A$3,000 | 10 days | from Sydney | Comfortable
Why you'll love it
Port Stephens is a large, sheltered bay about two and a half hours north of Sydney, with Nelson Bay as its main town. It scores 9 out of 10 for beaches, families, nature and safety, with calm bay beaches and ocean surf close together.
The best time to visit Port Stephens is October to April, when the water is warm enough for swimming, snorkelling and paddling.
Take a dolphin-watching cruise from Nelson Bay, as the bay has a resident population of bottlenose dolphins. Climb Tomaree Head for views over the islands, and go sandboarding on the Stockton Bight sand dunes near Anna Bay. Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and Little Beach are calm and good for families.
Port Stephens suits families, couples and anyone who wants a beach holiday within an easy drive of Sydney.
Your trip cost
For 10 days from Sydney