Fast facts
- Major holiday resort area with many and varied attractions
- Famous for a large number of dolphins in the bay
- 215 km north of Sydney, population 65,000
Why go there
Port Stephens lays claim to the title ‘Dolphin Capital of Australia’. The bay is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and there are several tour operators in Nelson Bay that offer dolphin-watch trips. These playful aquatic mammals often ride the bow wave just a couple of metres from the vessel.
Between May and June, humpback whales cruise past the town on their northern migration, returning south between September and November and these huge animals are often encountered on the dolphin cruises.
Whether it’s for diving, fishing, boating, snorkelling or sandcastle building, this huge bay has everything you need for year-round aquatic action.
History
Cedar cutters moved into the area early in the 1800s, followed by fishermen and farmers. Settlements developed on the south side of the bay and during World War II the area was used as a training base for American and Australian servicemen. Over the past three decades tourism has been the regional mainstay.
Things to do
- Take a dolphin-watch cruise from Nelson Bay.
- Hire a catamaran, surf ski or a canoe from the beach at Shoal Bay.
- Explore the beaches at Tomaree Head, at the north-eastern tip of Tomaree National Park.
Events
- Karuah Oyster Festival in April includes state championship woodchopping, oyster opening championships, a golf driving competition and water activities.
- Tastes of the Bay Food and Wine Festival in November offers you the chance to sample local food and wine.
Don’t miss
- Some of the 230 bird species found at Tomaree Head.
- Sampling the produce at Port Stephens Winery.
- The bushland walk at Tilligerry Habitat.
- Tanilba House, one of our oldest historic buildings.
- The amazing sand dunes at Stockton Beach.
