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Enjoy Port Stephens with kids and take a break

Just an hour from Lake Macquarie, heading north, you’ll find Port Stephens. With several suburbs located around a large natural harbour, you can enjoy a day or two soaking up the sun, sand, sea and surf. If you love beach life, sparkling seas, stunning scenery and nature this is is an amazing choice for your family to take a break. There are so many activities you can do at Port Stephens with kids so make sure you put this destination at the top of your list for a short-haul trip away.  

 

Places to stay at Port Stephens

Located along the 113 km shoreline of this natural harbour, you’ll find several popular places to stay. Before we look at things to do in Port Stephens let’s have a look and see if you can find the perfect spot for your family to visit or stay. There are campsites at all of these locations. You’ll also find great holiday rentals, hotels, guest houses, and resorts. 

 

Soldiers Point

If you like a quiet location away from the busy town of Nelson Bay but close enough to still enjoy its benefits, you’ll love Soldiers Point? If you’re taking your boat, the boat ramp in Soldiers Point is classed as the best in the region. With a few village shops, which cover all the basics if you want to chill and enjoy a peaceful view this is a great place to stay or visit.

 

Nelson Bay

Nelson Bay is the heart of Port Stephens. There’s a great shopping area with cafes, restaurants and boutique-style shops. At the shoreline is the marina, parks, and playgrounds for the kids. If you want to be a short stroll from everything you need, this is a great place to stay.

 

Shoal Bay

A short drive from Nelson Bay along the shoreline takes you to Shoal Bay. This is a perfect spot for families to stay with a beautiful beach that’s a favourite for swimming. You’ll find BBQs and picnic tables along this beach where you can easily set up for a bite to eat.

 

Fingal Bay

A picture-perfect surf beach is located at Fingal Bay. This is a great spot for families with its patrolled beach and beautiful walks. There are plenty of places you can stop to view the whales migrating along the shore between May and November. 

 

Anna Bay and One Mile Beach

If you like to surf, how about staying at Anna Bay on One Mile Beach? A popular surf spot with locals and visitors. You’ll find a friendly campsite perfect for the family, located just a short stroll over the sand dunes from the beach.  

 

Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens

Located on the northern shores of the harbour at Port Stephens, both Hawks Nest & Tea Gardens offer a peaceful day out or getaway. Away from the hustle and bustle of Nelson Bay you can relax, enjoy the surf, a fish and the slow-paced lifestyle.

 

Things to do in Port Stephens

So you’ve found the perfect place to stay, dropped off your bags and put your sunscreen on, or you’ve arrived nice and early for your day trip to the Bay. Now, what to do?  Here are some of our favourite Port Stephens activities while you’re here. The activities below can all be done in Port Stephens with kids.

 

Dolphin Watching

Around 120 bottlenose dolphins make the harbour at Port Stephens their home. Book a cruise to go out and see them. Pack your swimmers and a towel so that you can have fun in the boom net or the slide at the rear of the boat. This is an awesome family activity. I’ve done it with my children when they were toddlers and my parents in their 70’s and we’ve always had a lot of fun and seen plenty of wild dolphins. Find a tour here.

 

Oakvale Wildlife Park

There’s so much to do at Oakvale Wildlife Park. You can milk a cow, hand feed the goats or wander through the reptile house. Australian natives such as emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, and kangaroos all live here. The kids will also love the bird Avery which. There’s a tractor where you can hitch a lift for a farm ride tour, large children’s playground, water park, BBQ and picnic facilities as well as talks hosted by the keepers. Oakvale Wildlife Park is a very interactive and hands-on place to visit. Your kids can enjoy getting up close and personal with the park animals.

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Camel or Horse Riding

Have you ever rode a camel? The feeling as you cling on tight as the camel pushes you forwards, backward and then forwards again as it rises to its feet. As it comes to its full height you realise how tall camels stand. Do you fancy going camel riding with your family? Enjoy a ride along the beach or if horse riding is more your thing you can ride through the bush or along the beach. Choose the best option for your family’s riding ability, whether beginner or more advanced. Book at Oakfield Ranch

 

Toboggan Hill Park

Looking for some family fun head over to Toboggan Hill Park. Race down the 1 km toboggan run around 11 bends. This ride is suitable for every age in your family. If your child is under 8 you just need to ride with them. While you’re there, have a game at the 19 hole mini-golf course, take a ride on the tractor, get lost in the giant maze, and get wet playing Splash Down. There’s also a hot ice skating rink, rock climbing, jumping castles and so much more. A great place to while away a few hours of fun. 

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Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Are you feeling brave today? Are you ready to touch a shark? Or tickle the belly of a Ray? Head over to Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters to learn about our oceans and the beautiful creatures that live in them. You’ll learn about conservation and come up close and personal to these beautiful creatures of the deep. Young and old alike can join in. They even have wetsuits and booties for babies! Make sure you take your swimmers and a towel and you’ll enjoy a great family experience. Ringing ahead is essential, especially during COVID-19 restrictions. They are planning to open very soon at a new location.

 

Sand Dune Quad Bike Tours

Children from 5 years old can join in the fun on the sand dune quad bike tours. There are a couple of tours you can choose from. You’ll ride through the dunes enjoying the 360-degree views over the ocean and harbour. Everyone can learn the Aboriginal history and see middens and lagoons on your travels. Sandboarding is part of one of the tours as well, so lots of fun to be had. This is definitely a thrill-seeking adventure for the young at heart.

 

Budget-friendly activities

Here are some Port Stephens activities that won’t break your budget. Let’s start with the amazing beaches! Don’t forget to pack your surfboard or boogie board when you head to the beach. 

You can head up to Gan Gan Lookout just outside of Nelson Bay to enjoy views across the ocean. This is one of the highest places in Port Stephens and has wheelchair access to the viewing platform.  

Hire kayaks, bicycles, or head to the local swim centre. If it rains there’s a cinema in Nelson Bay and a bowling alley at Salamander Bay. You can pack your rods and head out fishing for the day or just chill out and relax, after all, you’re day trip or holiday is all about relaxing right?

 

With so many options for your family, the hardest part of this holiday will be choosing what to do next!

Looking for other places to visit and holidays to plan? Check out our Holidays section.

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