Beaches in Port Stephens

Clear turquoise blue waters, soft white sand and 26 beautiful beaches await in Port Stephens. With the tranquil bay on one side and Pacific Ocean on the other, there’s a range of coastal experiences to enjoy in this beachside paradise on the NSW North Coast. Discover incredible surf in the magnificent Tomaree National Park or find sheltered bays for swimming and stand up paddle boarding.

One Mile Beach - Port Stephens - North Coast. Image Credit Jarryd Salem

The Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park is full of postcard-perfect beaches, and home to underwater gardens, islands and rock pools. It’s also a playground for dolphins, whales, turtles and fish. For a spectacular panorama of the bay, beaches and beyond, the Tomaree Head summit walk is a rewarding experience.

Couple enjoying a morning surf at Birubi Beach, Port Stephens

Watery adventures

There are many surf beaches in Port Stephens, providing great surfing for all levels. Beginners can take surf lessons with Port Stephens Surf School at One Mile Beach or Fingal Bay Beach, which are also popular with experienced surfers. Lesser-known Samurai Beach is another good surf spot, along with Zenith and Box beaches near Tomaree Head.

Couple enjoying a stand up paddleboarding experience in Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, North Coast

Try stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking at Dutchmans Beach and Shoal Bay, and snorkelling or diving at Fly Point – Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve, located between Nelson Bay and Little Beach. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may spot blue groupers, octopus and seahorses. You can also join a fishing charter and dolphin or whale-watching cruise.

Family enjoying a day at Shoal Bay in Port Stephens, North Coast

Beach picnics & barbecues

You’ll find picnic tables and barbecue facilities in pretty reserves at a number of beaches, including Bagnalls Beach, Dutchmans Beach and Little Beach, all near Nelson Bay. There are also barbecue facilities near Shoal Bay’s sandy strip, the stunning Fingal Bay Beach and gorgeous One Mile Beach.

Conference delegates enjoying a camel ride at Anna Bay, Port Stephens with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides

Sand dunes

The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere and nicknamed the Golden Bight. Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, the dunes are home to ancient Aboriginal cultural sites, as well as beautiful Birubi and Stockton beaches.

Couple enjoying a sandboarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes located in the Worimi Conservation Lands

Explore the towering sandscape, stunning beaches, indigenous heritage and shipwrecks along the Golden Bight on a fun range of adventure tours. Choose from sandboarding, quad biking, 4WD touring and horse riding. You can also take your own 4WD onto the beach after buying a valid permit.

NSW Beach Safety

Enjoy NSW beaches by following these safety tips

Always swim between the red and yellow flags; surf lifesavers have identified this area as the safest spot to swim in the water. It's also a good idea to always swim with a friend.

Pay attention to the advice of the lifesavers and safety signs. Visit SharkSmart to understand any potential risks in the area you are swimming. You are always welcome to ask lifeguards for more safety advice. If you find yourself needing help in the water, stay calm and attract attention. Check conditions before you go. You can also find patrolled beach by visiting beachsafe.org.au.

Fun Port Stephens Activities

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