A Guide to Port Stephens Beaches & Bays

Map out your sun-filled holiday in Port Stephens with this guide to its beaches and bays

Flanked by the Pacific Ocean on one side, Karuah River on the other and with 26 beaches lining its coast, Port Stephens is an aquatic playground for swimmers, surfers, watersports, boating enthusiasts and anyone who loves to soak up the sun, sand and sea. If this sounds like you, this guide to Port Stephens beaches and bays will help you plan your next seaside holiday.

Nelson Bay

Little Beach

Best for: families, boating, fishing

Nestled between Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, Little Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm and clear waters. Kids will enjoy splashing about in the shallows and making sandcastles with the clean sand.

Turtles can sometimes be spotted here, so pack some snorkels and keep an eye out. It also has a grassy area with barbecues and a playground, for relaxed beachside picnics. There is also a boat ramp and jetty for fishing and cruising about.

Nelson Bay Beach

High shot of Fly Point and the Nelson Bay foreshore. — Fly Point is a haven for diving and snorkelling. (Image: Destination Port Stephens)

Best for: families, diving and snorkelling

Nelson Bay is home to a small swimming bay, which is a great spot for families thanks to the calm conditions and convenient location in town.

It’s also a haven for diving and snorkelling at Fly Point Aquatic Reserve, a protected aquatic sanctuary located between Nelson Bay and Little Beach, where you can swim among sponge gardens and may spot blue groupers, wobbegong sharks and seahorses, among other marine species. The foreshore behind the bay has a picnic area and playground, an ideal post-dip lunch locale.

Dutchmans Beach

Best for: families, walking track, paddleboarding

Sometimes referred to as ‘Dutchies’ by locals, this beach has clear water and white sand and is ideal for stand-up paddle boarding. At high tide, the beach is narrow, so it’s best to visit at low tide if you want to relax on the sand. There is a grassy area with barbecues and a playground for kids. There is also a coastal walking path that runs from Nelson Bay to Dutchies and onto Bagnalls Beach.

Port Stephens

Sunset Beach

Best for: scenery, sunsets

On the western side of Soldiers Point, a location renowned for its sunsets, this aptly named beach is most spectacular at the end of the day when the sun melts into the horizon. Of course, it’s worth a visit during daylight hours too; swimming is best at high tide.

Bagnalls Beach

Shot of Corlette beach. — Corlette is just north of Bagnalls. (Image: Destination Port Stephens)

Best for: families, walking track, dogs

This white sand beach, just south of Corlette, can be reached by the coastal pathway that runs from Nelson Bay. Dogs are also allowed off-leash here, so if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend this is the beach for you. Black swans also frequent here, who come to feed on the seagrass in this shallow bay. There are three reserves along this stretch, with picnic areas, barbecues, toilets and a playground.

Wanda Beach

Best for: families, fishing, boating

Located at the northern end of Salamander Bay, which is an estuarine environment, Wanda Beach is a calm spot that’s perfect for relaxed dips and for kids to splash about.

The white-sand beach faces the mouth of Port Stephens and has a lot of seaweed in some areas; swimming is best out the front of George Reserve or take a paddleboard or kayak. The reserve has barbecues, undercover picnic tables and a playground.

There is also a boat ramp and jetty, which you can fish right off, and Bannisters Port Stephens is located at the western end of the beach if you want a relaxed drink afterwards at its gastropub Cheeky Dog.

Shoal Bay

Shoal Bay Beach

Aerial shot of two paddleboarders next to wooden row boat. — This long, curved beach is bookended by Nelson Bay Lighthouse and Mount Tomaree. (Image: Destination Port Stephens)

Best for: families, fishing, snorkelling

Boasting soft white sand and aquamarine waters, this long, curved beach is bookended by Nelson Bay Lighthouse and Mount Tomaree. Mostly gentle conditions make it a favourite with families and great for paddle boarding, and its location adjoining Shoal Bay village is convenient for fish and chip breaks on long beach days.

At the eastern end of the beach, there’s a jetty and picnic area; keen fishermen frequent this area for beach and rock fishing. Snorkelling is also possible, as the beach has extensive seagrass meadows where cuttlefish and seahorses sometimes hide out.

Zenith Beach

Zennith Beach in Port Stephens — Swimming at Zennith Beach isn’t recommended due to dangerous water conditions. (Image: Destination NSW)

Best for: fishing, watching the sunrise

Wedged between two headlands in Tomaree National Park, Zenith Beach is known for its sugar-white sand and turquoise water. Accessed via two walking tracks, it’s a scenic spot to watch the sunrise and snap the perfect Instagram shot. You shouldn’t swim here though, as it is too dangerous. It’s part of the Great Lakes Marine Park so you may even spot dolphins here and whales during their annual migration.

Wreck Beach

Best for: seclusion, surfing, fishing

Located in Tomaree National Park, this peaceful cove is somewhat of a little secret, tucked away in Shoal Bay. To access this secluded beach, start at Verona Road, and follow the track to a fire trail; you’ll weave through angophora forest that opens to the beach. It can be steep in some sections and is two kilometres return. Swimming is possible but strong rips can occur.

Box Beach

Best for: seclusion, surfing, fishing

Between Fingal Bay and Shoal Bay, Box Beach is accessed by a 200-metre walkway from the car park and is frequented year-round by surfers. Like the other beaches along this stretch of coast, it has white sand and pristine water. Swimming here can be a little hazardous at times, but the edges of the beach can sometimes comprise shallow rock pools for splashing around in. Rock fishing is also popular here.

Anna Bay

One Mile Beach

High shot of Box Beach near Shoal Bay. — Box Beach is frequented year-round by surfers. (Image: Destination Port Stephens)

Best for: families, swimming, surfing

Despite its name, this Anna Bay beach stretches for 1.3 kilometres and is backed by dunes that reach up to 400 metres. It’s popular with families because it has calm conditions at its southern end and shallows that are perfect for small kids. It’s a great place to learn to surf as it’s also patrolled in summer. There’s a picnic area and a kiosk that operates from the surf club.

Samurai Beach

Best for: nudists, surfing, four-wheel-driving

Beware: if you prefer your beachgoers clothed, this one isn’t for you. This nudist beach in Tomaree National Park is reached via a walking track or four-wheel drive and is great for surfing and beach driving. It experiences consistent rips, so swimming is best for strong swimmers. There’s also a camping ground here, if you want to stay overnight.

Birubi Beach

Best for: four-wheel-driving, sand dunes, camel riding

This wide, open beach is the gateway to the famous Worimi Conservation Lands and Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, which are accessible by four-wheel drive.

The dunes are a natural adventure playground, on which you can enjoy quad biking and sandboarding. Birubi Beach is great for surfing, and beginners can book lessons here, but conditions can be a bit tricky during moderate to big swells.

There is a kiosk and café at the surf club (it’s patrolled during beach season), a picnic area, and it’s also home to aboriginal middens at Birubi Point. Camel rides are also available along the beach with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides , which operates during the day and at sunset.

Fingal Bay

Fingal Beach

Best for: Families, whale watching, surfing and paddle boarding

Surrounded by Tomaree National Park, Fingal Bay is a favourite with families, for its sugar-white sand and calm, patrolled beach (during beach season). Surfers also regularly grace its waves and it’s a great spot to take a surf lesson or go paddleboarding.

What makes this beach so unique is the sand bridge known as ‘The Spit’ that leads across to Fingal (Shark) Island, which is also home to the 1862-built Port Stephens Lighthouse and the ruins of its caretakers’ cottage. (It is important that you do not cross over the spit if there is any water over it, due to strong currents).

There is also a whale-watching platform here, to try and spot these majestic mammals pass by the coast between May and November. Coffee and food are easily available at the surf club’s restaurant and café, and little ones can play at Fingal Bay Foreshore Reserve, which has a children’s playground.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

A guide to Port Stephens beaches and bays