About Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a large, well protected, natural harbour which covers 134 square kilometres and spans the 24 km between the mouth of the Karuah River to the headlands at Mount Tomaree and Yacaaba Head at Hawks Nest. The harbour shoreline is dominated by tiny villages – Tahlee, Bundabah, Hawks Nest, Oyster Cove, Tanilba Bay. Corlette, Lemon Tree Passage and Tea Gardens. On the south-eastern shoreline there is a continuous urban development which stretches from Shoal Bay to Soldiers Point and includes Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay and the small township of Port Stephens. The “port” is characterised by small bays and the estuaries of the Myall River, Tilligerry Creek and the Karuah River.
There are quiet, white sandy beaches and scrubby bushland. Historically much of the land was owned by the Australian Agricultural Company (AAC) but by the 1950s it became a popular holiday resort destination and desirable retirement location for people from Sydney and Newcastle. Its great appeal was that it was under-developed and therefore modestly priced and pleasantly sleepy. Today there are exclusive accommodation options at Corlette and Nelsons Bay and the “port’ is and ideal place for recreational activities including game fishing, beach and rock fishing, sailing, cruising, boat and houseboat charters, bushwalking, horse riding, surfing, water skiing, swimming and parasailing (sourced from the Aussie Towns website – click for more).
Halifax Park Caravan Park
We headed out of North Narrabeen toward our next stop at Halifax Holiday Park in Nelson Bay (Port Stephens) stopping off for a seniors coffee at Macca’s in Gosford (maplink). Here for 4 nights.
Halifax Holiday Park is located in the ideal spot; walk to town, go for a swim or walk up the hill to the tea rooms above the park.
We stayed in this park back in 2015 and it was smashed by a category 2 super storm which literally tore the town apart. We were fortunate to get out unscathed but others, like our neighbours, were devastated when a tree fell on their car (total write-off). Glad to see it back to normal.
Birubi Beach
Birubi Beach was such a lovely beach to visit – thanks to Neil & Sharon for recommending it. There are so many things going on here like, 4WD tours, Camel Rides, Surfing or just a great lunch spot at the Crest Cafe.
Inner Light Tea Rooms
The Inner Light Tea Rooms are an absolute must when you are in Port Stephens/Nelson Bay, especially on a sun-filled day like we had. The views are spectacular and the lunch is fantastic.
It is a short walk up the hill from the caravan park (maplink); you can drive but parking is a bit of a premium.
The tea rooms are part of the Coast Guard & Marine Rescue facility, which is operated by trained and qualified volunteers, 24 hrs a day; 7 days a week; 365 days a year, monitoring 27MHz, VHF and HF marine frequencies, emergency and calling channels.