Just a little over two hours north of Sydney, on the southern shores of Port Stephens, sits the holiday town of Nelson Bay. With expansive white sand beaches and water sports to boot this picturesque town is a water lovers paradise.

Things to do

The beach is a hub of activity, where visitors can enjoy an array of water based excursions including scuba diving, surfing and snorkelling. For those wanting to venture further, Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park is bustling with diverse marine life and sits just an hour’s drive north of the Bay. Here you can enjoy whale watching tours, swimming with dolphins and kayaking in the waters that surround the park’s shores.

When it comes to entertaining the kids, why not pay a visit to Toboggan Hill Park, an adventure park set amongst natural bush. Thanks to an array of both indoor and outdoor activities the park is open year round. Spend hours tobogganing down winding tracks, getting lost in the giant maze or showing off your competitive side over a game of mini golf.

After a day packed with outdoor pursuits, take the time to pause and reflect in the surrounding landscape. For the best views over Nelson Bay and Port Stephens, head up to the Gan Gan Hill Lookout point which sits just a 10 minutes’ drive from the bay or, alternatively, an hour’s walk.

Come evening, head into D’Albora Marina, the home of luxury yachts, fine dining and live music. This modern marina comes alive as night falls and with it being only a 12-minute walk from the bay, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails late after dark.

Getting around

Exploring Nelson’s Bay on foot is an excellent option, but bike hire is also available for those itching for some extra speed. Whether you’re strolling down Victoria Parade exploring souvenir shops or biking up to Tomaree National Park, Nelson’s Bay is a little town with a lot to offer.