Nelson Bay

Inner Lighthouse This 1872 lighthouse, originally lit with 4 kerosene lamps, has been restored by the National Trust and is now completely automated. The adjacent museum features a display of the area's early history, souvenirs and a teahouse. Views of Nelson Bay are stunning. Nelson Head.

Port Stephens This is a haven of calm blue waters and sandy beaches, offering excellent boating, fishing and swimming. It is also something of a wildlife haven: over 100 bottlenose dolphins are permanent residents here; migrating whales can be seen in season on a boat cruise; and koalas can be spotted at Tilligerry Habitat.

Community Art Centre: oil and watercolour paintings, pottery china and quilting; Shoal Bay Rd. Self-guide heritage walk: from Dutchmans Bay to Little Beach; brochure from visitor centre. Cruises: dolphin-watching (all year-round) and whale-watching (May–July and Sept–Nov); on the harbour, Myall River and to Broughton Island. Also dive charters; bookings at visitor centre. 4WD tours: along coastal dunes; bookings at visitor centre.

Tomaree National Park This park consists of bushland, sand dunes, heathland, native forest and over 20 km of rocky coastline and beaches. There is a signposted walk around the headland and another up to Fort Tomaree Lookout for breathtaking 360-degree views. Yacaaba Lookout across the bay (70 km by road) also offers great views. The park is a popular spot for bushwalking, swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing and picnicking. The park stretches from Shoal Bay (3 km NE) to Anna Bay (10 km SW).

Little Beach: white beach with native flora reserve behind; 1 km E. Gan Gan Lookout: spectacular views south to Newcastle and north to Myall Lakes; Nelson Bay Rd; 2 km S. Shoal Bay: popular and protected bay with spa resort; 3 km NE. Shell Museum: diverse display of shells, some rare; Sandy Point Rd; 3 km SW. Toboggan Hill Park: toboggan runs, minigolf and indoor wall-climbing; 5 km SW. Oakvale Farm and Fauna World: 150 species of native and farm animals, with visitor activities and feeding shows; 16 km SW. Tomago House: 1843 sandstone villa with family chapel and 19th-century gardens; open 11am–3pm Sun; Tomago Rd; 30 km SW. Stockton Sand Dunes: this 32-km dune area, the largest moving coastal land mass in the Southern Hemisphere, is popular for sand-boarding and whale-watching. Access is from Anna Bay or Williamtown by 4WD or safari (bookings at visitor centre); 38 km SW. Port Stephens wineries: several in area, with Stephens Winery featuring Jazz at the Winery in Mar; brochure from visitor centre.

Port Stephens 5 km

 Port Stephens is about 220 km north of Sydney and offers a mixed bag of quality species. In the estuaries, bream, flathead, mulloway and whiting dominate the catch while beach anglers do well on tailor, whiting and... Find out more

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Hawkesbury-Nepean River 126 km

The Hawkesbury River is regarded as one of the most consistent waters for big mulloway, or jewfish as they are called. It was with mulloway in mind that I went to the river to fish with Colin Tannahill. The river flows... Find out more

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Botany Bay 167 km

Recently I fished a hot-water outlet alongside the Kurnell refinery pier in Botany Bay, a few hundred metres from a monument dedicated to Captain James Cook’s landing in Australia in April 1770. A year before,... Find out more

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Port Hacking 178 km

In my youth, bream was a species anglers sought to put food on the table. It was a ‘kill it and fillet’ favourite. Both yellowfin and black bream fought well, but the sedentary nature of bait fishing –... Find out more

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Lithgow to Mudgee 208 km

Early settlers following in the footsteps of Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson took three weeks of hard trudging to cross the majestic Blue Mountains. These days the drive from the Penrith plains in western Sydney takes... Find out more

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South-West Rocks 222 km

When it comes to popularity, there are two types of fishing destinations: those that are hot all the time and those that wax and wane depending on the season. South West Rocks is in the first category. For as long as I... Find out more

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Birdwatching near Newcastle 41 km

A reclaimed 45-hectare wetland area just 10 minutes drive from the centre of Newcastle has been Ramsar-listed and is an excellent spot to see up to 213 bird species, including more than 2000 pairs of breeding egrets. The... Find out more

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Kayaking, Newcastle to Port Macquarie 81 km

Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre at Gloucester offers an exciting one-day tour down the Barrington River. Guides can tailor the trip for beginners or family groups, choosing a quieter part of the river where there are... Find out more

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Barrington Tops National Park 94 km

Best known for its superb bushwalking among ancient Antarctic beech forest and rainforest that receives snow several times a year, this 83 403-hectare park is one of the highest spots on the Great Dividing Range and even... Find out more

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Bushwalking in and around Sydney 136 km

Surprisingly, Sydney does offer some superb bushwalking through secluded bushland. Aboriginal engraving and art sites are quite common, and many are not publicised, simply leaving you to discover them, appreciate them,... Find out more

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The Great North Walk 136 km

Although it links two of Australia’s most populated cities, Sydney and Newcastle, and passes through some beautiful bushland, the Great North Walk does not get the foot traffic you might expect. A 250-kilometre,... Find out more

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Kayaking in Sydney 149 km

Surprisingly, this activity has only taken off in Sydney in the past few years. With a city centred on such great waterways, there is plenty to explore, whether just for an hour or two, or a whole week. Sydney Harbour... Find out more

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Taronga Zoo 150 km

One of the world’s best zoos, Taronga is involved in a wide variety of threatened species recovery operations, wildlife rehabilitation and animal research work. As well as having a great day by Sydney Harbour,... Find out more

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Burning Mountain Nature Reserve 151 km

Forget global warming for a while and marvel at this coal seam, about 30 metres underground, that has been burning as hot as 1700°C for an estimated 5500 years. A 3.5-kilometre walk to the top of the mountain through... Find out more

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Sea Acres Nature Reserve 160 km

This cool coastal forest, 5 kilometres south of Port Macquarie, is great for a stop and a gentle stroll, with lush rainforest extending right down to the beach. There is a 1.5-kilometre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk,... Find out more

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Picnicking in the Blue Mountains 185 km

Take a picnic up to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah at any time of year and you will not be disappointed. At 1000 metres above sea level, it is usually cool in summer, brimming with flowers in spring,... Find out more

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Pacific Dunes Golf Club 26 km

Advances in club and ball technology, aimed at helping players hit longer and straighter, have had a big effect on golf course architecture since the early 1990s. Many new developers have urged designers to stretch... Find out more

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Newcastle Golf Club 37 km

Long before American Tom Doak became the revered course designer he is today, he travelled the world playing and studying more than 800 courses. He made notes on every one, before compiling them into what he called ... Find out more

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The Vintage Golf Club 77 km

Hunter Valley semillon, with its zesty aromas and flavours, is sometimes described by wine experts as ‘Australia’s wine gift to the world’. Its appeal also lies in its capacity to age well. The same... Find out more

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Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 88 km

There is something truly inspiring about a golf course – whatever the quality of its playing surfaces – that offers the smells and sounds of the ocean. This is perhaps what first persuaded the Scots to use... Find out more

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Kooindah Waters Golf & Spa Resort 91 km

Throughout his playing career, Craig Parry has won tournaments around the world thanks to a mix of sound strategy, good ball-striking and a first-class short game. He brought those same key elements – golfing... Find out more

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Monash Country Club 135 km

The first few years after World War II were boom years for golf course construction in Sydney, particularly north of the harbour. The founding members of Monash Country Club – which is today located high in the... Find out more

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Long Reef Golf Club 137 km

Occupying the Long Reef headland on Sydney’s northern beaches – ‘one of the best sites of any golf course in Sydney’, according to five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson – this... Find out more

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Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club 137 km

A golf course, by its very nature, is a living and constantly changing thing. A fine example of the way a course can grow and the effect this can have on its original design lies at Terrey Hills, about 40 minutes... Find out more

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Pymble Golf Club 145 km

Pymble Golf Club has a rich history of nurturing some of the finest ball-strikers Australia has seen. The great Kel Nagle was the club’s resident professional for five years, and it was on the Pymble practice... Find out more

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Avondale GOLF CLUB 148 km

When 19th-hole conversation turns to discussing the best places to play golf in Sydney, one course often slips under the radar. Avondale Golf Club quite rightly ranks among the harbour city’s finest courses. Yet... Find out more

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Fishermen’s Wharf Seafoods

There’s something special about buying your fish and chips down at the wharf. It’s not just for the freshness of the produce, though that is without a doubt a major drawcard, but also for the local knowledge... Find out more

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Ritual Organics

If it’s a special night out, book a table at Ritual to indulge in their 12-course degustation menu. Showcasing the best organic local produce in dazzling, imaginative ways, this fine-dining establishment promises a... Find out more

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Zest Restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Nelson Bay, Zest is a sanctuary of fine dining in the countryside. The pastel green decor creates a congenial atmosphere, matched by a sleek modern design and local artwork. Try the inspired... Find out more

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Billy Kwong 155 km

This up-market restaurant in Surry Hills claims to have been the first restaurant in New South Wales that chose to become carbon neutral. Owned and run by passionate advocate of sustainability and ethical eating Kylie... Find out more

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Green Gourmet 158 km

These totally vegan restaurants have fascinating dishes including mock fish, made from taro, mushroom steaks and desserts such as green tea moon cake.... Find out more

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Murray's Craft Brewing Company 16 km

But there’s a-nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. So sang the late country singing legend Slim Dusty and, more importantly, the words of the famous song were penned... Find out more

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Steel River Brewery 43 km

Every brewhouse has its own distinct personality – new ones are punched out in uniform fashion and pretty much look the same, but pre-loved ones tend to have a bit more character and, more often than not, a... Find out more

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Bluetongue Brewery 54 km

Set up in 2004 by a consortium of Hunter region identities, including wine man Bruce Tyrell and hotelier Ian Burford, Bluetongue Brewery soon established a significant regional market for its premium lager and alcoholic... Find out more

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Hunter Beer Company 75 km

Potters Brewery, as this microbrewery is also known, might seem like a rather odd addition to this convention-based accommodation complex, which is named after the historic beehive-shaped pottery kilns scattered around... Find out more

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4 Pines Brewing Company 144 km

What do Margaret River and Manly have in common? Well, they both have popular surfing spots and craft breweries or, at least, they do now. The Mitchell family had seen the burgeoning Margaret River microbrewing scene... Find out more

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Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel 154 km

Sydney’s longest-running brew-pub is many things rolled into one fine watering hole – an institution for ale lovers, a tourist magnet and a haven for homesick Poms. The historic sandstone pub is as comfy as a... Find out more

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Redoak Brewery 155 km

Redoak burst onto the craft-beer scene by winning a swag of medals at the 2004 Australian International Beer Awards before they had sold even a single drop. And they have continued to collect an impressive array of... Find out more

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Schwartz Brewery 155 km

Tucked away in the basement of the heritage-listed Macquarie Hotel in Surry Hills, this 8-hectolitre microbrewery is the hub of a burgeoning craft-beer empire run by owner Dr Jerry Schwartz. Apart from supplying the pub,... Find out more

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Bays Holiday Park 8 km

You can camp in style at this well-appointed park on the Tomaree Peninsula in classy Port Stephens. As well as caravan and tent sites, there are one- and two-bedroom cabins and bunkhouse rooms sleeping four in each room.... Find out more

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Stewart & Lloyds camping area 16 km

This is the closest campground to Hawks Nest, 10 km along Mungo Brush Rd from town. It’s tucked away behind sand dunes with easy access to the beach. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood;... Find out more

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Brambles Green camping area (walk-in camping) 21 km

If you’re after a quieter spot and don’t mind missing out on ocean views, this walk-in campsite on the banks of the lower Myall River, south of Bombah Broadwater is ideal for self-sufficient walkers and as a... Find out more

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Tattersalls Campground 22 km

Located on the Karuah River, access is via Hobart Rd from Limeburners Creek. The site is for self-sufficient campers only, as there are no facilities, and access is 4WD only. Bring water, firewood and preferably a... Find out more

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Double Wharf Campground 23 km

This campground is accessed via Googes Rd off Hobarts Forest Rd. It’s 4WD access only, and you’ll need to bring your own portable toilet, firewood and drinking water.... Find out more

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Banksia Green camping area 24 km

It might be a small site, but the power of Banksia Green lies in its close proximity to beach and lake, and it’s not as far from Hawks Nest as some of the other sites. It’s off Mungo Brush Rd, just south of... Find out more

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River Mouth (walk-in and boat-based camping) 25 km

As its name suggests, this one’s at the mouth of the Myall River. It’s a good stopover for canoeists and kayakers on the Upper Myall River. Walkers can also access the camping area via the Rivermouth Fire... Find out more

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Mungo Brush camping area 25 km

On the lake side of Mungo Brush Rd, about 22 km north of Hawks Nest, this is a popular campsite as it’s close to the lake and the beach. There’s a boat ramp here and a number of walking tracks, including the... Find out more

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Dees Corner camping area 26 km

Dees Corner offers quiet camping under the dappled shade of melaleucas by Bombah Broadwater. It’s north of Mungo Brush camping area, off Mungo Brush Rd. You need to bring drinking water and firewood, though... Find out more

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White Tree Bay camping area 27 km

On the eastern shore of Bombah Broadwater north of Dees Corner camping area off Mungo Brush Rd, this site includes a gas barbecue. Bring your drinking water and firewood; gas/fuel stove only.... Find out more

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Halifax Holiday Park 2 km

Close to the centre of Nelson Bay, this well-maintained tourist park adjoins a busy public boat ramp on the eastern shores of Port Stephens. There are often people cleaning their catch near the boat ramp and numerous... Find out more

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Hawks Nest Beach Holiday Park 6 km

Located just a short walk from a popular beach and the Hawks Nest Surf Club, this park is also only a kilometre from the centre of town. It has large expanses of lawn and is ideal for a family holiday or just a few... Find out more

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One Mile Beach Holiday Park 7 km

This quality, award-winning caravan park is located in the popular Port Stephens region, just a few kilometres south of Nelson Bay. Set alongside a popular surf beach, it has excellent amenities and great recreational... Find out more

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Myall River Camp 9 km

This bush camp is located a few kilometres north of Hawks Nest, along a road accessible by conventional vehicles. Set on a large grassy expanse beside the Myall River, the camp has no power and limited facilities and... Find out more

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Discovery Holiday Parks – Port Stephens 12 km

Located in a quiet area of the Port Stephens region, this is a quality waterfront park ideal for a family holiday or just a few days. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies during all... Find out more

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BIG4 Karuah Jetty Village 18 km

Located in a quiet position a short distance from the Pacific Highway, this park has very good amenities and looks across the northern arm of Port Stephens. There is a long jetty, good for fishing, and a limited number... Find out more

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Australian Motor Homes Tourist Park 27 km

This park is designed for big rigs. Located alongside the Pacific Highway, west of Karuah, it is a great place for an overnight stay and popular with groups on weekends. The owners also operate a commercial fish farm,... Find out more

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Myall Shores Nature Resort 28 km

Situated on the shores of Myall Lakes, access to this park is from Bulahdelah and 10 km of the road is unsealed. Located in a picture-postcard position close to the vehicle ferry crossing, it has good facilities and a... Find out more

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Alum Mountain Caravan Park 36 km

Located on the northern edge of town alongside the Pacific Highway, this is an older park with basic facilities. It is very convenient for an overnight stop or as a base to explore the local lakes and forests. Dogs are... Find out more

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Bellhaven Caravan Park 39 km

With good access to the Pacific Highway, this basic park has grassy drive-through sites ideal for an overnight stop. The town centre is only a short drive away. Bookings are recommended all year round.... Find out more

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Oaks Lure

Just a short walk from the marina, Oaks Lure, part of the Oaks Hotels and Resorts chain, offers one- or two-bedroom self-contained apartments with full kitchens, or motel rooms with microwaves and tea and coffee... Find out more

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The Landmark Nelson Bay

Widely regarded as the best resort in the area, The Landmark offers self-contained accommodation at great value for money. There is a variety of accommodation styles to suit everyone, including the Studio with views of... Find out more

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Thurlows at the Bay

Thurlows is a stunning B&B just a stone’s throw from idyllic Dutchmans Beach and a six-minute walk from the heart of Nelson Bay. There are two private, luxurious self-contained suites. The more intimate of the... Find out more

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Banjo’s Bushland Retreat, Vacy 62 km

With three self-contained lodges of various sizes and a recreation room that includes an environmental centre, this eco-accredited resort keeps nature as its focus. Even the nine-hole minigolf course weaves around the... Find out more

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Somewhere Unique, Wollombi 95 km

The two stand-alone, couples-only cottages here are stylish, contemporary and have passive solar design. They are eco-accredited, on an 8-hectare bushland reserve, and use only renewable energy and Greenfleet vehicles.... Find out more

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Australia Walkabout Park, Calga 116 km

You can camp out with the 180 species of wild animal in this 32-hectare feral-proofed wildlife park that has a solid history of conservation and caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. The overnight camping experience... Find out more

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Wollemi Wilderness Retreat, Bilpin 181 km

These unusual self-contained cabins of various sizes feature passive solar design and are mainly constructed from recycled and salvaged materials. Although not high-class, they all have a spa and are in isolated bush... Find out more

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Bunjaree Cottages, Wentworth Falls 198 km

Great for families, Bunjaree Cottages have been designed to make a small environmental footprint, with full solar power and earth-brick insulation. One is built with recycled car tyres and mud, providing even better... Find out more

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Dargan Springs Mountain Lodge, Clarence 198 km

At the soft end of ecotourism, this pleasant lodge and wellness retreat has advanced eco-certification. It is surrounded by a mountain ash forest dotted with waratahs, the habitat of wombats and wallabies. With a maximum... Find out more

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Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge, Blackheath 199 km

One of the first working examples of large-scale sustainable tourism to exist in Australia, Jemby-Rinjah has advanced eco-accreditation, and one of the most extensive systems of composting toilets in the country. Ten... Find out more

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Old Leura Dairy 201 km

This creative collection of six buildings, which can sleep up to 30 people in various combinations, has been renovated and fitted out with all manner of recycled bits and bobs. There are old oven doors, rusted corrugated... Find out more

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Kanimbla View, Blackheath 203 km

Solar-powered, the two- and three-bedroom cottages here are surprisingly large inside. They are partially constructed from recycled and salvaged timbers, have composting toilets and a great view of the Kanimbla Valley... Find out more

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Woolshed Cabins, near Blackheath 203 km

Eleven kilometres from Blackheath and surrounded by a glorious natural amphitheatre of towering sandstone walls, the Woolshed Cabins sit on 100 hectares of cleared farmland (a working cattle farm) in the Kanimbla Valley,... Find out more

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Station Creek Rest Area 13 km

42 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. GPS: S32 36.535 E152 05.746  ... Find out more

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Browns Flat Rest Area 18 km

20 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 33.335 E152 08.982  ... Find out more

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Nerong Waterholes Rest Area 19 km

54 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.904 E152 09.206  ... Find out more

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Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area 29 km

15 km N of Raymond Terrace (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 39.744 E151 50.559... Find out more

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Medowie Road Rest Area 29 km

58 km S of Bulahdelah (L) southbound only Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S32 40.225 E151 50.113... Find out more

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Bulahdelah Rest Area 37 km

2 km N of Bulahdelah (R) or 70 km S of Taree (L) Small area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S32 23.506 E152 13.310   ... Find out more

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Newmans Road Rest Areas 44 km

13 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 59 km S of Taree (L) Small areas just off the highway (both sides). Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 21.059 E152 18.905 (NORTHBOUND) &        ... Find out more

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Wang Wauk Rest Area 65 km

36 km N of Bulahdelah (L) or 36 km S of Taree (R) Large area just off the highway. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S32 09.295 E152 19.352 ... Find out more

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Talawahl Creek Rest Area 80 km

18 km S of Taree (L) southbound only Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 02.987 E152 26.816 ... Find out more

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Pothana Lane Rest Area 80 km

30 km NW of Maitland (L) or 17 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway via the old road. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.433 E151 17.667  ... Find out more

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Golden Highway Junction Rest Area 86 km

36 km NW of Maitland (L) or 11 km SE of Singleton (R) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 38.553 E151 14.005  ... Find out more

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Four Mile Hill Rest Area 89 km

65 km N of Bulahdelah (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 57.781 E152 27.925 ... Find out more

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Service Centre 91 km

93 km N of Sydney (L) or 74 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Highway Service Centre just off the highway. GPS: S33 15.322 E151 24.172... Find out more

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Singleton Park Area 92 km

South side of town Small parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 34.321 E151 10.852... Find out more

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Singleton North Rest Area 97 km

6 km NW of Singleton (R) or 43 km SE of Muswellbrook (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 31.437 E151 07.945 ... Find out more

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Ourimbah Exit Rest Area 100 km

82 km N of Sydney (L) or 85 km S of Raymond Terrace (R) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 20.594 E151 22.046  ... Find out more

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Coopernook Forest Camp Area 112 km

T/O 30 km N of Taree or 90 km S of Kempsey via Moorland Large grassed campground surrounded by forest located 5 kilometres west of the highway via Forest Road. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 47.330... Find out more

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Tom Cat Creek Rest Area 117 km

33 km N of Taree (L) or 87 km S of Kempsey (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 45.884 E152 40.291   ... Find out more

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Hawkesbury River Rest Area 126 km

49 km N of Sydney (L) northbound only Large area just off the highway on the banks of the river. GPS: S33 32.029 E151 11.845... Find out more

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Muswellbrook North Park Area 128 km

2 km N of Muswellbrook (R) or 23 km S of Scone (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.858 E150 53.764... Find out more

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Aberdeen Park Area 133 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 09.641 E150 53.343... Find out more

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Scone Park Area 141 km

At the information centre Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 03.401 E150 52.174... Find out more

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Burrawan Rest Area 142 km

62 km N of Taree (L) northbound only Secluded area just off the highway. GPS: S31 33.103 E152 45.266 ... Find out more

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Ellenborough Reserve Camp Area 145 km

T/O 34 km W of Wauchope (R) or 130 km E of Walcha (L) Large grassed area 1 kilometre north of the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 26.437 E152 27.678  ... Find out more

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Stockyard Creek Rest Area 149 km

81 km W of Wauchope (L) or 83 km SE of Walcha (R) Small area just off the highway surrounded by dense forest. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S31 24.10 E152 07.26  ... Find out more

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