If you love beach life, sparkling seas, stunning scenery, and nature, this is an amazing choice. Your family can visit on a day trip from Lake Macquarie or stay for a holiday. With an abundance of things to do, you’ll love visiting Port Stephens with kids.
Places to stay at Port Stephens
Located along the 113 km shoreline of this natural harbour, you’ll find several popular places to 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 bustle 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 the best in the region. With a few village shops, a popular holiday park, you’ll soak up the relaxed coastal feel.
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. Choose from resorts, apartments, and holiday homes.
Shoal Bay – is a short drive from Nelson Bay around the coastline. 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. Enjoy a visit to the Shoal Bay Country Club, and stay at the popular holiday park or your very own holiday house.
Fingal Bay – is a picture-perfect surf beach and holiday destination. 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. With an abundance of holiday rentals, you can stay for the night, weekend or longer.
Anna Bay and One Mile Beach – are the perfect place to visit if you love riding waves. 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 and a gorgeous walk along a section of the Tomaree Coastal Walk.
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 family friendly activities.
Dolphin Watching – with around 120 bottlenose dolphins that make the harbour at Port Stephens their home, watching wild dolphins is an awesome activity for the family. Book a tour, and pack your swimmers so you can get up close in the boom net or on the slide at the rear of the boat. Find a tour here.
Oakvale Wildlife Park – is a hands-on experience for the kids. They can milk a cow, hand feed goats or wander through the reptile house. Australian natives such as emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, and kangaroos all live here. 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.
Camel or Horse Riding – Have you ever rode a camel? As it comes to its full height you realise how tall camels stand. 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 – is ideal if you’re looking for some family fun. 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.
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters– is shark friendly, I mean family friendly! Are you feeling brave today? Are you ready to touch a shark? Or tickle the belly of a Ray? You’ll learn about conservation and get up close and personal to these beautiful creatures of the deep.
Sand Dune Quad Bike Tours – have a couple of tours to choose from. Children from 5 years old can join in the fun. You’ll ride through the dunes enjoying the 360-degree views over the ocean and harbour. 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 – are always an option and can be just as much fun! 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?
Looking for other places to visit for a holiday or a day trip from Lake Mac? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
