PORT STEPHENS - great for families with small children
My family and I have been holidaying in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens since my early teens. We were lucky enough to have a little holiday flat for a period of five years, where we would take car loads of friends with us to enjoy the summer holidays (along with the other Greeks who had the same idea). After a fifteen year hiatus, I’ve finally returned and while there are some very cool new establishments at Shoal Bay, the place hasn’t really changed and the nostalgia gives me the warm and fuzzies.
Situated 210km or about a three hour drive north out of Sydney, the Port Stephens region is home to a number of small suburbs or bays; Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, Soldiers Point.
I’ve recently stayed at Bannisters Resort at Soldiers Point (big thumbs up) and Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Salamander Bay (also very good). There is a lot to choose from in terms of accommodation, suiting all budgets, whether it’s a family holiday with kids and an Airbnb is more suitable or a couples getaway and you really want to lush it out.
Here are a few things I love to do when I’m there:
Shoal Bay Country Club
This place has truly transformed from the old pub that it once was to a modernly stylish venue with separate spaces to cater for every customer’s need. I love going for lunch or dinner upstairs which has both indoor and outdoor space. Décor and furnishing embodies a beachside oasis and with it situated right across from Shoal Bay, a view to match. Start off with some cocktails, order yourself the seafood platter and share amongst family and friends. Live music plays every weekend.
Shoal Bay Beach
A lengthy shoreline with lots of space to park yourself, calm, still waters and a pier that has everyone jumping off in summer. A good place for paddle boarding! Convenient too as it’s across from all the Shoal Bay shops so you can duck out for some lunch or sunscreen if you run out!
Mount Tomaree Summit Walk
If you’re like me and you’ve spent three hours driving in a car, you’ll want to get moving the next day to stretch it all out. This is the perfect walk, it’ll get you moving, you’ll feel it in your thighs and then be rewarded by a spectacular view.
Take Shoal Bay Road to the very end where there is a small car park. You’ll see signs pointing to Mount Tomaree, this will get you started. If you don’t have little people to wait on, you can comfortably walk it in 30 minutes - but it’s a climb the whole way. Be sure to pack water with you and keep hydrated, I wish I took my own advice. The climb is amidst the beauty of the trees with the ocean seeping through the branches. The panoramic views at the top allow you to appreciate both sides of Port Stephens, with views of hidden beach alcoves you wouldn't otherwise see.
Walk your way back down and into the car park where you’ll see a sandy pathway; the entrance leading to Zenith Beach. This beach is unpatrolled and gathers quite a swell, but it truly is beautiful in the array of ocean greens, blues and whitewash, with tree covered mountains on either side.
Little Beach
Just off Shoal Bay Road is Little Beach. A great little area offering both grass and sand to park your towels. This beach is suitable for young children because it is so still and flat. An easy spot for a quick dip or a lay around all day with the fambam.
Little Beach Boathouse is off to the Left, with some great outdoor (uncovered) seating with picturesque views if you’re after some breaky before your swim.
Fingal Beach - Fingal Spit
Depending on the day you’ll either experience relative stillness or waves. This beach is patrolled however and so you’ll be safe swimming between the flags.
Fingal Beach offers loads of fun because of a couple of things. The condition of the water is usually pretty optimal, and the Fingal spit. If you’re up for a walk, head Left or north east about twenty minutes (leave your valuables in the car and your belongings on the beach for this walk). Feels longer to get there than to walk back. You’ll pass people fishing off the shore. I wouldn’t recommend swimming in this part of the ocean, but you’ll gauge that for yourself.
Depending on the tide you’ll either be able to see the spit sand bank which leads across to Shark Island and you can walk across to it. Alternatively it's fun just playing on the sand bank so pack your bat and ball! High tide engulfs the spit and is obviously not recommended to walk across, but still just as cool to see the waves washing in from either end to meet in the middle.
Nelson Bay Marina
A well known meeting spot for all, I’m not sure however that the marina has evolved the way that Shoal Bay has in recent years. The marina is home to moored boats and therefore offers that picturesque harbour vibe, but without the restaurants and bars to really give it the atmosphere it deserves. The Hog’s Australia Steakhouse is still there if you’re after a familiar feed, but I found the cafes for breakfast were overpriced and nothing special. I do still recommend you visit it in your travels, because it is one of the well known meeting hubs and has been for years.
Nelson Bay does offer more shops along the Stockton Street strip and side streets leading into it i.e. pharmacy, Woolworths, cafes, bakery, homewares and the Seabreeze Hotel, which offered a fantastic pub lunch. Check it out!
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay
I had never been to this beach and rather stumbled across it in my explorations. Located a fifteen minute drive through Port Stephens to the other side, across from Nelson Bay, stick it in the GPS. While it’s quite a large curved beach with sand dunes and 4WD access, there is a portion of the beach away from the main area called the Birubi Beach Dog Exercise Area (I hope you like furry friends). This appeals to the Greek in me because of the pretty rock formations and calm waters, picturesque and I probably won’t drown.
Rick Stein Restaurant
I’ve saved the best till last.
If you’re like me, you find delight in the culinary experience of a place, this, coupled with great accommodation and other adventures contribute to the overall experience. If you’re in the area, book a table in advance at the Rick Stein Restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
Moody, modern décor at night, contrasts the bright and open experience during the day. I’ve had dinner here twice and the hospitable local charm as well as the professionalism exuded by the staff add to the dining experience. It also won’t break the budget too much.
Go all out. Order your starter cocktails or wine to wash down the entrée, enjoy the experience of the main and finish it off with desert and a nightcap. I’ve had the Blue Swimmer Chili Crabs on both occasions , because I simply couldn't get past them and enjoyed every minute of the 30 minutes or so it took me to expertly break apart each piece and dig into them with my crab eating utensils. Enjoy! You deserve it!
Commentaires