Located just two and a half hours from Sydney along the beautiful coastline of NSW, Port Stephens is one of the most loved holiday regions. Surrounded by white-sandy beaches with crystal clear water and luscious greenery, it truly is the ultimate summer destination. With so many gorgeous swimming spots on offer, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together our top five beaches to visit and why we love them so much!
Dutchmans Beach
A local gem. Known for its calm waters, flat sand and stunning views, Dutchmans [aka Dutchies] Beach ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly day at the beach. Bring along a picnic lunch, an umbrella [find yours at the front entrance of The Loft] and most importantly, your swimsuit! Our hot tip would be to arrive early during peak periods as parking is limited.
Birubi Beach
If you’re looking for a beach day filled with a little more action and adventure, you can’t miss Birubi Beach. Located at the northern end of the Stockton Sand Dunes, Birubi Beach is the perfect spot to set up base for the day whilst you head out on a camel ride, go sandboarding down the dunes or simply relax in the natural rock pools.
Shoal Bay
Shoalie, as the locals like to call it, is one of the most popular spots to visit during the summer. Spanning 2.5 km between the Nelson Bay Lighthouse Reserve and Tomaree Mountain, Shoal Bay is the largest beach in the Port Stephens area. With ample space for all visitors and calm crystal-clear water, you’ll be sure to enjoy your day here. As an added bonus, Shoal Bay is right next to a strip of vibrant local cafes, restaurants, beer gardens and beach activity hire stalls i.e. stand-up paddle boards.
One Mile Beach
If you’re looking for one of the local surf spots or just somewhere to enjoy waves, One Mile is the beach for you. Facing southeast towards the Tasman Sea, One Mile often attracts windier conditions than the beaches mentioned above, ideal for those on the hunt for a good beach break. Sheltered by the headland, the southern end of One Mile beach is often less windy and has smaller waves - making it the perfect spot for families with children of a range of ages. This is also where you’ll find the kiosk, shaded picnic area and plenty of parking.
Fingal Beach
For a more secluded option, we highly recommend you take the trip over to Fingal Beach. Just a short 10-minute drive from The Loft, Fingal Beach is one of the less-known spots in Port Stephens and therefore attracts locals looking for a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main towns. If you’re feeling snackish, pop over to the local takeaway store for some fish and chips or a tasty burger and enjoy your picnic in the sun as you listen to the gentle crash of the waves.
Book your next Port Stephens getaway!
Located just 2 minutes up the road from Nelson Bay and 5 minutes from Shoal Bay, The Loft Corlette is the perfect space to set up base. We even have coaster bikes for our guests to cycle to the surrounding cafes and beaches! Treat yourself to a vacation you'll never forget and book now!