7 Photos you must snap when in Port Stephens
1. Zenith Beach from Mt. Tomaree Summit
This is arguably the most photographed view in Port Stephens (and the best in Australia!). Mt. Tomaree summit is approximately a 30-minute walk from the base near Shoal Bay. Although it’s steep, the amazing view makes it worth every step. From the summit you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the bay, including the islands and a clear picture of the coastline. There are so many options of beautiful views to snap, but the one that will make your friends green with envy and rake in the most likes (because apparently that dictates the pictures we post) is Zenith Beach. The golden sand on the right contrasts beautifully with the cool, white-capped aqua waves on the left to form a pretty picturesque shot. I’m a very average photographer, but this view can make anyone’s photo look pro.
Photo: @robmullaly
2. A Breaching Whale
Anyone who has visited Port Stephens and not embarked on a whale watching cruise has missed out the experience of a lifetime. From May-Nov the Humpback whales come to parade and play in our waters and the whale-watching cruises allow you to get pretty up close and personal with them. Whether it’s the blow of a whale, just a tail, or a full-body-breach you need to snap it! Bonus points (and likes) if you post a pic of a Humpback on #humpday.
Photo: @tamboiqueen
3. Stockton Sand Dunes
Did you know our Sand Dunes are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere? A great place to photograph the dunes are from Crest Cafe at Birubi Beach. Aim the camera toward the rolling dunes on your right and focus on the closest one for the best shot. The view of the dunes that hasn’t already been shot by every man and their iPhone however, is the surreal alien-like moonscape that can be seen when on a quad bike tour. The best time to take a shot is at dusk when the sun is setting behind the dunes, making them glow. TIP: If you’re using a smartphone we recommend taking a panorama and slowly panning around to capture the vastness of the dunes.
Photo: @william_patino
4. Brunch and Smoothie at Little Nel
Whether it’s their famous eggs benedict, an indulgent Nutella donut or Quinoa porridge The Little Nel produces meals that taste as good as they look or coffee and snap it from above. Either way, it will look fab on Instagram. TIP: If you’re taking a picture from above, make sure the background (tabletop) is a plain colour and there is no clutter in the picture e.g. rubbish, napkins, wallets (also try to avoid the shadow of your arm and the phone).
Photos: @nicolablack_ // @foodspacesplaces
5. Shoal Bay Headlands
If you stand anywhere along Shoal Bay beach and point your camera towards the horizon a good photo is pretty much guaranteed. Recreate the famous ‘P.S. I love you’ image through writing it in the sand with the sparkling, turquoise waters of the shallows and the headlands in the background. TIP: Make sure the horizon is perfectly horizontal.
Photo: Destination Port Stephens
6. Walking up Mt Tomaree
Apparently there’s nothing cooler than getting a photo in your Nikes walking up the steel steps leading to Mt. Tomaree’s summit with the view of the bay in the background. Whip out your selfie stick or ask someone to take a picture of you whilst you pose admiring the view.
Photo: Destination Port Stephens
7. Koala at Tilligerry Habitat
Cute animals are always a hit on social media and make for a great picture. Head over to Tanilba Bay and visit Tilligerry Habitat where there’s a high chance you’ll spot a koala snoozing in a tree branch along the walkway – or looking right back at you like this guy below.
Photo: Tiili Peninsula blog