On top of its incredible natural beauty, there's an abundance of indulgences in Port Stephens. From luxurious day spas and restaurants serving up fresh local seafood to sunset sailing or finding a secret uncrowded picture-perfect beach, this coastal region certainly knows how to take things up a notch.
We've compiled a list of ways you can make your oceanic escape extra special, because we all need a weekend of opulence sometimes.
Pre-arrange your stay so you can arrive, check in and simply relax. The Bay Butler Team offer a full butler service including food and beverage delivery, grocery click & collect, ticket purchase, dinner reservations, nanny service and bespoke offerings to take your holiday to the next level, without lifting a finger. A unique service in the Port Stephens area.
Arrive and check in to accommodation.
Port Stephens wouldn't be complete without a stay at one of the luxurious, beautifully appointed, seaside hotels, resorts or exclusive holiday homes. For a unique experience stay in a deluxe glamping tent where you can wake up with the koalas in their natural bushland setting.
Your style may be a loft suite on the waterfront, a treehouse in the rainforest, or a retro hotel full of barefoot-luxury. No matter which, you will find your perfect accommodation in Port Stephens.
Afternoon
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a day spa in Port Stephens.
Spa Lucca - Anchorage Port Stephens
Spa Lucca is about the whole-body experience from the moment you walk through their front door and not just about the treatment itself. A private seaside sanctuary set over two floors boasting four treatment rooms, two of which are couples’ suites and a Vichy shower room. Enjoy access to an indulgent whirlpool and steam room, complete with its own private relaxation lounge overlooking the pristine bay.
Spa Bannisters - Bannisters Port Stephens
Spa Bannisters offers a range of luxurious treatments for you to enjoy, creates an atmosphere for guests to rest, relax and recharge in peace and tranquillity. With a seasonal menu aimed at complementing your body changing needs, Spa Bannisters is a must visit for those looking for the ultimate relaxation during their stay.
The Wellness Path
Holistic Healing Haven in Port Stephens! a collaboration of massage therapists and wellness healers and practitioners, skin therapists and naturopaths, whose passions are to heal, de-stress and pamper you to pieces.
Dinner
Pre-dinner cocktails at the Terrace Bar, Bannisters Port Stephens
Rick Stein- Bannisters Port Stephens
Incredible seafood simply prepared is the hallmark of a Rick Stein kitchen. The restaurant has a breezy interior, splashed with terracotta, timber and Japanese watercolours. The dedicated team of chefs use nothing but the finest locally sourced ingredients and seafood straight from the sea every day. Every aspect is crafted with the passion and excitement that defines Rick’s cooking style. It’s seafood dining as its absolute finest.
Overnight in Port Stephens
Morning
Breakfast at accommodation or leisure.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk
Every local you meet will ask if you've experienced the Tomaree Head Summit. The 45-minute walk of Mount Tomaree, positioned 161 metres above the Port’s entrance, rewards you with stunning panoramic views over the town and along the coastline from the two viewing platforms. From the south platform you can spy Fingal Island and the lighthouse, while from the north platform you’ll be able to see Yacaaba Headland, Cabbage Tree and Broughton Islands.
There’s a picnic table up there, too, if you’d like to take a break before you head back down. If you want to keep walking, peel away to the Fort Tomaree track to check out the historic gun emplacements from World War II.
When you return enjoy a coffee and stroll along the Shoal Bay Foreshore.
If you don’t feel like a hike you can drive to Gan Gan Hill Lookout.
This one is accessible by car via Lily Hill Road, so if you’re short on time or if there is a need for wheelchair access, this is the preferable peak to have on your to-do list. Boasting views of the bay — which is 2.5-times the size of Sydney Harbour — plus the headlands, Tomaree National Park and up to Hawks Nest. Gymea lily plants grow in abundance — and up to five metres high — at the top of the hill and flower prominently in spring.
It’s also a great spot to enjoy stunning sunset vistas
Lunch
Little Beach Boathouse
With a seafood restaurant upstairs and casual waterfront bar downstairs, Little Beach Boathouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch, relaxing dinner or an evening of cocktails and oysters whilst watching the sun go down. The restaurant has become well known for its super fresh seafood menu, friendly atmosphere, and amazing views.
Afternoon
Blue Water Sailing
Relax on a sunset sail, a two-hour cruise around the Port Stephens waterways as the sun goes down. Indulge with a glass of champagne and fresh local seafood and spot the local dolphins as you drift away.
Overnight in Port Stephens
Morning
Breakfast at Crest Birubi Beach
Enjoy a lazy start here at one of Port Stephens’ prettiest spots for breakfast, Crest Birubi Beach, at Anna Bay. This modern cafe has fantastic views of the ocean and is separated from the sand only by a patch of foreshore grass. It’s a popular place with a menu that caters well to both health-conscious folk and those looking to indulge.
You can’t leave Port Stephens without a stroll along Birubi Beach. 32klms of gentle rolling waves – during May to November you may get a glimpse of the migrating whales. If you prefer there are a range of guided tours available from 4WD Tours, sandboarding to camel and horse rides.
Depart Port Stephens
