Port Stephens: Home To Beautiful Beaches & Bubbly Dolphins

Welcome to Port Stephens, fellow sunshine seekers, adventurers, and beach bums! If you are any of the above, we can already tell you that this little slice of coastal heaven in New South Wales, Australia is your ticket to a beachy adventure that's not just fun – it's a total blast!

In this blog, we would like to introduce some extra fun ways to become best buds with the resident dolphins, along with our top picks of Port Stephens beaches.


MAKING FRIENDS WITH DOLPHINS

The stars of Port Stephens live in the waters and they are a bubbly pod of dolphins. These adorable creatures are known for their social nature and love for a good time. So why not make friends with them? Here are some ideas for fun encounters with these cool locals:

Go Dolphin Watching In Port Stephens
group of bottlenose dolphins at port stephens

The city is known as the dolphin capital of Australia for a reason. There  are more than 140 bottlenose dolphins that call Port Stephens home. If you're even remotely intrigued by the idea of witnessing these friendly acrobats leap, spin, and perform like they were born entertainers, then dolphin watching in Nelson Bay should be at the top of your must-do list! So, hop aboard a dolphin watching cruise and you are in for a treat! Meet and greet the coolest residents of Port Stephens! Also as a bonus, learn some fantastic facts about these cuties from the onboard expert. Trust us, this is certainly one of the best things to do in Port Stephens and you do not want to miss it.


Dolphin Kayaking Tours
If you want a more personal encounter with our aquatic friends, a kayaking tour is the best option. This is not a guaranteed experience, but if you are lucky and the dolphins show up, it could easily be the most surreal experience of your life. Imagine this: you are gliding on the calm waters in your kayak, and suddenly grey snots and fins start to appear near you! Soon you realise that the dolphins are as curious about you, as you are about them. What a magical feeling that is!

Watch dolphins by going on a dolphin kayaking tour

This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the dolphins in their natural habitats, observe their playful behaviour, and share a chuckle or two.

Beachside Encounters
Sometimes our dolphin friends decide to show up near the coastline. This is a perfect opportunity for you to say hello to these adorable mammals, and maybe share a few words. However, for this to happen to you, you need to be a dedicated beach dweller and a little bit lucky.


SANDY TOES AND SALTY KISSES

We cannot do much about dolphins making an appearance near the beaches, but we sure can help you visit the best beaches. With a whopping 26 gorgeous beaches, you're spoilt for choice in Port Stephens, but we've picked our cream of the crop:

One Mile Beach 
With a lush green backdrop and framed by sandy dunes, One Mile Beach is a family-friendly beach. The shallow waters and soft sands provide a safe and enjoyable playground for kids of all ages.

One Mile Beach is especially perfect to ride the waves. It does not matter if you are a beginner looking to catch your first wave or a pro chasing bigger ones, this beach has waves that will definitely match your vibes.

Zenith Beach
Here, powdery sand, azure waters, and gentle waves come together, offering a surreal tranquillity that's truly one-of-a-kind. Situated within the embrace of Tomaree National Park, this beach is framed by rugged headlands. Needless to say, sunsets and sunrises are just incredible here.

Take scenic walks, sunbathe, dip your toes in the water, and enjoy a tropical day at this serene beach.

Birubi Beach
A stretch of golden sand, as far as your eyes can see – that is what Birubi beach is! The turquoise sea rolls out the gentlest of waves, perfect for your dip in the ocean. The best part of the beach are the dunes surrounding it. You can take a quad bike adventure, try your hand at sandboarding, or simply wander through this surreal desert-like terrain.

Fingal Bay
A safe beach for little hands to make sand castles, splash water around, and make memories for a lifetime. If you walk to the very end of the Fingal Beach, you can reach the Fingal Spit. It is a sandy stretch that connects Fingal Beach to Fingal Island (A sandy bridge, if you may). It is a fantastic spot for the best beach walks.

In short, from the playful dolphins that call these waters home to the breathtaking beaches that offer both relaxation and adventure, Port Stephens is a dream come true for anyone. So, pack your bags (do not forget your camera and sunscreen) and embrace the beach bum in you!