COASTAL PARADISE

Port Stephens for All Seasons

Sandip Hor visits a patch of paradise at a coastal town in Australia

Embracing a few closely knit seafront neighbourhoods, the shire of Port Stephens appeals to visitors as a patch of paradise. While Nelson Bay with a thriving marina is its exciting hub, other suburbs that demand attention are Anna Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Soldiers Point and Salamander Bay.

This gem of a destination is only some 215 kilometres north of Sydney, and attracts holidaymakers from all over Australia, as well as the world. Its offerings include high quality accommodation, trendy restaurants and cafes, boutique shopping, and a host of things to see and do.

BAY WATERS A popular activity here is to cruise the surrounding bay to spot Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins throughout the year, as well as big humpback whales between May and October. They migrate from their cold hideouts in Antarctica to the warm waters off Australia’s east coast to calve and mate.

It’s even possible to swim alongside the dolphins – many describe it as an experience of a lifetime. Cruise boats depart regularly from Nelson Bay Marina.

SAND DUNES These sand dunes stretch over 32 kilometres along the coast with some sandy humps reaching a height of 30 metres and with slopes of up to 60 degrees.

Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, which are the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere, offer a range of worthy experiences from sandboarding and quad biking to bashing over the mounds in a 4WD or charging over the dunes on a camel.

Anna Bay is the best place to visit to check out these sandy encounters.

THE BEACH While there are several locations to choose from, the stretches at Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are ideal for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, jet boating or simply strolling along the coastline.

HIKING Nature’s wonders also extend to the stunning greenery of coastal bushland and forests of the Tomaree National Park, which offer many exciting walking trails and hiking opportunities. For an ‘Instagram-worthy’ vista of the region, many hike along the two kilometre one-way trek to Tomaree Head Summit in Shoal Bay.

ATTRACTIONS Take a relaxing ferry ride up the Myall River to Tea Gardens and learn about the sea giants at the Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters marine conservation centre. Find out how some sick and injured koalas are rescued by the locals, and looked after at the koala sanctuary.

MUST DO Dine at the popular Point Restaurant at Soldiers Point Marina and take in one of the best sunsets down under.