In this RV guide to visiting Port Stephens in NSW, Amy Fraser shares the best caravans parks and campgrounds, things to do, where to eat and the best time to visit.
26 pearl white sand beaches, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and iridescent bays home to awe-inspiring marine life. Port Stephens’ landscapes will take your breath away.
As a Sydney-sider, I’ve booked last-minute trips to Port Stephens every year since 2020. And every time I go, I’m blown away by the peacefulness, the turquoise waters, and a special experience that ends up on my cherished travel memories list.
So throw a towel down and kick your shoes off, discover off-the-beaten-track beaches and feel a profound sense of calm as you wander along trails swathed in native shrubs. There’s no better way to settle into this outdoor utopia than by sleeping under the stars. Here’s the ultimate RV guide to Port Stephens.
Where is Port Stephens?
You’ll find Port Stephens on the East Coast of New South Wales, just a 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney – making it an easy escape from the city bustle – and 20 minutes from Newcastle airport.
Port Stephens caravan parks & campgrounds
Port Stephens attracts a myriad of travellers to its shores, from luxury seekers who relish long sunny days by the pool at Bannisters to wildlife fanatics who spend their nights nestled between the trees of the Koala Sanctuary to RV-lovers who will do anything to find a great campsite. Well, you won’t have any trouble with the latter in Port Stephens. From the sparkling Shoal Bay to the remote Samurai Beach, here are my top camping and RV park recommendations in Port Stephens.
Fingal Bay Holiday Park
Camping further out of town, next to the beautiful Fingal Bay
Open your RV door, wander across the street and tread up the sandy path. Pause here and take a second to soak in that view: blue waves lapping powder-white sand that meets the Tomaree National Park and the distant Fingal Island. I discovered the C-shaped Fingal Bay on a surf road trip back in 2020, and it has remained one of my favourite beaches in New South Wales since.
The four-star Fingal Bay Holiday Park offers powered tent and van sites, ensuite tent and van sites and a range of cabins, from one to three beds to those fitted with accessible-friendly features. The campsite is enveloped by greenery, but there’s plenty to do within the park itself, with a resort-style swimming pool, tennis courts, a children’s playground and a recreation room. Other facilities include a modern amenities block, laundry, BBQs, picnic areas and a camp kitchen. Sandcruiser beach wheelchairs are available free of charge to hire. Finally, the park is pet-friendly, so don’t forget your furry mate.
Samurai Beach Campground
Great for: Secluded, self-sufficient beach camping, 4WDing and hiking the Tomaree Coastal Walk
The spectacular Worimi Conservation Lands’ dunes entice 4WDers from all over Australia. But another popular spot to go 4WDing is the secluded Samurai Beach, where liberties abound – and not just in the adventure sense. As well as an epic camping spot, Samurai also happens to be a nudist beach, so don’t be concerned if you spot a few bare bottoms!
The campsite is tucked away among the dunes on the north side of the beach. This is a fully self-sufficient camping spot, and it’s pretty epic. If you’re hiking the new Tomaree Coastal Walk, this is a great place to set up camp for the night.
Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Located in the heart of Port Stephens, a stone’s throw away from the beach
If you’re looking for a campsite that’s within walking distance of cafes, shops and restaurants, then Shoal Bay Holiday Park is for you. Walk two minutes and you’ll be in the heart of Shoal Bay Village, home to some of the best hang-out spots in town. But what’s more is the azure calm ocean that lies just across the road. While Port Stephens’ East Coast beaches are typically pumping with a little (or a lot) of swell, the protected Shoal Bay is calm and picturesque, with a heritage-listed lighthouse on one side and the towering Tomaree Head on the other.
The holiday park offers luxury two-bedroom cabins and villas, glamping tents, ensuite van sites, powered sites and accessible cabins. Facilities-wise, you’ll find BBQs, a camp kitchen, a modern amenities block, a games room, laundry, and picnic areas. The site is also pet-friendly – hurrah!
Things to do in Port Stephens
Port Stephens lends itself to outdoor activities, with a breathtaking stretch of coastline, spectacular lookout spots and phenomenal wildlife, from koalas to resident dolphins. Here are some of the best things you can do in Port Stephens.
Kayak or SUP with dolphins
Is it a coincidence that some of my favourite towns in New South Wales are home to hundreds of dolphins? Probably not. Port Stephens’ residents and travellers alike are often visited by bottlenose dolphins, and hitting Shoal Bay’s gentle waters on a SUP or kayak is one of the best ways to encounter them. Especially when you’re in a see-through kayak – perfect for spotting dolphins swimming directly beneath you – which, according to the owners of Shoal Bay SUP, Rod and Jay, can actually happen! Regardless of the wildlife, gliding over that bright turquoise glassy water is pure bliss.
Grab a board and hit the waves
With seven surf beaches dotted around town, there’s always somewhere to catch a wave in Port Stephens. Beginners should opt for One Mile Beach where you can rent a board or join a group lesson with Port Stephens Surf School. If you’ve got your own gear or fancy a 1:1 lesson, Fingal Bay is another beginner-friendly spot. And for the experienced surfers, Samurai Beach (clothing option, remember) has your name on it.
Hike the Tomaree Coastal Path
Hiking the Tomaree Head Summit is a must in Port Stephens. It’s a short (but very steep) 2.2km return and after a couple of ladders (and a few sweat patches later), you’ll be rewarded with the most epic view in town. The south platform reveals the deserted Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, the Tomaree National Park and Fingal Island. From the north, soak up views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands.
If you want more, hike a section or all of the brand-new Tomaree Coastal Walk. The 27km multi-day hike spans from Tomaree Headland all the way to the Worimi Conservation Lands, winding through dramatic rocky headlands, peaceful forests and beautiful (and usually vacant) beaches. Top tip: if you do walk the whole thing, pack an emergency first aid kit and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including snakes, koalas and in season, whales.
Meet rehabilitating koalas
Speaking of koalas, Port Stephens happens to be home to one of the last remaining koala populations along the New South Wales coastline. In 2020, the Koala Sanctuary opened its doors next to the existing hospital, which rescues, rehabilitates, and if possible, releases koalas into their natural habitat.
Koalas that are too injured to be released are cared for at the brand-new sanctuary. It’s not just the koalas that wake up at the sanctuary; beneath the property’s gum trees sits several four-star glamping tents, complete with all the luxuries you’d find at home (think a TV, queen bed, kitchenette and an ensuite).
Let your hair down at the dunes
Fancy a bit of 4WDing fun? Make a beeline for Port Stephens’ Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, located in the 4200-hectare Worimi Conservation Lands. These mammoth dunes can reach heights of over 30 metres, making for a wild ride. Make sure you grab a permit or if you’d rather company, join a Tag Along Tour.
4WDing isn’t the only way to explore the dunes. Try sandboarding, quad biking or for a more leisurely option – camel riding.
Where to eat in Port Stephens
Port Stephens gives you that small-town feeling without the small-town restaurant dilemma. From fresh fish and chips to pub food with a view, there’s a restaurant for everyone in Port Stephens. Here are my favourites.
Shoal Bay Country Club
Shoal Bay Country Club is the heart and soul of Shoal Bay. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s always an opportunity to pull up a chair on its picturesque decking and watch the world go by. The menu isn’t the cheapest, but it’s really good bistro fare. When you combine it with the vibe and views, it’s worth it.
The Little Nel
If you’re on the hunt for a great coffee, The Little Nel won’t disappoint. The kitchen focuses on fresh, local produce, with breakfast and lunch menus that change seasonally. You’ll find this local favourite in Nelson Bay.
Murray’s Craft Brewing Co.
Murray’s shares the scenic Bobs Farm with Port Stephens Winery, the region’s oldest vineyard. Take a seat in the picturesque garden to enjoy craft beer, wines, woodfire pizza and if you time it right, the buzz of live music.
Best time to visit Port Stephens?
To maximise Port Stephens’ beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, it’s best to visit during the warmer months of the year. However, between May and November, you’ll have a high chance of spotting whales on their annual migration. In my opinion, there’s never a bad time to experience the aquatic charms of this New South Wales town.
