Sunshine, swimming, and safari tents; summer’s better at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
Written by: Nathalie Craig
Looking for a summer escape that blends nature, adventure, and relaxation? Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is your gateway to an unforgettable experience.
Port Stephens stuns with its natural beauty, sweeping coastlines, sparkling waters, and bushland with abundant wildlife to spot.
You'll find yourself in the heart of all the beauty at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, set on eight hectares of bushland, tucked behind the dunes of One Mile Beach and bordering Tomaree National Park.
Glamp among the gumtrees in one of the safari-style tents or unwind in one of the hotel-style suites offering a modern, comfortable stay surrounded by native bushland. Once it heats up take a dip in the swimming pool and outdoor spa that comes complete with beautiful leafy surrounds.
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is more than just accommodation; it is a conservation hub dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating koalas. Guests have exclusive access to a guided morning tour of the Sanctuary Skywalk before it opens to the public.
The skywalk winds through treetops where you can watch the recovering wild koalas in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation work your stay supports.
Step out beyond the Sanctuary to uncover the treasure trove of summer activities Port Stephens has to offer. A short drive away, a blue water wonderland awaits; from the calm waters of Shoal Bay to the surf at One Mile and Birubi, there’s a stretch of sand for every mood.
Keen to surf? Book a lesson and go from first paddle to standing up and riding your first wave.
Dive into an underwater wonderland at Fly Point Park, a snorkeler’s paradise where vibrant marine life swims beneath the surface. With calm, clear waters and easy shore access, it’s a great spot to explore schools of fish, octopuses, and sea turtles.
Nelson Bay is also home to bottlenose dolphins, and summer is the perfect time to meet them. Take a dolphin cruise like the eco-accredited Imagine on board their catamaran.
Back on land, hiking the Tomaree Head Summit is a must. The 30-minute climb rewards you with panoramic views of the coastline and offshore islands, an absolute must for nature lovers and photographers.
Experience the thrill of sandboarding or quad biking on the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes, an adventure playground for adrenaline seekers. For a truly unforgettable ride, join Sand Dune Adventures, owned and operated by the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council. Their tours blend high-octane quad biking with rich cultural storytelling.
Sample the local food scene, from world-class seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens and delicious shareable Greek dishes at Atmos to sitting watershide overlooking Port Stephens Bay at the beautiful Little Beach Boathouse.
Whether planning a group getaway, family vacay, or flying solo, the Sanctuary and its surrounds are the place to be. Nature’s calling, and it’s spectacular.
