Whether you’re looking for blood-pumping activities or relaxing experiences set against stunning views, Port Stephens is the place to be. There’s always something for everyone because of its incredible white sand beaches, pristine waters, and diverse marine life.
Just a 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney, Port Stephens is a convenient trip for a weekend break (or longer) from work and city life. Head north along the M1 Motorway, cross the Hexham Bridge and follow the signs until you reach the destination. Don’t want to drive? Not a problem. There are convenient coach services linking Sydney and Port Stephens with daily departures.
Now that you know how to get there, time to figure out how you’ll spend your stay there. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best things to do in Port Stephens for the ultimate holiday solo, with friends, or the entire fam:
- Reach the top of Mount Tomaree - FREE
- Hang out at Zenith Beach - FREE
- Ride the waves at Birubi Beach - FREE
- Explore beaches and go sandboarding in Port Stephens - $25
- Encounter sharks and rays at Irukandji - $25
- See dolphins at Port Stephens on a cruise - $25
- Explore Foghorn Brewery - $25
- Spend the day at the Oakvale Wildlife Park - $30
- Go quad biking in Port Stephens - $106
- Embark on a Broughton Island cruise tour - $120
1. Reach the top of Mount Tomaree - FREE
Soak in the mountain views from the top. Credit: @kymberleestreet
The hike up to Tomaree Head is short (just around a kilometre), but it can be challenging, thanks to the steep trail. The good news is that the views more than make up for it. You’ll get to see the pristine white sand of Zenith Beach next to the vibrant mountain surroundings and blue waters of Shoal Bay.
2. Hang out at Zenith Beach - FREE
Enjoy a fun beach day with friends at Zenith. Credit: @rachhoey
While you’re in the area, you might as well spend some time at the beach. One of the best choices is Zenith Beach. Because of its location, there are not as many visitors as its neighbours, which means you’ll get to enjoy the stunning beach in peace and quiet.
3. Ride the waves at Birubi Beach - FREE
View the stunning sunset at Birubi Beach, Credit: @changingtides__
Birubi Beach is one of the best beaches on the east coast, thanks to its incredible clear waters, sand dunes, and even a dog exercise area! You can take advantage of the great waves and go surfing, take your doggo for a nice, scenic walk, or bring your camera with you for beautiful photos during sunset.
4. Explore beaches and go sandboarding in Port Stephens - $25
Leave the others in the dust and race down the dunes as fast as you can. Credit: @portstephens4wdtours
Treat the entire fam to an unforgettable beach day in Port Stephens! Explore Birubi beach and learn how to spot pipis, a kind of freshwater clam native to the area, with an expert guide. Then, go on a fun sandboarding adventure down the dunes at Stockton Bight. The kids will love sliding and racing on the sand.
5. Encounter sharks and rays at Irukandji - $25
See Whiptail Rays up close at Irukandji! Credit: @irukandji_sharknray
Have you ever wondered how you can safely see (and even touch!) animals like sharks and rays? Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is the answer. Thanks to its interactive aquarium set-up, you and your kids can have a safe, close encounter with the fascinating creatures. The kids will also learn more about the animals from an expert.
6. See dolphins at Port Stephens on a cruise - $25
Keep your eyes peeled for leaping dolphins. Credit: @moonshadowtqc
Speaking of animals, one of the can’t-miss Port Stephens things to do is go on a dolphin-watching cruise! During the cruise, you’ll be taken to the home of adorable bottlenose dolphins (there are more than 140 documented dolphins in the area!), and you’ll see the stunning headlands of Tomaree and Yacaaba along the way.
7. Explore Foghorn Brewery - $25
Discover the brewery’s various products. Credit: @foghorn_brewery
Beer lovers will enjoy this comprehensive tour into the inner workings of Foghorn Brewery, just an hour south of Port Stephens in harbour city, Newcastle. Starting from the malt preparation to the fermentation and filtration process, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into making good beer. Then, you’ll enjoy a taste of three different beers for the perfect end to the tour.
8. Spend the day at the Oakvale Wildlife Park - $30
See kids bond with the most adorable animals. Credit: @oakvalewildlifepark
After spending time with marine animals, take the kids for a fun day out with adorable land animals at Oakvale Wildlife Park. They will love feeding baby goats, petting roos, and cooling off at the Splash Bay Water Park.
9. Go quad biking in Port Stephens - $106
Go on an exhilarating quad bike ride out in the desert! Credit: @sand_dune_adventures
Feel your adrenaline pumping on this exciting quad biking adventure in Port Stephens! Race up and down the dunes of Stockton Beach aboard a powerful 400cc quad bike and enjoy the scenery along the way. Enjoy one of the most exhilarating things to do in Port Stephens with your mates.
10. Embark on a Broughton Island cruise tour - $120
Celebrate the school holidays on a fun cruise. Credit: @moonshadowtqc
No visit to Port Stephens is complete without a day at the gorgeous Broughton Island. Located at the heart of Myall Lakes National Park, you’ll discover a well-preserved island that has a seabird colony, untouched waters, and sandy beaches. Remember to bring your snorkelling gear to see the beauty underwater. One of the best Port Stephens things to do with the entire fam!
BONUS: Day Trips from Port Stephens
1. Wine and dine on a Newcastle Harbour Cruise - $59
Have a special and intimate lunch date on a Newcastle cruise.
Celebrating a special occasion or just want to have a special date? Surprise your partner with an intimate, 2.5-hour lunch cruise along Newcastle Harbour. Savour fresh seafood and delicious drinks as you take in the Newcastle cityscape and stunning headlands.
2. Go on island adventure in Port Stephens - $99
Explore intriguing caves and stunning bays on this cruise. Credit: @coast.xp
What’s better than going on a cruise? Going on one that takes you to World War II forts, gorgeous beaches, postcard-worthy sea caves, and more. This Newcastle adventure tour has something for everybody! There are dolphins and turtles for animal lovers, well-preserved monuments for history buffs, and stunning panoramas for those who want to sightsee.
3. Take flight in Port Macquarie - $249
Savour the view of Port Macquarie from the skies
Nothing compares to a view from the top, and Port Macquarie proves just that. Embark on a private helicopter flight and marvel at the dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and cobalt-coloured waters at thousands of feet up in the air. Perfect for couples!
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
