Things to Do

Our Top things to do in Nelson Bay are.....

Enjoy your stay...

Cruise the Waterways

Hop on a ferry and take a trip to Tea Gardens and enjoy this riverside village or join a cruise and discover the pristine natural environment.

Take a Dolphin Discovery trip around Port Stephens

There are a range of options when it comes to meeting the local dolphin population in Port Stephens, you can take your chances strolling along the Marina’s, breakwalls and beaches or take a dedicated dolphin watch cruise on one of the many vessels which cruise the Bay daily. Enjoy a boom net ride and if you are lucky you will also see some of the other local sealife including penguins, turtles and pelicans.

Dining Out

The options for dining in Nelson Bay are plentiful. From casual and alfresco dining to fine dining and great cafes, to take away fish and chips. Our restaurants pride themselves in delivering the finest fresh local seafood and options to suit families, romantic occasions and creating memorable holiday experiences.

 A Feast of Festivals

Nelson Bay is the home to a great line up of festivals and events, from sporting ones to foodies favourites. Visit us the first week in November for Tastes at the Bay, if you’re into Country it’s the June Long Weekend you just shouldn’t miss. July is Sculpture festival time and there’s plenty of other events all year round. You can check the annual program at www.nelsonbayfestivals.com.au

Shop til you drop

It’s time to indulge in some holiday retail therapy and there are shops like no place else in Nelson Bay. Find something truly unique in the boutique shops on Magnus, Stockton and Donald Streets of Nelson Bay and of course on the beautiful d’Albora Marinas.

Cycle and Walk

Take the slow road Enjoy a walk along the historical bridle trail between Nelson Bay and stunning Dutchman’s Beach. As you walk or ride the trail you will see stunning views across the bay.

Golf

Tee Off There are great golf options at Nelson Bay with the local golf course boasting twenty seven holes and as you play your round you may see some of the locals as the course is home to koalas and kangaroos.

Snorkel and Swim

Snorkel the Southern Most Coral Reef in NSW Fly Point is one of NSW’s longest protected marine environments. This small reef is home to an amazing array of fish and soft sponge corals.

Get Beached

Swimming and Sandcastles Nelson Bay Beach, Little Beach, and Dutchman’s Beach are some of the best calm water beaches in the world. Perfect white sands, calm water and shaded picnic areas are perfect for a family day out.

Nelson Lighthouse

Visit the Nelson Head Lighthouse, Museum and Teahouse Walk or drive up the track to the Nelson Head Lighthouse and enjoy a stunning views and visit the teahouse where you enjoy a traditional Devonshire Tea. You can tour the Marine Rescue headquarters and visit the museum which shows a history of the area.

Adventure and Action Activities

Splash Out Nelson Bay is the hub of water based activities on Port Stephens. Take the time to splash out and hire or charter a fishing boat, kayak or even try your hand at stand up paddle boarding, there’s jet skis and jet boats that go out into the ocean for those looking for a high speed thrill.

Go Fishing

Get Hooked Port Stephens is the home to the NSW Game Fishing Tournament and if you have never been deep sea fishing Nelson Bay is the place to get hooked. There are a range of different charter boat options for both harbour and off shore fishing and you could hook up with a marlin or a good sized snapper depending on where you choose to drop your line.  There are shore based fishing options too with many large fish being taken from beaches and break walls.

The Shell Museum

Shell Out at the Museum The Shell Museum is an amazing place where you will see a range of shells and find out facts about them. The museum offers a very affordable family activity.

Look Out!

A short drive up Lilly Hill Road will take you to one of the best lookouts to be found. View the Port to Seal Rocks in the north, the Barrington Ranges in the west and view the amazing Stockton Dunes and the city of Newcastle in the South.

To Market To Market 

Bag a Bargain at the markets Nelson Bay is the home to many different markets and you can enjoy a range of experiences from produce and arts to unique gifts

Whale Watching

Watch Out for the Whales May to November is whale watching season and you can join the many people who depart Nelson Bay for the best whale watching in the state. The Whales travel closest to the coast in our region so you don’t have to go far to see their antics. Most whale watch cruises also see dolphins, rare sea birds and other marine life. There are plenty of choices from private charters to sailing and large cruise vessels all cruising daily to see the whales.

Take a Birds Eye View

Enjoy a parasail or scenic flight above the sparkling waters on the pristine waterway which is Port Stephens. View the sandy shoals and stunning coloured waters of Nelson Bay.

Cycle

Pedal Power - There is a vast network of cycle tracks around Nelson Bay and its surrounds, you can cycle in safety from Soldiers Point to Shoal Bay and enjoy some of Australia’s most beautiful coast line.

Be Pampered!

Revitalise Your Soul Visit one of our day spas and revitalise your soul as you are pampered. There are a range of excellent choices for your spa experience. Enjoy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures along with a range of specialty services. You will take away a sense of relaxation that you will remember as a highlight of your holiday.

Kids Action Activities

Send the Kids on an Adventure The kids will love the thrill of the toboggan rides and water slides at the theme parks.

have an Art Attack!

Visit the Galleries Nelson Bay is home to several art galleries and the community arts and crafts centre in Nelson Bay they are well worth a visit. From hand crafted gift cards to pottery and paintings you’ll find it all in Nelson Bay.

On our doorstep Nelson Bay is a hub of activities in the midst of a diverse environment there are so many more things that visitors can enjoy that are right on our doorstep.

Surf's Up!

There is a range of surf beaches right here on our doorstep with something from beginners right through to professionals. Fingal Beach is the perfect place to teach the kids how to swim in the surf. Visit the surf life saving Club at Fingal Beach or Burubi Beach after you take a dip. There are surf life savers in the swimming season at Fingal Beach, One Mile Beach and Birubi Beaches.

Visit the Dunes

Trek the dunes at Stockton Beach is an amazing sand mass which you can experience in a range of ways. Take a 4WD trip down the beach, enjoy a sunset camel ride along the dunes or try quad biking through the dunes. While you’re there be sure to try your hand at sand boarding.

Shark Attack

Cuddle up to a Shark Bob’s Farm is the home to the award winning Shark and Ray Centre here you can get up close and personal with amazing sharks and rays. Feed these amazing sea creatures and learn about them and their environment.

CookaBarra

Visit the Barramundi Farm Take a trip to Bob’s Farm and check out the Barramundi farm, there’s a restaurant and you can see the Barra as they grow. In Medowie it's maccadamias and there are olives, figs, eggs, tomatoes and much more along the roadside stalls.

A Shoreline Adventure

Explore the Rock Pools at Boat Harbour Boat Harbour is one of the best land based whale watching spots on the coast but it is also home to a unique rock pool environment.  See all the different seaweeds, octopus’s, shells and fish in the rock pools.

Bush Walking

Climb Tomaree Headland - it is an amazing climb and it delivers a stunning views of Broughton Island, Fingal Bay and the surrounding coastline.

Local Wines and Beer

Try a local Tipple Anna Bay and Bobs Farm are home to local vineyards and breweries. Here you can take a tours and enjoy the produce.

Trip to Broughton

Visit a Deserted Island When the tides are right you can cross the Fingal sand spit to the deserted Fingal Island.  See the lighthouse and find out about the unique history of Fingal Island. There are limited safe dates to cross Fingal Spit check with National Parkes prior to departing.