse
Little Beach Boathouse offers everything you could need to dine out in Port Stephens. A beachside setting with a menu bursting of local produce and seafood.
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast & check out.
Depart for Williamtown
Quad Bike Adventure Tour with Sand Dune Adventures
Experience the magnificence of the Worimi Sand Dunes on Stockton Beach, riding safely from bush to beach with expert guides. The 1-hour quad bike ride takes in the wonders of the highest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, the glorious views of the sweeping coastline and learn about history of the land.
Depart for Sydney