Thinking about a trip to Port Stephens with the kids? You’re in the right place. It works well for a quick weekend away; you won’t need a packed plan to enjoy it. Between wildlife encounters, easy beach days and a mix of outdoor and hands-on activities, finding family activities in Australia, specifically in coastal destinations like this, is surprisingly easy.
It’s also just a couple of hours north of Sydney, which makes it easy to come back more than once. Here you’ll find our guide to the best things to do in Port Stephens with kids.
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Things to Do with Kids in Port Stephens for a Fun Day Out
1. Toboggan Hill Park
At Toboggan Hill Park, you could spend a few hours without really noticing and it's just around the corner from Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort. The toboggan run is the main draw, but once you’re there, kids tend to move between mini golf, climbing and whatever catches their attention next. It’s all about fun and good energy.
2. Zone Out Amusement Centre
If the weather turns, Zone Out Amusement Centre in Nelson Bay is an easy fallback. It’s a mix of arcade games, VR and mini golf, a spot where kids tend to stay longer than planned. Not the most unique stop, but a reliable one when you need it.
3. David Grahams Golf Complex
A family activity in Port Stephens that’s actually fun for all ages is visiting David Grahams Golf Complex, which offers a mix of mini golf, driving ranges, baseball batting cages, and Frisbee golf. There’s a bit of everything, so people tend to find their thing.
4. Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
It’s worth a stop at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, especially if your family loves nature. Kids can explore the extensive walking trails, spot local wildlife, and enjoy picnic areas surrounded by beautiful gardens. You’ll also find occasional educational programmes, and you can learn together about plants, insects and local ecosystems in a way that actually keeps them interested.
5. Gan Gan Lookout & Tomaree Head Summit Walk
If you feel like slowing things down, Gan Gan Lookout provides sweeping views of the bay, perfect for spotting your favourite beaches and local wildlife. For a more active adventure, the Tomaree Head Summit Walk rewards the effort with some of the best coastal views in the area.
Animal Encounters in Port Stephens
1. Oakvale Wildlife Park
Australia is full of family activities that allow you to see local wildlife up close. Just 20 minutes away from Oaks Pacific Blue Resort towards the airport, you’ll find Oakvale Wildlife Park. Meet native wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, quokkas and cassowaries, or explore the farm with llamas, Highland cows, donkeys, goats, guinea pigs and more. Kids can also enjoy tractor rides, a baby animal nursery, a playground and daily shows.
During warmer months, kids can cool off in Splash Bay, a water playground designed specifically for the little ones.
2. Dolphin Experiences with Kids
One of the most iconic things to do in Port Stephens is dolphin watching with kids. The bay is home to a resident population that can be seen year-round. A short cruise from Nelson Bay is usually all it takes, with guides sharing insights into their behaviour along the way.
For something a bit different, consider Dolphin Swim Australia, where you and your children can get out on the water and, depending on the day, get fairly close to dolphins. The tours focus on responsible interaction, giving the whole crew a unique opportunity to get close to these friendly animals in their natural environment.
3. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Anna Bay is another memorable stop. Here you can explore shallow lagoons and get surprisingly close to sharks, rays and other marine life. Along the way, kids can learn more about conservation and why protecting these environments matters.
4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is ideal for kids eager to see koalas in a natural bushland setting. The Sanctuary Story Walk offers an easy, immersive trail where kids can learn about koalas, their habitat and ongoing conservation efforts.
Adventure-Filled Family Activities in Port Stephens, Australia
When you’re ready to swap the beach for something a bit more active, there’s plenty more to try nearby.
1. Sandboarding & Quad Bike Adventures
Stockton Beach is another great place to visit. Your older kids can experience the rush of sandboarding down the massive dunes, while teens and adults can take to the dunes on quad bike tours for an extra adrenaline hit. It’s not your usual way of getting around, which is part of the fun. You’re out on the dunes, moving around with a guide, and it all feels pretty easy to follow.
2. Go Karts Go & Sahara Trails Horse Riding
For something with a bit of everything to keep everyone entertained, this is an excellent option. Go Karts Go in Nelson Bay offers double karts so parents and kids can ride together, while older children can try solo karts. Meanwhile, Sahara Trails runs guided horse riding experiences along bush tracks, beaches or dunes, giving kids a chance to connect with nature in a relaxed, safe setting.
3. Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Enjoy the water at Port Stephens Paddlesports, which offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire. The calm waters around Shoal Bay and Myall Lakes are ideal, with a good chance of spotting marine life along the way.
4. Snorkelling & Surfing Lessons
When it comes to things to do in Port Stephens, snorkelling and surfing are great options for kids of all ages. Younger children or those keen to learn about the ocean will love Fly Point Snorkelling, which provides a safe and engaging introduction to marine life. For slightly older kids, the Port Stephens Surf School offers beginner-friendly lessons at family-friendly beaches such as One Mile Beach, Birubi Beach, and Fingal Bay, giving everyone a chance to catch their first waves.
Child-Friendly Port Stephens Beaches & Seaside Towns
1. Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay is a favourite for families with younger children, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and easy access to picnic areas and walking paths. It’s the kind of spot where you can spend the morning paddling, set up a relaxed picnic, or take an easy stroll along the shoreline without needing much of a plan.
2. Little Beach
Little Beach offers a more sheltered setting, ideal for kids to splash around, build sandcastles and enjoy a laidback day by the water. Nearby playgrounds and grassy areas make it easy to switch things up when little ones need a break from the sand.
3. Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is patrolled during the busier months, which makes it easier for kids to learn to swim, try stand-up paddleboarding, or simply enjoy some waves. The nearby coastal cycleways are well worth exploring; they’re a fun family activity in Port Stephens with scenic routes.
4. Birubi Beach at Anna Bay
Seeking a more adventurous beach experience? Birubi Beach at Anna Bay offers access to the Stockton Sand Dunes, where older kids can try sandboarding or even camel rides across the dunes. It’s a combination of thrill and natural beauty that the whole family can enjoy.
5. Coastal Towns: Tanilba Bay & Lemon Tree Passage
For a different family activity beyond the beaches, visit charming coastal towns like Tanilba Bay and Lemon Tree Passage. These small communities feature large playgrounds, waterside cafés, and gentle walking trails, making them a good place for letting kids run free while parents unwind by the water.
Stay, Relax & Explore with the Family
When it comes to family activities in Australia, Port Stephens is one of those places that has something for every age. Finding the right accommodation is easy with Oaks Hotels, offering spacious family apartments with plenty of room to unwind and everything you need for a relaxed stay.
For a home away from home with a beachfront, consider Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites, or stay at the relaxing Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, which also features one of the largest lagoon-style pools in the region, for guaranteed poolside fun with the whole family. Staying at Oaks Hotels close to popular attractions makes it easier to enjoy a stress-free family holiday in Port Stephens.
