Things to do around Nelson Bay

Our coastal desert wilderness, the Stockton Bight sand dunes, truly are one of nature’s masterpieces. Whatever your level of adventure, Port Stephens resort offers something for everyone. Explore by foot in your own 4WD, ride a Quad bike or join a 4WD tour and sand-board down 40mt high dunes. For a journey of a different kind, experience a camel ride along the beach or saddle up for a bush and beach horse trek.

Did you know that Port Stephens is 2 1/2 times the size of Sydney Harbour and is part of the largest Marine Park in NSW? There are many water-based activities to suit the entire family.

Day 1
Tour the port on one of the many cruise vessels that will take you dolphin watching, out to Broughton Island, or settle back and enjoy a sunset sail between May and November, over 6000 whales migrate close to the Port Stephens coast The humpbacks are the most common and can be sighted from the land but are best observed from one of the whale cruise vessels that depart daily. Get a little closer to the water on a sea kayak tour, suitable for all abilities

Day 2
Hop on a ferry and explore the other side of the port. Get off and spend time wandering around the shops at Tea Gardens, enjoying lunch on the bank of the Myall River. Alternatively, stay onboard one of the other vessels that continue up the Myall River, stopping off for a quick bushwalk.

Day 3
Want to get in the water? Port Stephens has 26 golden sandy beaches to choose from. Let our accredited surf instructors take you for the ride of your life. Come diving around the offshore islands. Remember to visit Halifax Park and Fly Point, which is a marine sanctuary. If you’ve not tried diving before a great place to consider a dive lesson or a snorkeling experience.

Adrenaline Day
Get your blood pumping on a high-speed boat or Jet Ski ride. Try your hand at reeling in a big one on a deep-sea fishing tour. Heighten your experience with parasailing and remember, the sky’s the limit when viewing Port Stephens from helicopter or seaplane. Try to sport Port Stephens apartments with a birds-eye view!

Port Stephens is the home of a number of excellent golf courses and golf at Nelson Bay offers both a challenging course and picturesque surrounds. Hire a cart or enjoy the walk, you may even find yourself accompanied by a Kangaroo. After your game stay on for lunch while enjoying the view over the greens.

Marine Discovery 3.5 hours
1 pm daily from December to March.

Discover Port Stephen’s rich biodiversity. Meet the bay’s friendly Bottlenose Dolphins before sailing out to the offshore islands to anchor in a quiet cove for a swim. Try snorkeling with our experience divemaster (all gear provided) or just soak up the sun and relax in our comfortable lounge bar. There’s a good chance to see turtles, seals, and penguins on this cruise followed by a great sail back to the port.

Dolphin Watch 2 hours
Daily trips from November to May.

Enjoy commentary by dedicated naturalists as you sail amongst the ports friendly dolphins. Get wet in the boom net or ride above the dolphins in the bow net. A people-friendly one-level deck that’s easy to walk around plus there’s unlimited tea, coffee, and biscuits. Free literature, great for school projects.

Whale watch 3.5 hours
Daily voyages from June to November

Witness up close the annual migration of the awesome Humpback whales. Sail amongst huge pods of dolphins and vast flocks of migratory sea birds. Visit Australian Fur seals as we look for whales around the breathtakingly scenic offshore islands.

Sunset Sail 1. 5 hours
Daily from December to May

Celebrate the best hours of the day under sail with a romantic start to your special evening. Let us spoil you with champagne and bibbles while you relax in the bow net and look for dolphins. A gentle breeze fills the sails, the sun sparkles on the water. Your partner will love you for booking this cruise.

www.imaginecruises.com.au

Fresh, local produce abounds only minutes from most Port Stephens Resorts. Oysters, Avocados, and Macadamias are straight from the farm. Culinary delights for everyone. Added to the Italian, Mexican, Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavours, you will find the freshest of seafood, straight from the bay waters to your plate. For dining with a difference, try a dinner cruise. It is only fair to say that with good food comes good wine, and Port Stephens is lucky to have local vineyards supplying world-class wine. For breakfast lunch or dinner, Port Stephen’s chefs have it covered with exquisite, mouth-watering dishes.

Try one of the many walks through the Tomaree National Park, which conserves 2318 hectares of the diversified coastal hinterland. Keep your eyes open for Koalas, rare native birds, and other wildlife, and enjoy the impressive wildflower display, including giant Gymea lilies and native orchids in season. The most popular activity in our national park is to climb the volcanic Tomaree Headland and be rewarded with spectacular views. If your legs are too tired to walk, then drive up to Gan Gan lookout and take in the 360% panorama. Travel out to the Tilligerry Peninsula Habitat or stop off at Oakvale farm to get up close and personal with the koalas, kangaroos, and other animals. Then you can return to our very comfortable Port Stephens apartments to wind down after an exciting day.

Step back in time by taking a heritage walk. Discover the pioneering history of Port Stephens when you visit the historic homes and both lighthouses of the area. Learn about the convicts, ghosts, and dangers faced by the crews on passing ships. Visit the coastal patrol and the community art center from where you could perhaps take home a piece of art created by one of “The Bays” many talented artists.

Dinner cruising, dolphin and whale watching, boom netting or just enjoying the Bay.
www.moonshadow.com.au