Occupying a peninsula jutting into the Karuah River, Soldiers Point is a leafy, waterfront suburb in Port Stephens. It has long been an important spiritual place for the Worimi people and takes its name from the soldiers’ garrison established here in 1820 to chase down escaped convicts.
Things to do in Soldiers Point
On the eastern side of Soldiers Point is a small strip of sand known as Sunrise Beach, where you can enjoy a swim before heading to the western side of the peninsula to watch the day’s last rays at Sunset Beach. If you arrive at high tide, you can admire the yachts bobbing in the water, or watch as thousands of crabs scuttle along the flats at low tide.
If you’re a keen angler, spend an afternoon on the Soldiers Point Jetty, which extends into the water at the southern end of the Kangaroo Point Reserve. Nearby is Johnny’s Well, a natural spring that once provided clean water for passing ships. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can feast on fresh seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters or grab coffee and cake at the Seaview Cafe.
Soldiers Point is an ideal base for exploring Tomaree National Park, which is renowned for its volcanic outcrops, blissful beaches and spring wildflowers. Stretch your legs on the short Wreck Beach Trail or spot koalas sleeping in the trees along the Morna Point Walk. Surfers can challenge themselves on the break at One Mile Beach while snorkellers can see what’s below the water’s surface at Fisherman’s Bay.
Getting around Soldiers Point
Soldiers Point is around 15 minutes’ drive from Nelson Bay and an hour from Newcastle. Newcastle Airport is 30 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Australia. Regular buses connect to Soldiers Point and the suburb is small enough to explore on foot.