The same spectacular coastline, at a slower pace - see a different side of Port Stephens this winter
Port Stephens in summer is iconic, but winter might just be its best-kept secret.
As the crowds drift away and the air turns crisp, things slow right down - revealing a quieter kind of beauty, from coastal walks and wildlife encounters to cosy places to stay.
The cooler weather is the perfect time to explore sections of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, where quiet stretches of bushland meet sweeping ocean views. The Tomaree Summit Walk is a must - a short, steep climb rewarded with panoramic views that feel even clearer in winter’s cool air. From June onwards, keep your eyes on the horizon; this is prime whale watching season.
Image credit: Daniel Parsons
For a front-row seat to the annual migration, hop aboard a Moonshadow-TQC Cruises where whale watching cruises depart from Nelson Bay into the ‘Humpback Highway’. There’s something pretty unforgettable about seeing these massive creatures up close - breaching, tail-slapping and moving along the coast.
The cooler months are also ideal for exploring the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, without the intensity of the summer heat. Stretching 32 kilometres along the coastline, this vast, shifting landscape is the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, with dunes rising up to 40 metres high.
There are plenty of ways to experience the sand dunes, but few are as thrilling as jumping on a sandboard and carving your way down the slopes.
As one of Port Stephens’ must-do adventures, 4WD Tours R Us gives you a taste of beautiful Birubi Beach before heading to the massive Stockton Sand Dunes for some thrilling sliding action.
Port Stephens 4WD Tours offers a range of tours from sandboarding, beach and dune tours, educational programs, and private charters.
Sand Dune Safaris offers sandboarding adventures for all skill levels. Prefer to stay sand-free? Jump aboard one of their specially designed 4WD vehicles and cruise the dunes instead.
For something even faster-paced, Quad Bike King puts you in the driver’s seat for a high-energy ride across the dunes. Whether you’re carving, cruising or kicking up the sand, there are plenty of ways to get out and experience the dunes.
For a change of pace, winter lends itself well to Port Stephens’ wildlife experiences. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters offer a chance to wade among rays and sharks in calm, warm lagoons, with the option to feed them or even snorkel alongside them.
Over at Oakvale Wildlife Park you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hand-feed animals and get close to native species like kangaroos, koalas and wombats, alongside many farm animals. Keeper talks and feeding sessions run throughout the day and you’ll also find picnic areas and a small water park.
Where to Stay
When it’s time to cosy up after a day of winter exploring, Port Stephens has no shortage of great places to stay. Stay close to the action with Nelson Bay Getaways, who offer boutique holiday accommodation throughout the Tomaree Peninsula.
For resort-style ease, Mantra Nelson Bay delivers self-contained apartments centred around a heated pool, spa and relaxed shared spaces perfect for unwinding after a day out.
Nearby, The Landmark Nelson Bay pairs water views with easy access to town, offering self-contained style accommodation it makes for the perfect home away from home.
For those looking to camp, caravan or stay in a cabin, Shoal Bay Holiday Park offers a relaxed coastal escape with a range of accommodation options. Set directly opposite one of Port Stephens’ most beautiful beach areas, it’s ideal for anyone wanting to unwind and soak up the stunning surrounds.
Winter strips Port Stephens back to its essentials, some of the most beautiful coastline in Australia, National Parks and incredible wildlife, with more space to take it all in. So rug up and rediscover Port Stephens.
This article was produced by HUNTERhunter in partnership with Destination Port Stephens. Thank you for supporting the partners who make HUNTERhunter possible.
