We can’t get enough of Nelson Bay. This is one of New South Wales’ most beautiful coastal spots, right in the heart of the Port Stephens region. It’s famous for its golden beaches, crystal blue water and for being the place to be for some outdoor fun and just over two and a half hours from Sydney and 50 minutes from Newcastle, Nelson Bay is the perfect place to enjoy a little getaway.
And if you need the ultimate guide to what to do in Nelson Bay, we’ve got it covered. Check out our recs and start planning your next coastal escape!
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Beach Hopping around Nelson Bay area
It’s so easy to explore Nelson Bay once you’re there. If you go by car, you’ll be able to visit some of the best beaches in Port Stephens and see what each one has to offer. There’s surfing, swimming and plenty of places to chill, plus great weather too. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s plenty of places to visit in Nelson Bay and beyond.
Zenith Beach
We can’t wait for you to explore Zenith Beach. We reckon it’s one of the most beautiful bits of coastline in Australia. Hidden away in Tomaree National Park, there’s some dramatic headlands, but gorgeous turquoise water, so a must for some ‘Gram-worthy pics or somewhere to just enjoy the view.
It’s the perfect spot for some strolls and enjoying time with your mates or family. The water isn’t always the best for swimming, but you can definitely enjoy soaking up the stunning surroundings.
Why we love it
Postcard-worthy photo spots and beach days without the crowds. Go early and enjoy having the place to yourself… Such a great way to start your day.
Wreck Beach
Don’t be fooled by the name. Wreck Beach is an unreal secluded cove that you can get to through a walking trail and is well worth the effort. It’s peaceful, chilled and the views are unbelievable.
The walk is a big part of things here, taking you through a bit of bush before you reach the sand. But once you’re there, you’ll be able to pitch up and enjoy relaxing on the beach. If you visit during the whale migration season (May to November, especially in June and August), you might even get to see some humpback whales! One of our favorite places to visit in Nelson Bay.
Why we love it
This one is a bit special and feels like a close-kept secret. Take a picnic and really enjoy this quieter part of Port Stephens.
Fingal Beach
For a true Aussie beach day, you need to go to Fingal Beach, it delivers every time. It has beautiful, soft white sand and is a great spot for families wanting to spend a day in the sun.
Your visit needs to include Fingal Spit, a natural sandbar you’ll get to see when the tide is low. It leads out towards Fingal Island, which is worth a visit too. Be careful, and check conditions before you decide to give it a go.
Why we love it
This is the place for things to do in Nelson Bay if you want a day of sun, surf and sand.
Box Beach
Another hidden gem, but this time near Shoal Bay, Box Beach is another local spot to seek out. You’ll find a lot of rugged bushlands surrounding it, but the coast itself is beautiful, and very peaceful too.
Ideal for a picnic or a day chilling on the sand, you can really slow down and relax here. It’s a top example of why people fall in love with Port Stephens.
Why we love it
Heading to Box Beach feels like a bit of an adventure. It’s off the beaten track, but so worth the journey to get there.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
We reckon a spot of dolphin and whale watching is top of the list of activities to do in Nelson Bay. Not only do you get to go out on the water, but you could see some really special stuff in the sea.
Dolphin Watching
Did you know Port Stephens is home to 140 resident bottlenose dolphins? Our favourite sea mammals are here all year, so it’s easy to see why dolphin watching is so popular. Cruises head out daily from Nelson Bay Marina, taking visitors out to the more sheltered parts of Port Stephens to see the dolphins swim along the boats. It’s an unforgettable experience, and something that’s fun for everyone.
Why we love it
Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is amazing. Whether you go with your family, as a couple, or with your mates, you’ll never forget this magical experience.
Whale Watching
As if things could get any more exciting, another one of the top things to do in Nelson Bay is to go and see the whales! From May to November, you can see thousands of humpback whales migrate along the New South Wales coast as they pass Port Stephens.
Some of the best sightings happen in June and August, as this is when the whales head north. But if you come in September and October, you might just spot some mums with their calves. Whale-watching cruises set off from Nelson Bay Marina, so it’ll be easy to get out and see it for yourself.
Why we love it
Being able to see a humpback whale at close range is a real bucket-list moment. If you need to know what to do in Nelson Bay, this is definitely it.
Swim with Dolphins
Sometimes, getting out on the boat isn’t enough. You could also get the chance to swim with wild dolphins in Port Stephens. Did you hear that, Hawaii?
Once you’ve had a safety briefing, you can head into the bay and swim with the dolphins nearby. This really is a unique experience, and we reckon it’s one of our faves.
Why we love it
One-in-a-lifetime adventures don’t get much better than this. It’s a chance to really get up close with nature and see these beautiful animals in the wild.
Water fun activities
Nelson Bay is one of the perfect places for outdoor adventures. Not only are there surfing and swimming, but you can easily spend the day enjoying other water activities too.
Kayaking / Canoeing / Paddleboarding
If you fancy exploring the coastline on the water, Nelson Bay delivers. You can hire a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard and take in Port Stephens from the water.
The waters are pretty calm, so it’s perfect for beginners. If you want a bit of a challenge, head further up the coast to find some of the more hidden spots. You’ll probably see some dolphins, rays and seabirds while you’re out there!
Why we love it
Grab a paddle, take your time and enjoy a peaceful day out in Nelson Bay.
The Rocky Cauldron / Rock Pools
This is great for families! There’s rock pools all over Port Stephens, so if you want to know what to do in Nelson Bay as a family, this is it. During the low tide, you can find loads of different marine life, like tiny fish, shells and crabs, so the kids might learn a little something too.
Perfect for a beach day alternative, especially if the weather isn’t so great.
Why we love it
Kids love exploring, and adults will love the stunning views.
Surf Day at One Mile Beach
Want some bigger waves? One Mile Beach is one of our fav surfing destinations. The long sandy beach has some amazing conditions for experienced surfers, but families will also love chilling by the sea.
It’s really easy to make a day of it here thanks to picnic facilities, sand dunes and easy walking trails. Get out early and make the most of it!
Why we love it
If you love early morning surfing or just want to spend a day in the sun, you’ll be able to do it all and more at One Mile Beach.
Nature adventures
So while beach days are some of our fave things to do in Nelson Bay, there’s loads more to do than just that. There are some gorgeous national parks, coastal viewpoints and plenty of places for a stroll. If you love spending time outdoors, it’s the place for you.
Sunset at Gan Gan Lookout
We reckon this is one of the best views in all of Port Stephens. You’ll find the best sunset at Gan Gan Lookout, way above the coastline. You’ll see Nelson Bay, the harbour and Tomaree Peninsula, as well as all of the surrounding waterways. Go in the late afternoon, as nothing beats this sunset.
Why we love it
A stunning view with little effort, you can get here easily by car and then head somewhere for dinner later. Of all the places to visit in Nelson Bay, this is one of the most special.
Tomaree Coastal Walk
If you want to stretch your legs a bit (or a lot), then go hiking along the Tomaree Coastal Walk. It’s a really rewarding hike with unreal views and the chance to soak up all the impressive scenery.
There’s different routes available, so something for every type of hiker.
Why we love it
If you love hidden beaches and amazing scenery, you won’t want to miss this. Remember to take your camera to capture all of the impressive spots.
Hike to Stephens Peak
This one’s a bit more of a challenge! But if you’re up for it, go to Stephens Peak. You’ll get to see epic views of Port Stephens and beyond.
The trail starts through some natural bushland before you reach some amazing viewpoints. There’s nowhere in New South Wales like it!
Why we love it
The climb is well worth the effort. On a clear day, you’ll be greeted with views that stretch for miles and miles.
Bike around Corlette
Hire a bike and get over to Corlette. This is a fun activity to do in Nelson Bay and gives you a good chance to see it all. It’s made really easy with the help of cycle routes and picnic spots, so you’ll be able to enjoy a good chunk of time here before you go back to Nelson Bay.
Why we love it
Take things slow, stop for a coffee and just enjoy the views. Visitors always say this is one of the highlights of their visit.
Enjoy a nice dinner by the marina
Once you’ve finished exploring, you can go and enjoy some of the best places to eat around Nelson Bay Marina. Once the sun sets, you’ll find plenty of locals grabbing fresh seafood and enjoying relaxing by the water.
If you love seafood, you’ll love what’s on offer. There are loads of restaurants serving freshly caught fish, prawns and oysters, cooked by some amazing chefs. This is a perfect spot for casual dining.
If you want something a bit special, The Wood Oven is a popular spot for pizza and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The Wharf Restaurant is another waterfront dining spot for some fresh seafood. We also love Sandpipers Restaurant for some modern Aussie food and a fancy occasion. There might be loads of activities to do in Nelson Bay, but there’s some top eats too.
Day Trips from Nelson Bay
If you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days in the area, then there’s still loads to see. From cities on the coast to national parks, we’ve got you covered for what to do in Port Stephens and beyond.
Hawks Nest Area & Myall Lakes National Park
True nature is just a 40-minute drive from Nelson Bay and includes a short ferry ride from Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens to get to Hawks Nest and Myall Lakes National Park.
You can spend the day relaxing at Jimmu’s Beach or Bennetts Beach, which are both known for their peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. If you want an adventure, give the Yacaaba Headland Summit Walk a go, it’s worth it for the views.
A little further is the Myall Lakes National Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, bushwalking and birdwatching. It’s peaceful, but well worth it.
Why we love it
Swap the beach for an open space that’s packed with nature and known for being one of the quieter spots in the region.
Newcastle
Newcastle is just under an hour’s drive from Nelson Bay, so it’s perfect for a day trip to the city.
You can check out cafés, shopping, galleries and of course, some of the best surf beaches in New South Wales. Darby Street is worth a visit, and you can also explore the waterfront or Newcastle Beach or Merewether Beach.
If you’ve got the time, don’t miss the Newcastle Memorial Walk, where you can enjoy the ocean views and take in a bit of local history too.
Why we love it
Newcastle is laid back and really different from Sydney, so it’s perfect for a wander and a change of scenery.
Stay at the heart of it all with Oaks Hotels
Now that you know what to do in Nelson Bay, you need to find somewhere amazing to stay. A stay with us at Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites means you’ll be close to the marina, restaurants and various attractions, helping you make the most of every minute. From dolphin watching to hiking, everything is easy to get to from here.
Our apartments are self-contained and have everything you need for a great stay. We’ve got sizes suitable for couples, families and groups, so you’ll have plenty of space to chill after your adventures. There are fully equipped kitchens, comfy living spaces and some private balconies available, giving you everything you need to enjoy yourself.
And if you need a day to relax after all of that exploring, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a bit of pampering time at the spa. We’ve also got on-site parking to make it easier for you to get to us.
To wrap it up!
Adventures are everywhere in Port Stephens. There are some real bucket list experiences to enjoy here, from dolphin cruises to breathtaking hikes, with plenty of places to visit in Nelson Bay and beyond. It’s so easy to get around, and a stay at Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites will put you at the heart of it all.
