A paradisiacal coastal enclave of postcard perfect sandy coves, idyllic campsites and world-class fishing awaits on the New South Wales mid north coast.
Just three hours burn up the Pacific Highway from Sydney; Port Stephens leaves the traffic and crowd of the Central Coast and Newcastle in its wake.
Whether you’re looking for fun challenging beach runs, to get your arms stretched fishing the innumerable beach and rock fishing hotspots, or simply to set up the camper trailer and lounge around camp with the family, Port Stephens has you covered.
This place tends to pack out over the summer school holidays due to its close proximity to the capital, but if you can manage a few days off out of peak holiday season, this spot ticks all the boxes for a fun weekend away by the beach.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Anna Bay is just a few minutes drive from the Port Stephens town centre and offers access to the northern end of Stockton Beach, one of the most famous beach runs on this part of the coast.
Although access to the dunes behind the beach is currently limited, the 32km beach run from Anna Bay to Williamtown offers ample opportunity to scratch the offroad itch.
FISHING is popular right around the Port Stephens area, with great catches of whiting, flathead and bream coming in from Stockton Beach regularly throughout the warmer months, as well as the odd larger mulloway for committed beach anglers.
Pelagic species including bonito, mackerel and bluefin tuna are caught from the rocky ledges of Tomaree Headland during summer and autumn on livebaits and high-speed lures.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: 213km north of Sydney. Access is via the Pacific Highway and takes around three hours in normal traffic conditions.
CAMPING is available at Port Stephens in a number of commercial campgrounds including Halifax Holiday Park, Shoal Bay Holiday Park, Fingal Bay Holiday Park and the BIG4 Holiday Park at Lemon Tree Passage. Visitors wanting a more natural camping experience will have to camp a little out of town at Mungo Brush, Myall Lakes or Karuah.
FUEL is available at Port Stephens and Newcastle.
MORE INFO is available at www.visitnsw.com
