A nature lover’s guide to the best Port Stephens camping

With 26 beaches and bays, a backdrop of ever-shifting sand dunes and large pockets of lush coastal forest, Port Stephens camping is simply extraordinary.

Port Stephens is a region where outdoor pursuits are part of your everyday itinerary. Taking long walks on sugar-white sand, swimming and snorkelling in translucent waters, four-wheel-driving or quad biking on gargantuan sand dunes…

What better place to recount stories of sun-drenched days than around a campfire, before being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean? Covering everything from basic campsites to holiday parks that cater to your every need, our guide to Port Stephens camping will help you escape in no time.

1. Halifax Holiday Park

Conveniently wedged between two beautiful beaches in Port Stephens, and an easy 15-minute walk into the town of Nelson Bay, the location of Halifax Holiday Park can’t be beaten. It offers direct beach access to Little Beach and Shoal Bay Beach, both of which are calm and family-friendly swimming spots (so they’re perfect for stand-up paddle boarding, too). The Port Stephens camping spot is also a popular choice for boaties due to its deepwater boat ramp. As far as your actual digs go, there are powered tent and van sites, plus modern one- to four-bedroom villas, with fully equipped kitchens.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: A boat ramp, BBQs, kiosk, kids’ playground, laundry facilities and direct beach access
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a three-bedroom ‘Accessible Living’ cabin with lowered benches, ramp access, extra-wide parking, a shower chair and more custom features.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 5 Beach Rd, Little Beach, Nelson Bay

2. Shoal Bay Holiday Park

A stroll from the powder-soft white sands of picturesque Shoal Bay Beach and a short walk into the village, this holiday park is a top spot for chilled-out Port Stephens camping. Families with younger kids will love the activities during school holidays; keeping active and entertained is easy with a games room, cycleway just behind the park and on-site tennis court. The park has powered tent and van sites, ensuite van sites, uber comfy safari tents and one-, two- and four-bedroom villas. Just down the road, the Tomaree Headland Summit Walk is a short but challenging hike that offers spectacular views. Top the beachside bliss off with a stop at the Shoal Bay Country Club for a casual feed.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: BBQs, tennis court, laundry, camp kitchen, games room and direct beach access
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a two-bedroom accessible villa with a wheelchair ramp.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 71 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

3. Big4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point 

indoor pool of Ingenia Holidays — Vacationing families will surely love the indoor pool.

Big 4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point is known for its kid-friendly fun thanks to the purpose-built bike track, an indoor kids’ water park, a jungle gym, an outdoor playground, a games room, a pedal kart hire, a giant chess board and more. The kids will no doubt flop into their beds at night, lulled to sleep by the sounds of the ocean, a hundred or so metres away. The Port Stephens camping hot spot features powered and ensuite caravan and campsites, a range of cabins, plus 1970s Airstreams that sleep four.

 Price: $-$$$
Facilities: BBQs, playgrounds, two swimming pools, water playground, bike and pedal kart hire, tennis courts, bowling alley and a kiosk
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a two-bedroom accessible cabin with a low-incline wheelchair ramp, bathroom with handrails, detachable shower head and accessible benchtops.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but only at selected sites.
Address: 122 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

4. Thou Walla Sunset Retreat

Located at the tip of Soldiers Point, Thou Walla Sunset Retreat is – as the name suggests – a spectacular location to enjoy a sky show as the sun dips behind the horizon. The park has access to two beaches, a nearby boat ramp and marina, tennis court, and is close to the Port Stephens Yacht Club and refined Point Restaurant. Accommodation types include caravan sites, one- and two-bedroom cabins, and glamping tents with amazing views of the sunsets.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, glamping tents, BBQs, camp kitchen and laundry
Accessibility: Yes, there are accessible bathroom facilities for campers.
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: 2 Ridgeway Ave, Soldiers Point

5. Gateway Lifestyle Birubi Beach

room at Gateway Lifestyle Birubi Beach — Rooms are made for comfortable rest after a full day of adventures.

Located near Birubi Beach, which extends from Port Stephens to Stockton, this holiday park is the perfect base for sand-based adventures. The patrolled beach has four-wheel-drive access to the Stockton Sand Dunes, is famous for camel rides, and is safe for swimming and surfing plus exploring the rock pools. The park itself has unpowered and powered tent and van sites, in addition to one- and two-bedroom cabins.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Mini golf, a heated pool, kids’ playground, beach access, camp kitchens, and ping pong
Accessibility: Yes, but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across selected stays but all furry friends must be registered.
Address: 37 James Paterson St, Anna Bay

6. Big4 Bays Holiday Park

A little further away from the coast, Big4 Bays Holiday Park is yet another Port Stephens camping pick guaranteed to send the kids straight to heaven. It has a pool with a slide, plus plenty of activities for little ones, in addition to a wide choice of accommodation options. Choose from powered and unpowered sites, one- to three-bedroom cabins, and three ‘cosy’ caravans with coastal cool styling and contemporary finishes. The park is also close to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, a must-visit for ocean lovers, and Birubi Beach.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, playgrounds, pedal karts, giant jumping pillow, camp kitchen, BBQs, two amenities blocks and a laundry
Accessibility: Yes, there is an accessible amenities block for campers.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and sites, and there’s even a dog wash to keep them clean.
Address: 23 Port Stephens Drive, Anna Bay

7. Ganyamalbaa Camping Trial

On a remote beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands, the Ganyamalbaa Camping Trial is suitable for tents and single-axel camper trailers only. It’s the only place you’re allowed to camp within the conservation area and sites must be booked but do make the extra effort because the experience is one-of-a-kind. There are no facilities (i.e. not even toilets or water) so you’ll need to bring everything. The trade-off? Sleeping peacefully under a blanket of stars, with immediate access to the dunes, four-wheel-driving and quad biking.

Price: $
Facilities: Fire pits and that’s really about it — BYO water, a portable camp toilet and firewood.
Accessibility: No
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: Worimi Conservation Lands, Fern Bay

8. Fingal Bay Holiday Park

High shot overlooking Fingal Bay Holiday park and the beach. — Fingal Bay Holiday Park is made for families.

A family favourite for Port Stephens camping and caravanning, Fingal Bay Holiday Park is a large spot located directly opposite a patrolled beach, which is super convenient for surfers. It’s also excellent for whale watching between May and November when migration season strikes. The park has a swimming pool, tennis court, games room, playground and school holiday activities for kids. You can choose from powered tent and van sites, ensuite sites, and one- to three-bedroom cabins.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, tennis court, games room, children’s playground, BBQs, direct beach access, a camp kitchen, laundry and picnic areas
Accessibility: Yes, there’s a three-bedroom deluxe villa with lower benches, safety rails and a wheelchair ramp.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, but you must register your pooch before setting up.
Address: 52 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay

9. Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

Beach lovers flock to Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach for the seemingly endless stretch of sand right on its doorstep. Kids are well catered to as various activities provide plenty of entertainment while the on-site pool, tennis court and basketball court provide after-beach fun for the whole family. There are powered and unpowered sites for camping and caravans, and everything from budget cabins to a luxury beach house sleeping eight.

Features: unpowered and powered sites, cabins, pool, playground, tennis, barbecues, pet-friendly, beach access, surf school, cafe

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, tennis court, entertainment room, laundry, children’s playground, ball court, BBQs, glamping tents, a dump point, restaurant, bar and direct beach access.
Accessibility: Yes, with rails in some parts but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and camping sites.

Address: 426 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile

 10. Samurai Beach Bungalows

Nestled in Tomaree National Park, Samurai Beach Bungalows is a peaceful spot surrounded by ocean, dunes and headlands. The only catch? Clothing is optional. Yep, if you’re comfortable in your own skin (literally just your own skin) or don’t mind others who are, then you can spend your days here surfing, fishing and exploring the dunes. The Port Stephens camping spot is a YHA, so expect crowds of youngsters taking advantage of extensive facilities, free-flowing wi-fi and affordable price tags.

Price: $-$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, games room, BBQ, rentable bikes, reading room, a tour desk and pool table
Accessibility: Yes, but call reception in advance to discuss your unique accessible needs.
Dog-friendly?: No
Address: 2 Robert Connell Close, Anna Bay

11. Big 4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park

Looking for some serious serenity? The Big4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park right off Karuah River has its own private jetty to help you and your family live out your ultimate waterfront holiday dreams. Better still, many of the sites and cabins welcome dogs so the whole clan is invited. Choose from self-contained stays, such as a family bungalow, or powered sites with creature comforts located right nearby.

Price: $-$$$
Facilities: Swimming pool, camp kitchen, laundry, tennis court, giant jumping pillow, splash zone for kids, volleyball court and campfires.
Accessibility: Yes, but there are no specialised areas for guests with access needs.
Dog-friendly?: Yes, across select cabins and camping sites.
Address: 88 Holdom Rd, Karuah

Originally written by Megan Arkinstall with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

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

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

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

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.