Located in the Port Stephens area of New South Wales, Australia, Nelson Bay is the kind of destination to take that much-needed getaway. From beachside bliss to exciting adventures there’s much to enjoy.

Idyllic Beaches

Nestled along the east coast, this town is ideal for those looking to spend their days soaking up the sun, lazing on the sand and playing in the surf. In Nelson Bay, hotels can be found close to several popular shorelines including Dutchmans, Little and Bagnalls beaches, perfect for picnics by the sea as well.

LeoJingZhang, Nelson Bay – panoramioCC BY-SA 3.0

Fun Activities

The town is great for those looking to enjoy snorkelling and diving; the best place for this is Fly Point-Halifax Aquatic Reserve, a short drive from Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites. You can also rent bikes for some pedal-powered sightseeing including along the Bartlett cycleway linking Bagnalls and Little beaches.

Dolphins & Whales

Amongst the best things to do in Nelson Bay is to go dolphin watching on cruises departing from the Nelson Bay Marina. Between September and May, Dolphin Swim Australia gives you a chance to even swim with dolphins. From May to November you can look forward to also spotting thousands of migrating whales.

Stockton Bight Sand Dunes

Only around a 10-minute drive from the Nelson Bay town centre is the stunning Stockton Bight Sand Dunes at the Worimi Conservation Lands. The country’s largest sand dune system, it features dunes as high as 40 metres and offers the perfect setting for some exhilarating sandboarding and quad biking.