Nelson Bay

Travel Guide

Dutchmans Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views
Nelson Bay which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and rocky coastline
Nelson Bay which includes outdoor art
Nelson Bay showing cafe scenes, general coastal views and outdoor eating
Nelson Bay showing a bay or harbor

Nestled against Tomaree National Park is this haven of stunning beaches and coastline where dolphins are a regular sighting and humpback whales pass by.

Australia’s natural beauty is right on your doorstep in Nelson Bay, where you can hike to lookout points with spectacular views, cycle along the coastline, sail in waters home to dolphins and dive in coral reefs. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, this little coastal town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy lazing on the sand or surfing at one of the many beaches.

Some of the best spots for diving are at the nearby marine reserve Fly Point and Broughton Island. At Fly Point, look for the exotic pineapple and angel fish that live among the colourful coral. Adventurous fisherman can take a game fishing charter in the deeper waters to catch tuna, marlin and swordfish.

You can spot dolphins from the beach at Nelson Bay. Get out on the water for an unforgettable close-up view. In the cooler seasons you can also see majestic humpback whales. Some whale-watching tours visit the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands, where you can sandboard down dunes as high as 40 metres (130 feet), and visit aboriginal shell middens, burial areas and camping grounds that predate European settlement.

Spend a day exploring Tomaree National Park, which surrounds Nelson Bay. Hike up Tomaree Head Summit for incredible views over the water and forested headlands. Explore World War II gun emplacements on the Fort Tomaree walk. At low tide you may have access to Fingal Island, where you can walk along the beach to the ruins of the 19th-century cottage of the Point Stephens lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse itself, built in 1862, is still standing and active.

After an adventurous day outdoors, relax with a glass of local wine and a dinner of freshly caught seafood in one of Nelson Bay or Port Stephens’ restaurants that have an oceanfront view.

Bicycle paths are everywhere in Nelson Bay. Rent a bike to explore the area. Alternatively, buy a Bay Explorer Ticket to get unlimited use of the local bus service.

Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ¥30,457 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥30,457
¥33,503 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,496 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and a nice clean spot"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
Peninsula Nelson Bay Motel and Serviced Apartments

Peninsula Nelson Bay Motel and Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
52 Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ¥10,695 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥10,695
¥11,765 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free parking, room service, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
work trip
"my choice in nelson bay, great restaurant attached , only thing I could say that would improve the property is recycling bins in the room"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025

Peninsula Nelson Bay Motel and Serviced Apartments
Hotel Nelson

Hotel Nelson

4 out of 5
1 Government Road, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ¥12,960 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥12,960
¥12,960 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Hotel Nelson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Nelson Bay

Mantra Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,496 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and a nice clean spot"

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments

Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments

3.5 out of 5
1 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Fly Point Marine Reserve and West Nelson Bay ...
Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
Beaches Serviced Apartments

Beaches Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
12 Gowrie Avenue, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly apartment in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions West Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay Beach ...
Beaches Serviced Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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