Joanna James
As one of New South Wales's most popular beach holiday hubs, Nelson Bay is home to some of the region's most coveted highlights. Here are some of the must-see attractions in the area.
Occupying pride of place 1.5km south west of the heart of Nelson Bay city lies the best lookout point from which to gauge the beauty of the seaside paradise. As one of the first pit stops all visitors make during a tour of Nelson Bay the popular natural observation deck is easy to reach and the viewing platform affords captivating views especially during the hours of dusk. Travellers will be able to sea as far as Soldiers Point, Newcastle and the port while the Gan Gan Lookout car park is also located within an easy distance from the viewing platform for the convenience of visitors.
Located beneath the Victoria Parade footbridge, this highlight is geared towards all those who wish to make the most of their visit to Nelson Bay. The ever helpful staff at the centre offer travellers a plethora of pamphlets and valuable insights into exploring specific areas of Nelson Bay as well as signing up for cruises on its main bodies of water. Fishing guides as well as tidal charts and maps are also up for grabs for free at this venue where visitors are also informed on the self-guided tour path which takes tourists to key attractions and heritage hubs around the city.
Often regarded as a family oriented attraction, Salamander Bay provides travellers with families a host of engaging activities and sightseeing opportunities. The Toboggan Run compound is the heart of the area with a 700m long toboggan track as part of the landscape. Other activities include canoe rides, mini golf, video games and indoor rock climbing adventures while those who wish to enjoy plaster painting or Krazy Kar races will also find the area is ideally suited for their favourite fairground activities.
As one of Nelson Bay's chief highlights for beach lovers, Little Nelson Beach is a tranquil piece of paradise equipped with a children's playground and a wharf. A boat ramp is also part of this beach where picnics on the beach and boating excursions are popular activities while the thick bush jungle behind the beach is home to a floral sanctuary and reserve named the Ngioka.
Hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers will fall in love with the natural wonders found in Nelson Bay's leafiest corners. From the Tilligerry Habitat to the Native Flora Garden, bushwalking and hiking trails around Nelson Bay provide visitors with a glimpse of the area's natural heritage, apart from white, sandy beaches.
Regarded as one of the country's foremost wine producing regions, Hunter Valley is another point of interest visitors based in Nelson Bay hotels the likes of Oaks Lure and countless others must explore. In addition to engaging in tours of local wineries, tourists can also call at the cellar doors to purchase spirits as keepsakes and tour the scenic vineyards in which the prized grapes are cultivated.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
