Dive into Australia and Asia Pacific's most popular dive site and comprehensive underwater directory.

Port Stephens

Port Stephens boasts a wonderful collection of seaside villages dotted along the Pacific Ocean coast. It also enjoys a majestic sand dune system and picturesque hinterland, all only 3 hours from Sydney. The beaches are excellent, and the local seafood is abundant.

A great way to experience the crystal clear waters of Port Stephens is on a cruise boat or paddling around in a kayak. You can enjoy a scenic dolphin watch cruise around the port, which is home to over 160 resident dolphins. Explore the massive sand dune systems of Stockton Beach, the largest coastal sand dune system in Australia. Go golfing, or search for koalas along the tree-lined banks of the Tilligerry Creek. Watch the whales swim north for winter: between late May and July thousands of whales migrate north to the tropics. Go for a walk up to Tomaree Headland, and be rewarded with spectacular views of the bay and offshore islands. Snorkel or dive at Fly Point Marine Park. Drop a line: the fish are biting all year round. Catch a ferry and enjoy picnic on the riverbank at Tea Gardens. Discover the historic Tilligerry Peninsula and Raymond Terrace, and don't miss the unique museums and galleries on offer.

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]

Photos

Overlooking the area - Photo courtesy ATDW

Wildflowers - Photo courtesy ATDW

Checking out the dolphins - Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW

Underwater Recommendations

The off shore islands, outside of the bay, have several dive sites around them. The rocky reefs are overgrown by colourful sponges, soft corals, and beautiful gorgonians. Friendly Blue Gropers, Old Wives, schooling kingfish and leatherjackets are only a few of the things you can see out here. There is also some great shore diving to be done inside the bay at Fly Point, Halifax Park Reef and the Pipeline. These sites harbour an amazing number of juveniles. At the entrance to the bay the remains of quite a few wrecks can be found.

Getting There

Air: Flights are available daily to Newcastle Airport, Williamtown (25 minutes drive to Port Stephens) from Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Coolangatta, NSW North Coast (Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour) Hire Cars: Available from Newcastle Airport and Nelson Bay. Train: Trains are available to Newcastle Station. Buses connect with the trains for transfers to Port Stephens.