Welcome to the coastal paradise of Port Stephens, where crystal-clear waters meet golden sands and adventure awaits at every corner. If you’re planning a getaway to this stunning Australian destination and wondering how to make the most of your time, look no further! We’ve crafted the ultimate 4 day Port Stephens itinerary that will immerse you in the beauty and adventure that Port Stephens has to offer.
Port Stephens is a coastal haven nestled on the eastern coast of Australia and is only a 2-3 hour drive from Sydney. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant marine life and breathtaking landscapes its a treasure trove of natural wonders and exciting adventure. Be prepared for a wide array of activities for traveler’s of all interests.
How to get to Port Stephens?
Traveling to Port Stephens from Sydney offers convenience through multiple transportation options. Drive 2-3 hours by car drive from Sydney to Port Stephens. If you don’t have access to a car, take a train from Central Station Sydney to Newcastle Interchange, followed by a 130 bus ride to Port Stephens, though this option takes over four hours. Click here to check out the train timetable.
Fly to Newcastle Airport from various locations like Gold Coast, Coolangatta, Ballina, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. From the airport it’s a short 3 minute walk to the 130 bus stop. This 70 minute bus ride or a 30 minute drive offers a hassle-free way to start your Port Stephens adventure.
Check out flights below.
Where to stay in Port Stephens?
Port Stephens caters to all travelers with diverse accommodation options. From luxurious beachfront resorts to beach front Caravan Parks, there’s a welcoming place for everyone, whether on a romantic escape, family vacation or solo adventure.
Check out a wide range of options on Booking.com below.
The Ultimate 4 day Port Stephens itinerary starts now.
Day 1: Explore Port Stephens and enjoy the best summit views for sunset.
Start your Port Stephens adventure by checking out all Port Stephen has to offer. This includes driving around the seaside towns Nelson Bay, Salamanca Bay and Shoal Bay,
Head to Shoal Bay to kick off your trip with a leisurely swim or a relaxing walk along the pristine shores. There are lots of local cafes and restaurants to choose from at Shoal Bay, savouring fresh seafood and breathtaking views. Walk along the marina and try the delicious ice cream from The Marina Ice Creamery.
Afternoon:
For breathtaking panoramic views of Port Stephens, embark on the Tomaree Head Summit Walk. This moderate hike leads to the summit of Tomaree Headland where you can see with stunning views of the coastline. The summit walk is only a short 20-30 minute walk up however be prepared for some steep paths and stairs. The views from the top are incredible with a few viewing platforms to choose from. At the top you are rewarded with panoramic views of Shoal Bay and Zenith Beach.
Be sure to stay up at Mount Tomaree to watch the sunset. For a dinner head down to Shoal Bay for a variety of different cuisine serving restaurants. A few well known ones are The Game O Bistro, Atmos, Shoal Bay country club, Mod Thai.
Want to see more incredible sunset hikes in NSW? Check out our ultimate guide to the Blue mountains here.
Day 2: Enjoy Beach Bliss and some epic Sand Dunes.
Morning:
This is an early morning start but when you see Zenith Beach at sunrise it will be all worth it.
For sunrise photography in Port Stephens, Zenith Beach is a photographer’s dream. With Mount Tomaree, the sunrise and the rocks you can see why it’s a photographer’s favourite.
Depending on the wind Zenith Beach can sometimes be a nice, calm great beach to swim at. Unfortunately when we were there it was quite rough so we didn’t swim. Lucky for us there are many other great beaches to swim at in our 4 Day Port Stephens itinerary.
Afternoon:
Just down the road from Zenith Beach you have more stunning coastline which is made up of Wreck Beach, Box Beach and Fingal Bay. Enjoy the sun relaxing at these Bays or if its low tide at Fingal Bay walk long the Fingal Spit that connects the mainland with Shark Island.
Sunset:
To capture an unforgettable sunset head to the Stockton Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands (the largest moving dunes in the southern hemisphere). Park at the bottom main carpark to conquer these towering dunes and take in the desert-like landscape. Watching the dunes turn golden orange at sunset was truely incredible and we loved shooting here.
During the day you can experience the adrenaline rush with quad biking, 4WD and sand boarding tours down the 30 metre slopes to learn about the Worimi peoples connections to these ancient lands.
Check out some of the best Port Stephens activities below.
Day 3: Watch the sunrise and enjoy more beach relaxation.
Morning:
If you love waking up early to watch the sunrise than we highly recommend checking out Mount Tomaree summit for sunrise.
The trail up only takes about 20-30 minutes but remember to take a head torch or phone as you will be starting in the dark. This moderate hike rewards you with panoramic views of Port Stephens, making it a perfect start to your day. We loved watching both sunrise and sunset from Mount Tomaree and that’s why we have included both is our 4 Day Port Stephens itinerary.
After the hike head back down and grab breakfast in town at Nelson Bay. Check out The Little Nel for amazing ocean front views, great coffee and food.
Afternoon:
One of the most enticing aspects of Port Stephens is its picturesque coastline. Whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a beach picnic you’ll be captivated by the crystal-clear waters and gentle waves.
Spend your final afternoon enjoying more of the pristine One Mile Beach (also known to local surfers as Anna Bay) The 1.3 km long beach is great for swimming and surfing. A caravan park and small kiosk lie just behind the beach where you can get boogie boards and stroll to the beach through the sand dunes.
Day 4: Visit the Rock Pools on the last day of your Port Stephens itinerary.
The last day on this Port Stephens itinerary you must visit the secret rock pools which are the hidden gem of Boat Harbour. You will find these rock pools scattered along the rocky shoreline. The crystal clear waters create a clear protected rock pool, inviting you to explore the fascinating underwater ecosystems or to simply just enjoy floating in their calm water.
The best time to visit is at low tide and on a calm day, when the pools are exposed and crystal clear. If the tide rises and the wind picks up the rock pools are submerged and are not as clear.
The first time we visited the rook pool it was too windy and the water was not clear. Please don’t jump in if it’s rough as the waves can break over this rock pool. For our second visit we went in the morning when the wind was low and the water was clear.
Afternoon:
Visit Shoal Bay for its serene ambiance and vibrant foreshore. The bay is excellent for swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants in Shoal Bay, reminiscing about your unforgettable 4 day fun Port Stephens itinerary.
That’s it for your 4 day Port Stephens itinerary. We hope you enjoyed it!
With this carefully crafted Port Stephens itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Port Stephens. From thrilling sand dune adventures, serene beach relaxation to hidden gems. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure or a bit of both, you’ll find it in this coastal paradise. Port Stephens is waiting to welcome you with open arms and natural beauty beyond compare.
Want to read more about incredible road trips through Australia? Visit our guides on The Blue Mountains, Wilson’s Promontory, Margaret River Region, Great Ocean Road, Western Australia, , Tasmania and Byron Bay.
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