Holidays in Port Stephens are about more than just ticking off a to-do list. They’re about slowing down, soaking up the salty air, and reconnecting with the people you love. Whether it's the thrill of a first surf, a spontaneous jetty jump, or a sunset fish and chips picnic by the bay, it’s these simple moments that become lasting memories.
As you soak up everything Port Stephens has to offer, take a moment to stay sun safe, swim between the flags, keep a watchful eye on little ones, and always respect local conditions and our incredible wildlife. A little care helps ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone.
We’ve put together 10 handy tips packed with local insights, insider knowledge, and safety smarts to help you make the most of every moment in Port Stephens!
Play it safe at our beaches, bays & waterways.
With 26 beaches and a bay twice the size of Sydney Harbour, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to waterplay.
Find a surf beach, patrolled beach, a quiet bay for kid-safe swimming, boat ramps for jet skis, marinas for yachts, incredible dive spots, secret fishing coves, serene SUP and kayak spots… but wherever you go - put safety first.
Learn the tips on rips and the danger of spits, swim between flags and slip slop slap, wear life vests on boats so you’ll stay afloat & drink plenty of water - ‘cause you know you oughta!
Port Stephens is much more than just the Tomaree Peninsula with it’s stunning coastlines and waterways. The LGA covers 134 square kilometers of diverse environments, heritage towns and historic villages. If you want a break from salt and sunburn take the Hinterland Heritage Drive or discover the Riverside Villages of Karuah and try the freshest of oysters or a riverside picnic. There’s more incredible places to explore in Port Stephens than you can imagine.
Take the stress out of your holidays! If you plan to visit one of the busy locations, book ahead and make a plan! Traffic can be hectic and parking tricky so leave plenty of time, where possible walk, or get a lift to the busy spots and avoid peak times.
Port Stephens Council is running a beach shuttle bus service in Anna Bay during the upcoming holiday period to improve connectivity, accessibility, and help ease congestion around Birubi Headland. It’s a great way to get to the beach without the hassle of parking!
And don’t forget to check your Traffic App before you go to get the heads up on any hold ups!
Our population booms over the holiday period and though we do our very best - at times, we just dont have enough staff to service you as well as we would like.
A little patience and respect with a sprinkling of kindness will make everyone’s day a little better. Book ahead, be patient if there’s a line, accept that sometimes we may be short on stock, play eye spy in a traffic jam… take a breath, chillax and switch into holiday mode!
Give parking a thought & you don’t get caught!
In the peak periods, the influx of visitors to our little towns and villages means that car parking is at a premium. It pays to consider your parking options early!
If you can - get a bus, a lift, a cab, a tandem bike or take a walk to your nearby destination - it may be just the ticket to a stress free outing. If you are parking - download the "Park'n Pay" App
The environment, the culture and the people are what makes this place incredible - and we need your help to keep it that way!
Go thoughtfully and respectfully in our national parks and waterways. Use vehicles and watercraft as directed and where permitted. Be aware of places you can and can’t take your dog. Use less plastic, recycle more, dispose of your rubbish responsibly - be part of the solution - not the problem.
We thank you in advance.
There’s always an alternative to driving so you can avoid those pesky parking problems and traffic snarls... check out the buses, or take a ferry ride to Tea Gardens
It’s a rare and special treat to explore the Stockton sand dunes (the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere) in your own 4WD.
The dunes are part of The Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) - a national park providing four-wheel drive access to more than 19 km of Stockton beach front and over 350 hectares of dunes.
You’ll need a Beach Vehicle Permit, be well equipped for beach driving and aware of the tides. Only drive in the Recreational Vehicle Area and adhere to all road safety rules when driving on the beach, taking care not to damage the frontal dunes.
If you’re dotty about your dalmatian, or adore your labrador ...we understand. In fact, we’re fine with your canine coming on holiday in Port Stephens at one of our pet friendly accommodations. But there are a few rules for everyone’s protection!
Go fetch our off-leash dog park maps online. Follow the signage, pick up your pet poop and keep pets out of National Parks (we need to protect our flora & fauna).
We love to welcome visitors to our incredible place. So many recall carefree holidays in Port Stephens… jumping off jetties, swimming, salty hair (and chips)… and now you’re here making memories for the next generations!
We hope these tidbits of local knowledge help make your stay peaceful, stress-free and most of all, fun!
Enjoy your stay – Namaste!
