The Best Things to Do on a Short Break in Port Stephens

Speeding in Port Stephens? “Yeah…nah.” So reads the road safety sign as you drive towards this slice of authentic Aussie coastline, sitting two-and-a-half hours from Sydney and about half an hour north of Newcastle. With its 26 beaches and charming seaside villages – including Anna Bay, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay – and myriad nature-based things to do, the area is primed for an old-school family getaway, only with all the modern-day comforts.

Check in

Tucked between the bay and Tomaree National Park, the recently opened Marina Resort in Nelson Bay is an ideal base for exploring. From the moment schnauzer Reggie greets you at the door of this breezy stay, you’ll feel at home thanks to the hotel’s relaxed ease and low-key luxury. The 48 rooms and suites in the four-storey building are light and spacious, with garden terrace or water views and interconnecting options for families. Rooms overlooking the d’Albora Marina, a 10-minute stroll downhill, offer sunrise balcony vistas and a view of the azure pool. Order a glass of Miraval Côtes de Provence rosé and relax on an infinite day bed or head out to one of the eateries close by.

Start the day

Open from 7.30am, Two Bobs Bakery on nearby Yacaaba Street is an artisan hole-in-the-wall selling coffee and fancy Danishes such as mocha candied cashew or sour cherry and pistachio. For a sit-down breakfast with spectacular ocean views, take a 15-minute drive to Crest Birubi Beach at Anna Bay. Linger long enough over a classic pancake stack or an avocado smash to see dolphins cresting on the horizon or grab arguably the best bacon and egg roll on the coast from the Crest kiosk and hit the sand for a closer look.

Kick back

Between Shoal and Nelson bays is Little Beach Boathouse and its cafe and bar, Below Deck. The latter is open from noon every day except Monday; it’s a pretty spot to share a plate of fish tacos or local Holbert’s oysters before heading down to the sand for a dip.

Dine at sunset

Drawing inspiration from traditional and modern Italian recipes, Sirena Seaside makes the most of its front-row seat at the bustling d’Albora Marina. Haughty pelicans draw tourists on the wharves below, while up on the mezzanine, owner Giovanni Calvi welcomes diners to this little slice of his homeland. Sprigs of bougainvillea, colourful chairs and a mural of the Mediterranean set the scene for dishes such as rock lobster or spaghettini con vongole e gamberi, best enjoyed with a glass of frizzante.

Let loose

There are any number of activities on offer in the area, from coastal walks to stand-up paddleboarding, but it’s hard to go past the Southern Hemisphere’s largest mobile sand dunes for all-in fun. Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council owns and operates Sand Dune Adventures from the Murrook Cultural Centre on Worimi Country, Williamtown. Aboriginal-led experiences include quad-bike and Hummer tours that take in part of the 32-kilometre-long Stockton Beach, where the dunes can exceed 30 metres.

SEE ALSO: 15 Top Weekend Getaways Less Than Two Hours From Sydney