The best Port Stephens accommodation picks for every holiday style

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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No matter your budget or headcount, there’s outstanding Port Stephens accommodation for every style of traveller. 

You can afford to be picky about where to rest your head when you’re planning a stay in Port Stephens. The seaside city just 2.5 hours from Sydney has a plethora of places to entice visitors to pull off the asphalt and stay and play. Whether you camp among bushland, unwind in a beachfront Airbnb, get pampered in a luxury hotel, or find a pet-friendly stay to house your dog, the best Port Stephens accommodation offers serenity in beautiful surroundings. 

Anna Bay | One Mile | Nelson Bay | Shoal Bay & Fingal Bay | Salamander Bay & Corlette | Karuah, Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest

Anna Bay

THE RETREAT PORT STEPHENS

The entrance sign to The Retreat Port Stephens.
The Retreat has options to suit all travellers.

Best for: families, bush setting, pet-friendly

Wake to beautiful birdsong in your bush hideaway beside the sand dunes, which is also home to echidnas, kangaroos, lorikeets, rosellas and resident possums. The Retreat Port Stephens has covered BBQs, a saltwater swimming pool, a kids’ playground, an indoor games room, and campfires as well as bus and boat parking. There is a range of different bedding configurations including cabins, bungalows, duplexes, The Lodge and The Ranch. Fido can also join you at this Port Stephens accommodation, so long as you’re staying in one of the designated fenced-off campsites. 

TALM BEACH HOUSE

Talm Beach House in Port Stephens
Immerse yourself in the stunning oceanfront location. (Image: Abbie Melle)

Best for: groups, luxury, beachfront

The name ‘Talm’ is an Afrikaans word that means ‘to linger’. Hipsters will love to do just that at this stunning hideaway that riffs on the Hamptons and overlooks the ocean. There’s a surf break right out front of this Port Stephens accommodation and rock pools to explore when you’re not kicking back in the stylishly curated space. It sleeps up to 10 guests and has indoor-outdoor areas, a wine cellar, a private courtyard, a gas fireplace and a coffee machine in the butler’s pantry. 

SAMURAI BEACH BUNGALOWS

Samurai Beach Bungalows
Stay in the bungalows nestled among the trees.

Best for: groups, budget, bush setting

Large families or groups of friends on a shoestring will find a lot to love at the Samurai Beach Bungalows , a Port Stephens YHA, as they can book out the entire property, which sleeps up to 32 people and has free wi-fi, BBQ facilities, a swimming pool and campfire. There are also private rooms available at the rustic Port Stephens accommodation, set amid lush rainforest. Bikes are available for hire, which are great for ducking down to the local clothing-optional beach, Samurai, and if you’re lucky, you might spot one of the resident koalas. 

THOU WALLA SUNSET RETREAT

Thou Walla Sunset Retreat
Unwind in a spacious and relaxing cabin.

Best for: couples, glamping, boating

Enjoy a lazy dinner on the deck of your glamping tent at Thou Walla Sunset Retreat as the sky becomes a swirl of dusty pink. The environment surrounding Soldier’s Point is spectacular: get barefoot on the beach, fish off the nearby jetty, or escape to Point Restaurant. The Port Stephens accommodation is also perfectly placed for convenient adventures within the thick of Port Stephens.

One Mile

WANDERERS RETREAT

Wanderers Retreat
The bushland setting will make your stay memorable.

Best for: couples, bushland, privacy

The fairy tale treehouses at Wanderers Retreat are buried deep in the wilderness. There are also cosy self-contained eco-cottages, a Bush Spa Cottage with an outdoor hot tub and the luxurious Beach House with an outdoor tub of its own that seats six. Wake to the music of the birds amid the old-growth melaleucas, which is a habitat for koalas. The luxury Port Stephens accommodation is within walking distance of One Mile Beach and the Tomaree National Park – ideal for those in search of an itinerary with an abundance of nature experiences. 

INGENIA HOLIDAYS ONE MILE BEACH 

Ingenia Holiday Parks One Mile Beach
They offer an array of accommodation options, from luxury villas and homes to cabins.

Best for: Groups, camping, pet-friendly, budget-conscious 

Craving proximity to the beach? Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach is situated within walking distance of the surf and offers a buffet of stays spanning campsites, basic villas and higher-end villas. Even better, there’s direct beach access within the grounds. The creature comforts come by the truckload, too—think a swimming pool, tennis court, a separate ball court, jumping pillow, indoor entertainment room, kids’ playground, BBQs, laundry, a dump point and more. 

PORT STEPHENS KOALA SANCTUARY

Family stand on bungalow at Koala Sanctuary Port Stephens.
Sleep soundly surrounded by bushland and koalas at the Koala Sanctuary. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: families, nature, eco-friendly, glamping

You will be enveloped by nature during a stay at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary , which is fringed by gum trees that draw in crowds keen on spotting koalas in the wild and learning about koala conservation. Set amid eight hectares of stunning bushland, fringed by Worimi Conservation Lands and a stretch of One Mile Beach, the Port Stephens accommodation includes 20 glamping-style safari tents, deluxe studio rooms and one-bedroom deluxe suites. 

THE OASIS 

The Oasis
There are various places to sit and immerse yourself in the nature.

Best for: Families, self-contained living, wildlife spotting 

Home to just nine contemporary cabins, The Oasis offers extremely tranquil living quarters immersed in rich rainforest. Located just 600m from One Mile Beach, the self-contained Port Stephens accommodation features its own private billabong and waterfall, so the adventure starts from the moment you check in. Outdoor BBQ facilities and a large deck encourage social mingling, plus there’s a wellness zone fitted with a sauna, yoga room and plunge pool if utter Zen is on your holiday agenda

Nelson Bay

BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS

Bannisters
Bannisters is remodelled as an ode to the glamorous hotels of the ’60s and ’70s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: couples, luxury, pet-friendly

Bannisters Port Stephens took the bones of an old hotel and totally transformed it, channelling a sun-bleached stripped-back nautical palette that befits the brand. And while trendy crowds have dominated this Port Stephens accommodation for some years now, its October 2024 acquisition by the Salter Brothers group (who also own various Crowne Plazas and the Blue Mountains’ iconic Hydro Majestic among other standout stays) is bound to dial up the luxe all over again. 

Although it doesn’t have actual beachfrontage, Bannisters Port Stephens makes up for that with its water views and quick access to bush and bay. Rick Stein’s magic touch is evident on the menu at his namesake restaurant and there is a kind of village vibe around the infinity pool that makes it feel like a secret hang. If your pooch also enjoys the finer things in life, book one of the pet-friendly rooms and bring them along. 

AMARNA RESORT

Amarna resort
The stunning invisible edge swimming pool is exclusive to guests.

Best for: groups, luxury, beachfront

There are just 11 contemporary apartments located at the five-star Amarna Resort , where you can spot the resident dolphins of Dutchmans Beach from the comfort of your private balcony. 

The position of this Port Stephens accommodation is as high-end as the designer-style retreat, designed to enjoy with your nearest and dearest. Book an in-room massage, take a plunge in the 25m heated pool and spa, and enjoy staring out at a huge slab of sea. 

ILANGA NELSON BAY 

Ilamga Nelson Bay
Experience luxury like no other at this three-bedroom accommodation.

Best for: Exclusivity, privacy, luxury, views, groups 

Looking for a scene stealer? Ilanga Nelson Bay is the cream of the crop, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse offering staggering views across the water. It’s a stylish, white-washed dream inside while amenities including the building’s heated swimming pool, sauna and gym provide everything your clan needs to make this house a home. Additionally, you’re within walking distance (just 300m, in fact) to the centre of Nelson Bay. Grab one of the bedrooms with cushy beds angled directly towards the sea for the ultimate wake-up wonderment. 

THE BEACH ABODE 

The Beach Abode
The Beach Abode can sleep a maximum of 12 guests.

Best for: Instagram fodder, families, groups, décor enthusiasts, privacy 

One of the most outstanding Port Stephens Airbnbs on offer right now, The Beach Abode is a breathtaking build located opposite chilled-out Bagnalls Beach (and the beach’s popular park, so the kids are extra sorted). Housing up to 10 guests, the space is soothing from every angle as a creamy palette of white, caramel and greys creates a calming oasis. The amenities are completely overachieving too as a fully equipped kitchen, kids’ rumpus room with an indoor swing, three smart TVs, open plan living and dining and an outdoor shower mean you never need to leave. 

MANTRA NELSON BAY 

Best for: self-contained comfort, families, groups 

The Mantra chain is a reliably comfortable stay and its Nelson Bay outpost follows suit in style. Offering 110 apartments located on central Tomaree St, the Port Stephens accommodation is clean and tidy while facilities include a 25m lagoon-style swimming pool, children’s splash zone, gym, outdoor BBQ area, underground parking and EV charging stations. The property was put up for sale at the end of 2024, so the well-trodden grounds are likely to improve even further in the coming years. 

HOTEL NELSON 

Hotel Nelson Bay
Hotel Nelson offers an accessible level of comfort to travellers.

Best for: Budget-conscious, couples, accessibility 

An affordable stay in the thick of the action, Hotel Nelson is a boutique apartment pick that ticks loads of boxes. You’re within a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre of town, the price tag is very reasonable, and then there’s the cool and contemporary styling to help you instantly drop those overcharged shoulders and lean into your holiday. If you’re a traveller with access needs, there’s also the Gardenview Accessible Twin room, which is fitted out with ample room, railings and capacity to sleep up to four guests. Arguably the ultimate headline is the fact that The Little Nel, one of the best Port Stephens restaurants, is located right on site. How convenient is that? 

HALIFAX HOLIDAY PARK

Halifax Holiday Park
With two beaches on your doorstep, Halifax makes for a great hideaway.

Best for: families, caravan and camping, pet-friendly

There are plenty of things to do around this park, located amid the blue-water paradise of Halifax Holiday Park. Don’t forget to pack your bucket and spade, as the park is only minutes from Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay. With two beaches on your doorstep, Halifax makes for a great hideaway: peg out your tent on a powered site or Astro-turfed site, pull into a concrete slab with your motorhome or kick back on the deck of a beachside villa. You can also bring your dog along to join in the fun.

THE BAY

The Bay in Port Stephens
This airy space doesn’t skimp on style.

Best for: groups, luxury, pet-friendly

Any fantasies you had of a sea change can be met in the short term with a stay at The Bay. This new gathering spot in Port Stephens is designed to accommodate large groups of friends or extended families (and their furry friends too). The property is sandwiched between Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay and the ‘backyard’ is breathtaking. Inside, it’s all white walls, clean lines and earthy textures and it can sleep 13 comfortably.

Shoal Bay & Fingal Bay

SALT AT SHOAL BAY

Salt at Shoal Bay
Life is sweet at the Salt at Shoal Bay.

Best for: groups, luxury, beachfront

Spend the morning exploring Stockton Beach Sand Dunes and learning about the area’s rich Indigenous heritage before returning to your digs at Salt at Shoal Bay. Life is sweet at this property, as the beachfront location means you can sidestep the crowds and plant your parasol on the sand whenever the mood strikes. Choose between Salt One, on the upper level, Salt Two at ground level and Salt Three, the cottage – all luxurious and supremely comfortable.

SHOAL BAY HOLIDAY PARK

Aerial shot of Shoal Bay Holiday Park and Shoal Bay.
Stroll to the beach after a restful night’s sleep.

Best for: families, pet-friendly, caravan and camping

This picturesque park is located opposite one of the most beautiful beaches on Australia’s East Coast. Located just minutes from the powder-soft sands of Shoal Bay, which is a family-friendly spot to swim, the park is located within close proximity to the heart of cosmopolitan Shoal Bay. Embrace your stripped-back existence in a tent or caravan or stay in an accessible safari tent or villa. Pets are also allowed.

SEASIDE HOLIDAY RESORT 

Best for: Families, accessibility, groups, self-contained living 

Located opposite the beach, Fingal’s Seaside Holiday Resort is a relaxed stay filled with around 60 self-contained apartments. Six of them are fitted out to comfortably welcome guests with wheelchair needs, while all span either two or three-bedroom configurations. You’ll stroll back and forth from holiday dips but do make sure you carve out plenty of time to take advantage of the swimming pool and BBQ facilities.

RAMADA RESORT BY WYNDHAM SHOAL BAY

Room interiors at Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
Ramada Resort offers condo-style self-contained suites.

Best for: groups, families, beachfront

Shoal Bay is a little piece of paradise on the NSW coast. And this Ramada Resort, which fully capitalises on the beachfront location, offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom condo-style self-contained suites that sleep between two and six guests. While a lot of young families come to unwind here, the accommodation also draws multi-generational groups and couples. The resort has a lap pool and resort-style pool with a wading section for little ones, and is close to beaches and Tomaree Headland.

FINGAL BAY HOLIDAY PARK

High shot overlooking Fingal Bay Holiday park and the beach.
Fingal Bay Holiday Park is family-friendly.

Best for: families, pet-friendly, caravan and camping

This popular holiday park has a huge resort pool, giant chessboard, children’s playground and camp kitchen making it an attractive spot for families who want to stay and play in Nelson’s Bay. Accommodation at the park includes powered tent sites, powered van sites, drive-through sites and motorhome sites. The park has cabins to suit a range of budgets, is pet-friendly and has recently upgraded its amenities block.

Salamander Bay & Corlette

OAKS PORT STEPHENS PACIFIC BLUE RESORT

Pool at The Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
The Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort has the largest pool in Australia.

Best for: families, groups, affordable

The Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort has one of the largest pools in Australia, which is one of many reasons it nails the brief for a fab and affordable family or group getaway. Hatch a plan to take advantage of the action stations: there’s a Japanese steam room, a heated spa, an onsite gymnasium and a tennis court. Book a budget-friendly family room or go all out with a swim-out two-bedroom suite.

THE ANCHORAGE

The Anchorage
Wake up to a view of bobbing boats at Anchorage. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: couples, luxury, water views

Wake up to a view of bobbing boats at this breezy resort, which offers absolute waterfront accommodation  on the shores of Port Stephens. There is a mass of choice when it comes to rooms, but couples love the Captain’s Suite, which has fabulous views and a private terrace. Snaffle a sunset slot at the Wild Herring, one of the best places to eat and drink in Port Stephens, and dine in style overlooking the marina.

Karuah, Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest

BOATHOUSE RESORT TEA GARDENS 

Best for: Families, groups, self-contained living, relaxation 

Tea Gardens is a sleepy little town away from the much higher-gloss action of Port Stephens proper, so it’s the perfect chance to lean into some quality family time. Enter Boathouse Resort Tea Gardens , a popular stay offering contemporary fit-outs for families, as well as an action-packed central 25m swimming pool and river views. Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom configurations with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and private balconies. 

BIG4 KARUAH JETTY HOLIDAY PARK 

Big4 Karuah
The modern villa offers spacious open-plan living for families.

Best for: Families, caravan and camping, pet-friendly, boating 

The Big4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park on the shores of the peaceful Karuah River features a private jetty perfect for passionate fishos in the family. The pet-friendly park also has a swimming pool, tennis court, jumping pillow, splash play area, a volleyball court and campfires to warm up around over winter. Make a beeline for a family bungalow or pitch your tent on a powered site. 

GUMBEACHY, TEA GARDENS 

Gumbeachy
This vacation home is only a six-minute walk from Bennetts Beach.

Best for: Groups, pet-friendly, privacy 

Dawn Beach, which runs along Nelson Bay, gives way to lazy walks around Myall Lake and the magical surrounds of Tea Garden at Gumbeachy , a pet-friendly laidback Airbnb. The Port Stephens accommodation says what it does on the tin: it’s about beach and bush, which means it works its magic for a break with everything at your fingertips. Sleeping up to six guests, it’s a deliciously quiet three-bedroom home that is also perfectly placed for adventures around Port Stephens. 

Originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

    For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

    From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

    These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

    1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

    Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
    Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

    There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

    Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

    This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

    2. Super Full Moon Hike

    Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
    Take in the might of a super full moon.

    The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

    Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

    3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

    Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
    See dazzling celestial displays.

    What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

    It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

    Book now for 3 March.

    4. New Moon Hike

    New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
    Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

    A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

    Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

    5. Thredbo River Track

    Thredbo River Track
    Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

    Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

    6. Merritts Nature Track

    Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
    Stop at swimming holes along the way.

    On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

    The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

    7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
    Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

    While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

    The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

    8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

    Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
    Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

    If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

    The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

    Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.