Joanna James
They say the best things come in small packages, and it is no less true of this little bitty township in New South Wales, Australia. Offering a myriad of exciting family-friendly activities, Nelson Bay is a much-loved family holiday destination for many Aussies and international visitors alike.
Sitting on the towering mountains of Nelson Bay, Gan Gan Hill Lookout is the perfect vantage point to soak up the magnificent vistas of the city. The short walk up to the 160 metres high viewing platform treats you with expansive views of Port Stephens and beyond that is simply breathtaking.
Don't let the staggering height make you worry about hiking, as you can easily drive up to the lookout, and then it only takes a quick 100-metre walk to the viewing platform from the parking lot.
The rugged 4x4s and the stunning Stockton sand dunes come together to deliver an exhilarating experience to all travellers to Nelson Bay. Rent an offroad vehicle of your choice and take your family on a tag-along 4WD tour to explore the Stockton sand dunes. If testing your driving skills on sand doesn't sound like your thing, you can book a 4WD passenger tour instead and kick back and relax while someone else does the driving for you.
Renowned for its three championship nine-hole golf courses, Nelson Bay Golf Club is the most highly-rated golf club in town. Set on the skirt of the lush subtropical forest of Tomaree National Park, it is not only a place for golf but also makes for a great escape to nature, where kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and native birds are a common sight. If you are planning to spend the night in the city, several Nelson Bay hotels are of high quality in close proximity to the golf club, including the likes of Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites.
As the unofficial dolphin capital of Australia, your trip to Port Stephens wouldn't be complete without a dolphin-watching cruise. The sparkling blue waters surrounding Port Stephens are home to hundreds of precious common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Hop on board a dolphin-watching cruise and greet these majestic creatures as they ride the bow waves of your boat. Aside from spotting them up close, you can also swim with a pod of dolphins in Port Stephens.
Take your kids out to the beach and let them have an entire day of beach fun. From building sandcastles with kids to indulging in a plethora of water sports, the beaches of Nelson Bay are full of fun-filled activities for your entire family to enjoy.
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.
