Our tours will visit the renowned wine-making region of Hunter Valley. We'll taste some wine and also find time to sample some cheese too. We also visit and stay in the stunning Port Stephens which is on the Legendary Pacific Coastal route, boasts a large natural harbour and home to over 150 wild Dolphins. We'll take a hike up to Tomaree Head to take in the amazing view looking back over Port Stephens and the spectacular coastline. You'll also have the chance to go sandboarding on the Southern Hemisphere's largest sand dunes, on a Dolphin Cruise (Select tours only) or enjoy freshly landed seafood at one of the beach front bars or restaurants
Population: 75,276
Vibe: Beach front living meets natural bush
Known for: Dolphins and sand dunes
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Go sand boarding on a quad bike
Who needs snow when you have the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere? One of the optional activities in Port Stephens is a quad bike ride out to the Stockton sand dunes, to slide down on a sand board. It's another "once in a lifetime opportunity" on your East Coast Stray Tour!
Go down to the beach
Or in Port Stephens, down to a choice of 26 beaches! With so much choice, there is also a range of activities including swimming, surfing, snorkelling, sailing and kayaking. You may see the bottlenose dolphins around the coastline, or even the migrating whales between May and September.
Hike to the top of Tomaree Head
This could be classed as a short hike or a steep walk! It's only about a 2.2km walk to the look out at Tomaree Head, but it's a climb of around 161 metres. But once you get there, it's well worth it, with panoramic views of the coast line, islands off the coast, Port Stephens and its lighthouse.
Enjoy a craft beer
Look out for the craft beers from the nearby Murray's Brewing Company. Their names are as imaginative and refreshing as their beers, so try to get a taste of Whale Ale, Angry Man Pale Ale, Port Stephens Lager or Nectabomb.
WHERE STRAY STAYS
Adventure Tours: Surfside Backpackers
A laid back hostel set in 6 acres of natural bushland, with architect designed communal kitchen and dining facilities. We'll be having our own barbecue party night! Your accommodation looks out onto the bush, and you might even see a koala as you make the short stroll to One Mile beach or into Port Stephens.
Address:
2 Koala Place
Boat Harbour, NSW 2316, Australia
View in Google Maps
Tel: +61 2 4981 9422
Select Tours: Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Located in Salamander Bay and home to one of the largest swimming pools in Australia, the resort includes an onsite gymnasium, heated spa and lap pool, Japanese steam room and tennis courts. The hotel style rooms are packed with all the usual comforts including Wi-Fi.
Address:
265 Sandy Point Rd
Salamander Bay NSW 2317, Australia
View in Google Maps
STRAY TOURS THAT INCLUDE PORT STEPHENS
READ OUR BLOGS:
- Check out our 10 amazing things you must-do on your east coast tour
- Here's a list of our favourite “bucket-list worthy” activities, to help you get more from the east coast