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

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .