Port Stephens With Kids: Where To Stay, Eat & Best Things To Do

Welcome to our family-friendly guide to Port Stephens with kids. Located just over two hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens is one of the best family holiday destinations in New South Wales, combining calm beaches, giant sand dunes, wildlife experiences and outdoor adventures that work for all ages. We’ve visited Port Stephens multiple times over the years, and what keeps bringing us back is the variety, and all year round as well!

Looking for more family-friendly tours and activities in Port Stephens? Browse our Port Stephens activities link below & we also have more details about the activities we enjoyed further down in this post!

Tomaree Head Summit

Tomaree Head Summit is best tackled early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, especially during summer. The return walk is around 2.2km and follows a well-maintained path with a mix of paved sections, stairs and a steady uphill climb. It’s manageable for families with older kids who are comfortable walking, and there are a few spots along the way to stop and catch your breath. The reward at the top is one of the best views in Port Stephens, with panoramic views over Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and the surrounding coastline.

Sandboarding and ATV in the Sandunes

Sandboarding & ATV on the Stockton Sand Dunes is one of the most popular family activities in Port Stephens and something our kids still talk about. The experience starts with a 4WD bus ride out onto the dunes before you’re given a sandboard and shown how to ride it. Most tours run for around 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time for multiple runs down the dunes. The climbs back to the top can be tiring, especially on warm days, so take plenty of water, wear sunglasses and expect to get sand absolutely everywhere. The dunes are suitable for most ages, but younger kids may need a hand carrying their boards back up the hills.

Dolphin Watching Cruise

A dolphin watching cruise is one of the easiest ways for families to experience Port Stephens’ famous marine life. Most cruises depart from Nelson Bay and run for around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, which is always a highlight for kids. We recommend booking a morning cruise if possible, as conditions are often calmer.

Oakvale Wildlife Park

Oakvale Wildlife Park is a great option for families looking to mix beach time with a wildlife experience. You can easily spend half a day here feeding kangaroos, meeting koalas and interacting with farm animals. The pathways are stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get hands-on with the animals. We’d recommend arriving close to opening time to make the most of the animal encounters before the park gets busier.

Toboggan Hill Park

Toboggan Hill Park is a great backup option if the weather isn’t ideal or you simply want a break from the beach. The main attraction is the alpine-style toboggan run, but there are also activities like mini golf, climbing walls and roller skating. Most families spend 2–3 hours here. It will take you back to living as a 90’s kid, it’s a unique place but our kids love it.

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is one of the most unique family experiences in Port Stephens and gives kids the chance to get surprisingly close to marine life. Families can walk through shallow lagoon-style pools, hand-feed stingrays and interact with sharks in a safe, controlled environment. There are various experience options available, including deeper-water encounters for older kids. We’d recommend allowing 2–3 hours for your visit and bringing a change of clothes, as there’s a good chance the kids will get wet.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

The Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a great family-friendly stop if your kids love Australian wildlife. The sanctuary focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of koalas, with elevated boardwalks that let you see koalas resting high in the trees. The walk is mostly flat and easy for families, and most visitors spend around 1–2 hours exploring the sanctuary. We’d recommend visiting earlier in the day when the koalas are often more active and combining it with other nearby attractions around Nelson Bay and Anna Bay.

SPLASH Waterpark Nelson Bay

SPLASH Waterpark is one of the most fun activities in Port Stephens for older kids and teenagers who love a challenge. Located just off the beach in Nelson Bay, this giant inflatable water park features climbing walls, slides, balance obstacles and jumping platforms all floating on the water. Sessions run for around one hour, and is only open during summer months

One Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in Port Stephens for families who love wide open spaces and long stretches of sand. The beach is patrolled during the warmer months and is popular for swimming, surfing and beach walks. There is plenty of room to spread out, even during busy periods, and you’ll find picnic facilities, toilets and a kiosk nearby. If your kids enjoy waves and bodyboarding, this is one of the best family beaches in Port Stephens

Little Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Port Stephens, particularly for families with younger children. The water is calm and protected, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and playing safely in the shallows. If you’re travelling with toddlers or younger kids, this is one beach we’d put high on your list.

Fingal Bay Beach offers one of the longest stretches of sand in Port Stephens and is a favourite for families looking for a more relaxed beach day. The beach is patrolled during the warmer months and has plenty of room for swimming, beach games and long walks along the shoreline. If conditions allow, it’s worth walking part of Fingal Spit for the views, but always pay attention to tides and safety advice. There is a surf club, café and amenities nearby, making it an easy beach to spend the day at. We also like to swim at the rock pool, which you can find down the north end by the reserve.

Shoal Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Port Stephens and it’s easy to see why. The calm, clear water makes it one of the best swimming beaches for families, while the foreshore is lined with cafés, restaurants and accommodation within walking distance. We’ve always found Shoal Bay to be a great base for families who want to park the car and spend a few days enjoying the beach, local dining and nearby attractions like Tomaree Head Summit. The wharf is a favourite for my kids to jump off, and it’s a popular spot with locals.

Birubi Beach is where you’ll find the famous Stockton Sand Dunes and some of the most unique scenery in Port Stephens. The beach itself is beautiful for walking and photography, while the dunes offer activities like sandboarding, camel rides and 4WD tours. We’d recommend combining Birubi Beach and the sand dunes into the same visit, as they’re located together and can easily fill half a day.

Iris Moore Reserve is one of those quieter spots in Port Stephens that many visitors drive straight past, but it’s well worth stopping for. Located near Anna Bay, the reserve has ocean lookouts, grassy picnic areas and easy access to a series of natural rock pools that kids love to swim during low swell and low tide conditions.

If your family loves the outdoors, holiday parks and caravan parks are a popular option throughout Port Stephens. Many offer cabins, powered sites, playgrounds, pools and direct beach access, making them a great choice for families wanting a more relaxed holiday. You’ll find family-friendly parks around Shoal Bay, One Mile Beach, Fingal Bay and Anna Bay. If you don’t want caravan parks, recommend staying around Shoal Bay or Nelson Bay, such as the Ramada Resort Shoal Bay or Mantra Nelson Bay.

Below is a list of our recommended family-friendly restaurants and cafes across Port Stephens that also offer gluten-free options.

• Little Beach Boathouse
• The Little Nel
• Shoal Bay Country Club
• Two Bobs Bakery
• Atmos
• Anna Bay Tavern
• Cheeky Dog
• Nostimo At The Bay
• Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Club