Nelson Bay
Credit: Destination NSW
Luxury private chartered yacht experience with Blue Water Sailing in Shoal Bay, Port Stephens.
Credit: Destination NSW
magine Cruises, Nelson Bay
Coastal Elegance and Maritime Charm on the Gateway to Port Stephens
Nelson Bay is the largest settlement in the Port Stephens area, situated on the southern shores of this harbour near its entrance, and just across the water from Hawks Nest.
Attractions include the town's foreshore harbour, the historic Nelson Head lighthouse and the Gan Gan Lookout where panoramic views of the surrounding harbour and coastline can be enjoyed.
The town offers many activities for visitors and holidaymakers including dolphin and whale-watching cruises, boating, fishing, swimming and golfing.
Local Attractions in Nelson Bay
Uncover the Hidden Treasures of Nelson Bay
Shopping & markets
- Salamander Bay Shopping Centre
The shopping hub of the Port Stephens area with over 80 specialty stores and large retailers
Parks, gardens & trails
- Tomaree National Park
Covering 20 kilometres of rocky coastline and beaches near the entrance to Port Stephens near Nelson Bay and Fingal Bay
Regional touring guides
- Port Stephens
Information on attractions and towns along this large natural harbour
* All the above links are external and open up in a new window
More in North Coast
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a bike ride on the shared coastal pathway trail in Ballina featuring Aboriginal signage acknowledging local cultural heritage.
Ballina
Nestled where the Richmond River meets the Pacific, this vibrant town invites you to explore pristine beaches, water adventures, and tranquility of its lush hinterland.
Credit: DestinationNSW
Sun rising over Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest.
Branxton
Nestled in the picturesque countryside, Branxton serves as a tranquil rural retreat with easy access to the renowned vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
Credit: Destination NSW
Relax on the Byron Bay Eco river cruise on the beautiful Brunswick River, part of Cape Byron Marine Park. Relax and enjoy delicious refreshments and be entertained by the professional commentary designed by their Environmental Scientist as the magic views unfold.
Brunswick Heads
Welcome to Brunswick Heads, NSW—Byron Shire's tranquil coastal gem. Known as 'Bruns,' it captivates with pristine beaches, a sparkling river, and enticing dining options.
Credit: Destination NSW
Experience all the fun and adventure of a Cape Byron Kayaks guided tour in Cape Byron Marine Park.
Byron Bay
Renowned as a trendy holiday hotspot located at the easternmost tip of Australia.
Credit: Destination NSW
Jetty Dive located in Coffs Harbour provides scuba diving and snorkelling tours to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The location offers a very unique mix of tropical and temperate fish life. Aerial view of the Coffs Coast.
Coffs Harbour
Explore Brunswick Heads, affectionately called 'Bruns.' This hidden North Coast paradise lures with pristine beaches, a sparkling river, and enticing dining options.
Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying food and drink at waterside restaurant and bar Isola Riva, Forster.
Forster
Forster, nestled on the Mid-North Coast, captivates with coastal tranquility and lakeside charm.
Credit: Destination Central Coast
Aerial overlooking The Quarters - Gosford Waterfront.
Gosford
Gosford: Coastal Tranquility between Woy Woy and The Entrance—A Picturesque Escape along Brisbane Water's Scenic Beauty
Credit: Destination NSW
Vintage car passing through a jacaranda-lined street in Grafton.
Grafton
Rich history along Clarence River, thriving city center, unique Grafton Bridge, and stunning national parks to the west. Nature meets heritage.
Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest.
Hawks Nest
Hawks Nest is located on the northern shores of Port Stephens, across the water from Nelson Bay and between the coastal city of Newcastle.
Credit: Destination NSW
The Slim Dusty Centre is located in Kempsey on the Mid-North Coast. The Slim Dusty Centre is a museum dedicated to local and Australian Country Music legend, Slim Dusty. It also houses the Regional Art Gallery, Cafe and Retail Shop featuring local produce.
Kempsey
A vibrant town nestled in Macleay Valley, framed by the serpentine Macleay River. Scenic views from Rudder Park lookout await on Pacific Highway.
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a visit to the Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore.
Lismore
Lismore: Inland hub between Ballina and Casino, home to Southern Cross University's primary campus. A thriving center for commerce and culture
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple riding their bicycles past the Welcome to Maitland Sign on Elgin St, Maitland.
Maitland
Historic charm along the Hunter River, twin towns fused into a vibrant city. Explore galleries, museums, and use it as a gateway to Hunter Valley wineries.
Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic views of the Tweed River running through the Murwillumbah countryside.
Murwillumbah
Known for its stunning riverside setting and artistic community, Murwillumbah offers a serene escape surrounded by the scenic wonders of the New South Wales hinterland.
Credit: The Legendary Pacific Coast
Scenic views of Nambucca Heads.
Nambucca Heads
Coastal haven between Coffs Harbour and South West Rocks, boasting beautiful beaches and scenic riverfront stretches.
Credit: Destination NSW
Cruise ship entering Newcastle Harbour.
Newcastle
Steel to Surf, evolving into a vibrant coastal city with rich history, stunning beaches, and thriving tourism.
Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.
Port Macquarie
Discover a harmonious blend of history and natural beauty along the New South Wales coastline.
Credit: Destination NSW
Scenic coastal views over Arakoon National Park, South West Rocks.
South West Rocks
Coastal Bliss at Macleay's Mouth, Horseshoe Bay's Sandy Beauty, Fishing Havens, and Historic Wonders
Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying a self-guided walk on the banks of the Manning River along the Taree Heritage Walk, Taree.
Taree
Taree, a picturesque riverfront town situated in the heart of the fertile Manning Valley, beckons with its idyllic charm and vibrant commercial spirit.
Credit: DestinationNSW
Sun rising over Bennetts Beach and Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest.
The Entrance
Coastal paradise on NSW central coast, embraced by beaches and Tuggerah Lake. Enjoy pelican feeding and water fun at Vera's Garden.
Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a stand up paddleboarding experience in Fingal Head, Tweed.
Tweed Heads
Coastal harmony straddling state lines, where riverways meet golden beaches, offering scenic views and a subtle dance with time.
Credit: Destination NSW
Man stargazing off Yamba Main Beach, Yamba.
Yamba
Coastal Bliss at the Clarence River's Mouth, Pippi Beach Serenity, and Gateway to Yuraygir National Park
