Tourism at Port Stephens, Australia

Port Stephens is a major tourist destination located 200km north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on the east coast of New South Wales, Australia. The travelling time from Sydney by road is approximately 2½ hours and should be at the top of any New South Wales itinerary. It's a perfect add-on to a trip to the Hunter Valley.

The sheltered Port Stephens bay is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour, and is as clean as a newly poured bath. The sea literally jumps with fish, and the creamy islands and golden beaches make for a perfect place to relax.

Nature is at the centre of all that is Port Stephens. With a resident population of bottlenose dolphins, whales in season, spectacular bushwalking and wildflowers and endless water activities such as first-class snorkelling, surfing and endless beaches.

Mother Nature's diversity in Port Stephens offers something for everyone and Port Stephens is the perfect escape route for city-dwellers, for those seeking relaxation, anyone after outdoor family activities or for those in pursuit of fun. Imagine. waking up at home and that same afternoon you are boom netting with dolphins, discovering koala's in their natural habitat or exploring the massive Stockton sand dunes. all only 2½ hours drive from Sydney.

A growing tourist destination

Major development has begun in the region only recently and for the most part many of the bushlands, forests and beaches in the region are unspoiled. Conservationists and many regional officials are very careful to keep the balance between nature and development.

The area is rapidly growing, boasting a regional population of about 60,000 and is fast becoming a place where many people from Sydney are choosing to resettle or retire. As a result, life moves at its own pace in Port Stephens.