Port Stephens is a vibrant realm of azure waters, castaway islands, serrated headlands, windswept beaches, and tracts of lush forest.
It’s a place that can keep a transient visitor occupied for weeks at a time, finally satisfying that ever-encroaching desire to get back on the road.
Exploring this region is like delving into a picture postcard setting to appreciate the natural side of life. Whilst there are plenty of activities on offer, quite often the most rewarding moments arise from the simple, but dynamic play of natural light on the spectacular landscape. The sight at every stunning vantage point can vary daily from a glass calm sea foreshadowing mist shrouded peaks, to a dynamic multi-coloured sunset that dances across the surface water of the port.
The Port Stephens estuary itself is larger than Sydney Harbour, panning out over 134km2. Draining into it are the Karuah River, the Myall River and Twelve Mile Creek, which provide a freshwater water influence to an otherwise salty environment.
Flourishing in the brine are vast swathes of mangroves, saltmarsh and seagrass. In fact, Port Stephens boasts the largest area of mangroves and saltmarsh in New South Wales. It’s an incredible place to explore and wet a line, or castaway on your own island or in an isolated bay in glistening blue surrounds – the perfect place for a swim or picnic.