Best of Newcastle
Port Stephens Day Trip from Newcastle: Dolphins, Dunes and the Bay
Port Stephens, about 50 kilometres north of Newcastle via Raymond Terrace, offers a combination of sheltered bay beaches, wild ocean beaches and Stockton Sand Dunes that makes it one of the most versatile day trips in New South Wales. Nelson Bay is the main hub, with dolphin-watching cruises operating year-round from the marina (the bay has a permanent resident bottlenose dolphin population). Fingal Bay and One Mile Beach are popular sheltered swimming spots, while Anna Bay provides access to the Stockton Dunes, where quad bike tours and sandboarding operate on the enormous coastal dunes. The drive north from Newcastle passes through agricultural land and small historic towns, making the journey worthwhile in itself.
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- 1
Nelson Bay
The main township of Port Stephens, 50km north-east of Newcastle, with a marina, whale watching cruises (May-November) and calm swimming beaches in the inner harbour.
- 2
Worimi Conservation Lands Sandboarding
One of the largest moving sanddunes in the southern hemisphere, accessible by 4WD or sandboard tour from Stockton to Birubi, a unique natural attraction.
- 3
Dolphin Watch Cruises
Port Stephens is home to a permanent pod of 140 bottlenose dolphins, multiple operators offer morning and afternoon cruises for guaranteed sightings.
- 4
Shoal Bay
A calm, patrolled beach on the inner harbour of Port Stephens, ideal for families and young children wanting calm, clear swimming water.
- 5
Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest
Twin villages on the Myall River, 40km south of Nelson Bay, with calm estuary swimming, oyster farms and a true escape from the crowds.
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