Port Stephens is just two hours away from Sydney, which makes it the perfect weekend escape. This stunning municipality is made up of five areas including Anna Bay, Nelson Bay, Salamander Bay, Shoal Bay, and Soldiers Point. It is surrounded by more than 40 beaches and has an endless list of activities from surfing and sandboarding to dolphin cruises and scenic walks. I recently spent two nights and two days in Port Stephens and packed so much into such a short trip. The best part is that you do not necessarily need to take Friday off work. Because it is only two hours away, you can finish work on a Friday, drive up after lunch, check into your hotel, and still be ready to take on the weekend!
Here is my ultimate Port Stephens Itinerary! From the best activities, delicious food, walks and shopping! This plan is perfect if you want to make the most of your weekend and leave feeling like you have truly experienced the best of Port Stephens.
Friday Night
If you are driving up from Sydney, aim to leave in the late afternoon. Once you arrive, check into Thou Walla Sunset Retreat, which is perfect for anyone looking for a glamping experience. These glamping/ safari tents are just two and a half hours from Sydney, and they are absolutely stunning. We booked through Park Booker, which is a great platform for finding and booking Australia’s best holiday parks including glamping, cabins, and caravan stays.
There are ten glamping tents in the park, but each one feels completely private and secluded. The tents can sleep up to four guests with a king bed in the main area and a separate space with two single beds plus a pull-out trundle. Each tent has a mini kitchenette including a microwave, mini fridge, sink, and crockery for five people. There is even a flat-screen TV with Netflix. Outside, you will find a table and a daybed with views over the marina and harbour, which are perfect for relaxing, reading, or just watching the world go by.
The tent itself is cozy and comfortable. There is a fan, but it stays breezy and comfortable even on warmer nights. If you like the idea of camping but with modern comforts, this is the perfect choice!
After checking in, grab a quick bite at the marina next door. There are a few casual dining options, perfect for a light meal after your drive. Take it easy this first night, settle into your tent, and enjoy the sunset over the water.
Day 1 of The Ultimate Port Stephens Itinerary
8 am: Breakfast at Shoal Bay Country Club
Start your day bright and early with coffee and breakfast at Mermaids Cafe at Shoal Bay Country Club. The matcha latte is delicious and the breakfast menu has so many options that you will want to go back for seconds. They also have a huge range of sweet and savoury options so everyone will find something they love. Take your time enjoying your coffee while soaking in the incredible view of Shoal Bay.
9 am: Tomaree Summit Walk
After breakfast, head to Tomaree Summit for one of the best walks in the area. The walk is about 2.5 kilometers each way and takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. You will spot goannas along the way and the views from the top are absolutely worth the climb. On a clear day, you can see the coastline stretching as far as Port Macquarie in the north and Stockton Beach in the south. Make sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes because some parts of the trail can be steep!
11 am: Quick swim at Zenith Beach
After the walk, head down to Zenith Beach for a quick swim or just to relax on the sand. This beach is beautiful, quiet, and perfect for cooling down after the walk. The water is usually calm and clear, making it perfect for a refreshing post-hike dip!
12:00 pm: Lunch at the Marina
For lunch, I recommend grabbing fish and chips at Dolphin Watch Cafe. This is a casual spot that serves freshly cooked seafood, and sitting by the water makes for a perfect midday break. Watching the boats come in and out of the harbour is surprisingly relaxing, and the food is delicious! You will then be in prime position for your next activity…
1 pm: Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise
One of the highlights of Port Stephens is undoubtedly a dolphin cruise, and we booked the Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise with Moonshadow TQC. The cruise departs from Nelson Bay Marina and lasts about two hours. We boarded the MV Spirit, a twin-level catamaran with walk-around decks, a licensed bar, snack food, and even a large boom net and water slide. It is perfect for relaxing while enjoying the scenery or getting a bit adventurous and jumping into the water.
The cruise heads out towards Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands in search of the resident wild Bottlenose dolphins. Seeing them swim naturally in the harbour is truly unforgettable! Dolphins are wild, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the crew knows the area really well, and they were fantastic at pointing out any pods they saw. If dolphins are not spotted, Moonshadow offers a non-transferable free return voucher for a later cruise.
Once we spotted a few dolphins, it was time to cool off and have fun. The cruise gives you the chance to slide directly into the crystal-clear waters of Port Stephens, jump on the boom net, or just float and relax.
The cruise is available daily at 10 am and 1 pm, with an extra 3:30 pm cruise during school holidays.
4:30 pm: Check in at Thou Walla Sunset Retreat
After the cruise, check into your glamping tent if you have not already. Take some time to relax and enjoy the views over the marina. A quick nap or some reading on your daybed is the perfect way to recharge before dinner.
6:30 pm: Dinner at Julius at Bannisters
Dinner at Julius at Bannisters is an absolute must. This Mexican-inspired restaurant is a brilliant way to experience the famous Bannisters vibe without the hefty price tag. The setting is relaxed yet stylish, and the service is friendly and attentive. We absolutely loved the corn ribs and the tacos—the flavors were fresh, vibrant, and packed with punch.
8:30 pm: Ice cream at the Marina
After dinner, head back to Marina Ice Creamery for some ice cream and a post dinner stroll!
9:30 pm: Sunset at Gan Gan Lookout
End your day at Gan Gan Lookout, just a short drive from Nelson Bay. The lookout offers 360-degree views of Port Stephens and is especially beautiful at sunset. It is such a stunning and peaceful way to finish your first day, watching the sky change color over the water.
Day 2 of The Ultimate Port Stephens Itinerary
8 am: Brunch at The Little Nel Café
Start your second day with brunch at The Little Nel Café. They have amazing coffee, fresh juices, and a menu that will leave you spoiled for choice. The outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the morning sunshine.
9:30 am: Twin Thrill Adventure Package
If you are feeling adventurous, book the Twin Thrill Adventure Package with 4WD Tours R Us. This is the ultimate way to experience Port Stephens in one day because it combines a surf lesson and sandboarding adventure. The package costs $109.40 for adults and $105.40 for children, with infants under two free. Everything is included in the price: 4WD transport, sandboards, surfboards, wetsuits, and expert guidance from friendly local instructors.
We started at One Mile Beach with a surf lesson from the Port Stephens Surf School. Our instructor was fantastic and guided us through the basics on the sand before heading into the water. The group was small, which made it easy to get individual attention. Both of us managed to stand up on the boards a few times, and it felt amazing! The waves at One Mile Beach are perfect for beginners- exciting enough to feel like an accomplishment but manageable so you do not get overwhelmed.
12 pm: Lunch at Shoal Bay Country Club
After surfing, head back to Shoal Bay Country Club for lunch. Sitting on the deck with views of the bay while eating fresh food is the perfect midday recharge in between activities.
1:30 pm: Sandboarding at Birubi Beach
Next stop is Birubi Beach for sandboarding on the Stockton Sand Dunes, which are the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. The guides are welcoming and take you straight out to the dunes. Riding down the dunes over and over is exhilarating, and the views are absolutely stunning.
4 pm: Relaxation or optional activities
Once the sandboarding is done, grab a quick bite in town—there are plenty of cafes or casual spots near Birubi Beach or Shoal Bay to refuel and relax. After that, take one last swim at the beach or just dip your toes in the water while soaking up the views. It is a perfect way to cap off your weekend before packing up and heading back home, feeling refreshed and exhilarated!
Port Stephens is a weekend destination that feels far away but is actually just around two hours from Sydney. This ultimate itinerary combines adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty so you can truly experience the best of what the region has to offer. From glamping at Thou Walla Sunset Retreat to a thrilling dolphin cruise, from surfing at One Mile Beach to sandboarding on the Stockton Sand Dunes, every activity is packed with excitement and memorable views. The mix of delicious food, scenic walks, and water adventures ensures there is something for everyone, whether you are seeking adrenaline, peace, or a little bit of both!
