Joanna James
Port Stephens is all about beaches. Be it secluded strips of blissful solitude or happening beaches where the partying never ends, Port Stephens has a bit of everything.
Nelson Bay is the hub of all Port Stephens accommodation. From comfy little nooks tucked into the beachside to large-scale resorts like Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Nelson Bay is swarming with visiting throughout the year. Dutchman's Beach and Little Beach are two of the more popular beaches to be found in the area. It is a good place for the entire family, as the water is gentle enough for the younger ones to frolic in a well. If you feel like a change of scenery, merely drive along the coastal road and you will see the landscape change rapidly.
Facing the south-east, Fingal Bay Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches to visit as long as it is not when the southeastern wind in season. The bay has its very own island which can be walked over to during low tide through a connecting sand-spit. You can enjoy a number of activities here including surfing, swimming, fishing, and bodyboarding. The island is also home to a lighthouse. Although you are not allowed to climb to the top of it, you can always walk to its base and admire the view.
Running for 32km, the Stockton Beach is one of the longest beaches you will encounter in Port Stephens. It is also the largest moving sand mass that comprises of a single body and is a place many tourists come to visit. You can obtain a beach driving permit and take a 4WD along the beach. Make sure to stop at Tin City, a makeshift city of sorts made as a shelter for the shipwrecked sailors. You can put up your own BBQ or even have a picnic in the park adjacent to the bay.
The eastern end of Stockton is called the Birubi beach and has rock pools that are ideal for swimming in the summer.
Named after the numerous sand shoals that are found in the area, Shoal Bay Beach is well-known for bush walks. It is also the most "bay-like" bay out of all the bays listed here. You will find a strip of shops along the beach that has everything from food to clothes to snacks on offer. Many of the deep sea fishing expeditions start from Shoal Bay. It is also the place to set off from if you are into whale watching and dolphin watching.
Accessed through Shoal Bay, Zenith and Wreck beach is the most picturesque of the lot. It is a place of natural beauty, easily upheld as one of nature's most exquisite creations. If you visit when the season is right, you will be able to catch a glimpse of whales on their migratory swim. However, one thing you are most likely to encounter at Zenith and Wreck beach is a wedding and other types of celebrations.
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