Just 2.5-3 hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is the ideal beach escape for a long weekend away. It boasts some of NSW’s best beaches, sealife and the southern hemisphere’s largest moving coastal sand dunes. There really is something for everyone!

Below is a handy guide to some of the very best things to do on a weekend getaway to Port Stephens. 

Hit the Beach

There’s no shortage of spectacular beaches in Port Stephens. Zenith Beach is perhaps the most picturesque (and most instagrammed) of them all, nestled between Mount Tomaree and Stephens Peak. Next door Wreck Beach is another stunning option. They are both popular spots for surfers, though the currents here can get strong and the beaches aren’t patrolled. Beginner surfers should instead head to Fingal Bay Beach or One Mile Beach.

Those with kids should check out the calmer Shoal Bay. Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and catamarans can all be hired on the beach in summer. Be sure to visit Shoal Bay Country Club for lunch or dinner while you are there!

If you’re looking for a beach with an epic backdrop, look no further than Birubi Beach alongside the incredible Stockton Sand Dunes of the Worimi Conservation Lands. It’s also one of the only places in the country where you can go camel riding on the beach. If you’re feeling peckish don’t miss the delicious Crest Birubi Beach.

Board the Dunes

No trip to Port Stephens is complete without a visit to the incredible Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. You may recognise the sand dunes from 1979’s Mad Max as some of the filming took place here. Explore the dunes on a 4WD tour, sandboard, quadbike or catch a ride on a horse or camel; there’s so much to see and do.

You can also visit Tin City, a tiny 11 shack village built on the sand in the late 1800s. This tiny village, accessible only by 4WD, has no power, no water, and no sewerage so is completely off the grid. Note: it is private property so make sure to admire from a distance.

Take in a Sunrise on Mount Tomaree

The view from the top of Mount Tomaree is spectacular at any time of the day, but we love it best at sunrise. You can’t beat watching the sun rising over the beaches and small islands that make up the Nelson Bay area. It’s worth the early start we promise!

The climb should take around half an hour from the car park, and be warned, it involves some steep climbs.

Swim With Dolphins

Another one for early risers! Snorkel with oceanic dolphins off the Port Stephens coast. This is the only permitted wild dolphin swim in NSW and is truly a bucket list experience! Swimmers are attached to a rope between the bows of a catamaran and towed through the water while dolphins play around the boat, often within a couple of metres of the swimmers. Check in is 6.15am so be sure to set that alarm!

Enjoy a Coastal Walk

Burn off some energy and hike from Tomaree Headland to Fingal Bay. This walk is just over 4km one-way or 8.7km return and will take you past the stunning Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches ending at Fingal Bay. We recommend recharging at the excellent Longboat Cafe.

GoGet out there!

If you’re a GoGet member, then there’s nothing standing in your way! Book a car today and hit the road. No Membership? No problem! We’ve got the perfect plan for you!