Just 2.5 hours' drive north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its pristine beaches and stunning nature, Port Stephens is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Australia's east coast. There is so much to see and experience in and around Port Stephens and these cannot be covered in just 2 days however, having said that, this itinerary below attempts to consolidate unique experiences in the region, focusing on first-timers, so you get a taste of what Port Stephens has to offer. We have, in addition, provided other famous attractions in Port Stephens below as well so you can try them out if you’d like and have the time.
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Getting there
Driving from Sydney to Port Stephens takes slightly over 2.5 hours. Public transportation is available involving a train to Newcastle and then a bus transfer to Port Stephens however the travel takes around 4.5 to 5 hours easily! We stayed in Nelson Bay as it was very close to the attractions that we chose to visit however the options are endless, when it comes to stay in Port Stephens.
Day 1: Stop #1 - Somersby Falls
Our first stop for the day was Somersby Falls in Brisbane Water National Park, on the way to Port Stephens.
| Somersby Falls walking track – Key Facts | |
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| Trailhead | Somersby Falls picnic area beside the carpark |
| Trail Type | Out & Back |
| Distance | 600m |
| Duration | 20 - 30 min |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 23m |
| Difficulty | Grade 3 (Many steps) |
There are two waterfalls that this walking track serves; the upper falls, which is the most beautiful of the two, is located halfway down the walking track and the lower falls is at the bottom of the track.
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Day 1: Stop #2 - Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Our next stop was Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Anna Bay, Port Stephens.
We did the Shallows Encounter experience that is included in your entry ticket. This is the Shark Encounter experience that Irukandji is famous for! This experience lets you hand feed and pet stingrays and sharks on a sandy shallow pool and the adults and the kids alike thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Just make sure to add a wetsuit hire to your package as you can’t bring your own wetsuit into the venue. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters have added a lot more experiences since our last visit, the details of which can be found in their website.
Photo Credit: Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
Important Note: Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is of NO relation to the Shark and Ray Rescue Centre at Bob’s Farm, nor the Australian Shark and Ray Nursery in Brisbane. Any discount tickets purchased for the other attractions in either of these names are not related to nor valid at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.
Book your tickets for the Shark & Ray Encounters below:
Book your tickets for the Shark & Ray Encounters below:
Day 1: Last Stop - Tomaree Head Summit Walk / Beach Walk in Shoal Bay
We then checked in to our hotel and after a short rest break, headed for Tomaree Head Summit Walk.
Tomaree Head Summit walk offers a challenging hike however you will definitely enjoy the picturesque ocean views.
| Tomaree Head Summit Walk – Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Tomaree Head Summit Walk Carpark |
| Trail Type | Out & Back |
| Distance | 2.2km |
| Duration | 1.5 - 2 hours |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 128m |
| Difficulty | Grade 5 (Very steep and difficult walk with many steps) |
On the day of our visit, Tomaree Track was closed due to maintenance and hence we had to skip this walk. Instead, we spent some time at the beach just opposite to the carpark (Shoal Bay) and strolled along Marrungbanga Reserve. The sunset from the beach was spectacular!
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We then reached back to the hotel for a good night's sleep!
Day 2: Stop #1 - Quad Biking in Worimi Sand Dunes
After breakfast, we headed to Sand Dune Adventures for our Quad Biking Experience.
Quad Biking with Sand Dune Adventures over the Worimi Sand Dunes near Port Stephens is an experience at a different level! You get to ride a 400cc quad bike and bash through the sand dunes, enjoying the thrills and the views, all whilst being accompanied by a professional guide who will ensure your safety.
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We chose the 1-hour package and throughly enjoyed the adventure! The 360° view of the lands and lagoons atop the high dunes was spectacular!
Book your Quad Biking adventure via the link below:
Book your Quad Biking adventure via the link below:
Day 2: Stop #2 - Camel Riding at Birubi Beach
After the Quad Biking adventure, we headed to Birubi Beach to ride on the ships of the desert over the vast sand dunes. The relaxing camel ride with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides is an unique experience not to be missed!
The day ride, which lasts for 20 minutes, goes out along the sand dunes and back along the beachfront. You cannot pre-book the day rides and be in the know that there might be long queues on holidays and weekends so be ready to wait under the sun before you can enjoy this fun! Sunset rides are also being offered that you can pre-book, the details of which can be found in their website. Despite the long wait under the sun, we all thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing ride on the ships of the desert!
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Note: Newcastle is only less than an hour away from Birubi Beach so if you have got a couple more days in the region, you can definitely give Newcastle a go, the itinerary for which is provided in our post below.
2 Days in Newcastle
Day 2: Last Stop - Gan Gan Lookout
Lastly, we headed to Gan Gan Lookout, a prominent viewpoint on Lily Hill Road that offers spectacular views of Port Stephens and beyond and is famous for sunset viewing.
The views from the lookout were fantastic and the sunset was truly spectacular to witness!
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It was then time to drive back home so we headed back to Sydney. Welcome back home!
Here're some other famous attractions/activities in the region that might be of your interest:
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