A Weekend Guide to Port Stephens

Destination Guides
Written By Jennifer Anson
 

Our Guide to a Weekend in Port Stephens, NSW.

If you’ve ever visited Port Stephens, you know just how magical it is, and if you haven’t experienced it yet, here’s why a girl’s getaway there should be at the top of your bucket list.

A short 2 and a half-hour drive will transport you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to the laid-back lifestyle of Port Stephens. A hidden gem, Port Stephens is the perfect location for a relaxing girl's getaway. Gather your closest gal pals and scroll through our range of Port Stephens packages linked here. We are sure one will tickle your fancy. 

Port Stephens boasts stunning beaches with pristine water, rolling sand dunes, coastal walks and a fabulous selection of restaurants and cafés that are a must-try when visiting. We have curated the perfect guide to a weekend in Port Stephens, filled with our top recommendations for eating, drinking, and unwinding. Enjoy…

MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS

  1. SHOAL BAY COUNTRY CLUB

Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Shoal Bay Country Club is the perfect place to take some time out and enjoy great food, great drinks, and great company. SBCC offers a range of delicious food located right in the heart of Shoal Bay. Its upstairs section boasts stunning waterfront views that are unbeatable so take a seat and enjoy the good food and great views!

Credit: Shoal Bay Country Club

2. RICK STEIN AT BANNISTERS

A must-try when visiting Port Stephens is Rick Stein at Bannisters. A well-known restaurant across Australia (and for good reason), Rick Stein’s menu consists of incredible seafood that is sourced from the area daily. The chefs keep dishes simple by choosing ingredients that naturally emphasise fresh seafood produce. Executed to perfection, each dish delivers bursts of flavour and is a restaurant you will never forget!

Credit: Rick Stein at Bannisters

3. TYNAN WINES

Our third recommendation for your getaway in Port Stephens is a visit to Tynan Wines, a stunning Artisan winery and cellar door founded by a lovely local couple. They are known for their wide range of delicious wines, with the grapes sourced from all over regional New South Wales. You can book a wine tasting online and are bound to have a fabulous time.

Credit: Food & Wine Magazine

MUST-TRY ACTIVITIES

Although eating and drinking is a crucial part of any girl’s getaway, for those ladies who love to get out and about we have listed below the best 3 activities to keep you on your toes!

  1. TOMAREE HEAD SUMMIT WALK

The first recommendation we have for you is the Tomaree Head Summit Walk. Only a 30-40 minute (but challenging!) walk, this scenic hike allows you to take in all the views Port Stephens has to offer. You will enjoy unparalleled views of Port Stephens and its coastline, seeing as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands. Take some binoculars because if you’re lucky, you may even see some dolphins!

Credit: Concrete Playground

2. STOCKTON SAND DUNES

Whilst staying in Port Stephens, visiting the Stockton Sand Dunes is a must! These dunes are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere and cover approximately 4,200 hectares. Reaching up to 30 metres in height and 60 degrees, they are perfect for activities such as sandboarding! As well as sandboarding there are numerous camel, quad biking and 4-wheel driving tours available, allowing you to take in all the dunes have to offer.

Credit: Visit NSW

3. WATER CRUISE

Our last, but certainly not least recommendation is a water cruise giving you and your girls the opportunity to spot dolphins or whales. With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling Port Stephens home, it’s no surprise these friendly locals are sighted so often. If you’re really brave you can even swim with the dolphins, which would be an unforgettable experience, just like being part of their pod!

If you’re looking to enjoy a water cruise whilst in Port Stephens then these are the companies we recommend!

  1. Moonshadow Cruises.

  2. Blue Water Tours.

Credit: Great Sights

Happy holidaying!

Love, the GG Team xx

 
Jennifer Anson https://www.girlsgetaways.com.au
Previous

The Insider Guide to a Weekend in Newcastle
Next

Introducing our newest team members: Lauren & Alice