Castaway @ Nelson Bay
Things to do
Nelson Bay is a 25 mins scenic walk along the coastal path from Castaway. It’s a town among a string of beaches, bays and rocky headlands at the end of the Tomaree Peninsula. Take it all in on your morning walk from the front door along the coastline to Nelson Bay and D’Albora Marina.
Tomaree Head towers more than 160 metres over the entrance to Port Stephens and commands breath taking views of the Tasman Sea, offshore islands, natural harbour and Mount Yacaaba on the opposite side. The view is
even better between May and October during whale season,
and at this time of year a pair of binoculars will be essential.
To get to the top there’s a short but steep 2.2km round trail, and waiting at the top are stunning views, a picnic area and a set of WWII gun emplacements.
A south-facing platform provides the perfect photo opp in front of a string of bays and the historic Point Stephens
Lighthouse on Fingal Island.
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Passeggiata alla cima di Tomaree Head
Shoal Bay RoadTomaree Head towers more than 160 metres over the entrance to Port Stephens and commands breath taking views of the Tasman Sea, offshore islands, natural harbour and Mount Yacaaba on the opposite side. The view is
even better between May and October during whale season,
and at this time of year a pair of binoculars will be essential.
To get to the top there’s a short but steep 2.2km round trail, and waiting at the top are stunning views, a picnic area and a set of WWII gun emplacements.
A south-facing platform provides the perfect photo opp in front of a string of bays and the historic Point Stephens
Lighthouse on Fingal Island.
There are many attractions near by that let adults and children get up close to Australian wildlife. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters at Anna Bay has a choice of experiences, depending on how close you want to get to some of Australia’s most misunderstood animals.
Irukandji is a unique interactive aquarium that allows visitors to experience ocean life in a new and exciting way. You can stand in the shallows or sit on the rocks while feeding and touching rays. Or you can get more involved, putting on a wet suit and either snorkelling with rays or wading into a pool of beautiful zebra sharks or nurse sharks.
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Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
2 Jessie RdThere are many attractions near by that let adults and children get up close to Australian wildlife. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters at Anna Bay has a choice of experiences, depending on how close you want to get to some of Australia’s most misunderstood animals.
Irukandji is a unique interactive aquarium that allows visitors to experience ocean life in a new and exciting way. You can stand in the shallows or sit on the rocks while feeding and touching rays. Or you can get more involved, putting on a wet suit and either snorkelling with rays or wading into a pool of beautiful zebra sharks or nurse sharks.
Between mid-May and early-November humpback whales migrate north along Australia’s east coast to calve in warmer tropical waters, before returning. Thanks to its deep and sheltered waters, Port Stephens is a resting point - making it the perfect place to spot these magnificent mammals.
There’s a variety of operators to help you get a glimpse. A Google search will provide lots of options or alternatively check out available tours down at the D’Albora Marina.
Year round there’s a pod of around 160 bottlenose dolphins in the waters around Nelson Bay. These can often be sighted from the shore or get a closer look on a dolphin cruise or swimming with dolphins experience.
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Imagine Cruises
6 Teramby RdBetween mid-May and early-November humpback whales migrate north along Australia’s east coast to calve in warmer tropical waters, before returning. Thanks to its deep and sheltered waters, Port Stephens is a resting point - making it the perfect place to spot these magnificent mammals.
There’s a variety of operators to help you get a glimpse. A Google search will provide lots of options or alternatively check out available tours down at the D’Albora Marina.
Year round there’s a pod of around 160 bottlenose dolphins in the waters around Nelson Bay. These can often be sighted from the shore or get a closer look on a dolphin cruise or swimming with dolphins experience.
Behind Stockton Beach is a piece of land belonging to the Aboriginal Worimi People, managed by a partnership between the Traditional Owners and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
This is the site of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest expanse of mobile sand dunes, rising as high as 30 metres and shifting 4 metres a year. You can encounter this dramatic landscape on hikes, horseback adventures, camel rides, 4WD trips or quad bikes.
Worimi Conservation Lands is also scattered with important Aboriginal sites including burial sites and campsites. The park protects more than three quarters of the 32km beach, with dunes that extend as far as 1km inland.
Worimi Conservation Lands
12B Teramby RdBehind Stockton Beach is a piece of land belonging to the Aboriginal Worimi People, managed by a partnership between the Traditional Owners and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
This is the site of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest expanse of mobile sand dunes, rising as high as 30 metres and shifting 4 metres a year. You can encounter this dramatic landscape on hikes, horseback adventures, camel rides, 4WD trips or quad bikes.
Worimi Conservation Lands is also scattered with important Aboriginal sites including burial sites and campsites. The park protects more than three quarters of the 32km beach, with dunes that extend as far as 1km inland.
Up in the hills backing Nelson Bay is one of the best places if you want to take in the full scope of Port Stephens and the Tomaree Peninsula. The Gan Gan Lookout is just off Lily Hill Road and sits at a height of 160 metres.
The most photographed image is Tomaree Head and its fellow sentinel Mount Yacaaba at the entrance to Port Stephens. But if you look to the south you’ll see the vast dune system tracking Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
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Gan Gan Lookout
Lily Hill RoadUp in the hills backing Nelson Bay is one of the best places if you want to take in the full scope of Port Stephens and the Tomaree Peninsula. The Gan Gan Lookout is just off Lily Hill Road and sits at a height of 160 metres.
The most photographed image is Tomaree Head and its fellow sentinel Mount Yacaaba at the entrance to Port Stephens. But if you look to the south you’ll see the vast dune system tracking Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Beaches
Port Stephens is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in NSW. Whatever you’re looking for you’ll find it here, from wild and remote beaches backed by towering headlands, to family friendly sweeps of golden sand. See below to find the perfect spot for you. Please note many of the beaches are not patrolled, so please be cautious when swimming – there are strong currents.
Bagnall’s Beach (dog friendly) is just a 3 min walk from
Castaway.
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Bagnall beach
150 Government RdBagnall’s Beach (dog friendly) is just a 3 min walk from
Castaway.
Dutchmans, or "Dutchies" (great for swimming) is 10 mins walk. Popular all year round with locals and tourists for swimming, BBQing, or walking along the coastal path.
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Dutchmans Beach Reserve
1 Burbong StDutchmans, or "Dutchies" (great for swimming) is 10 mins walk. Popular all year round with locals and tourists for swimming, BBQing, or walking along the coastal path.
Fingal Bay is a huge sweep of golden sand with a sand bar that appears at low tide leading over to Fingal Island. If you do walk across to the island please check the tide times so you don’t end up stranded! Despite its huge popularity, at over a km long and you won’t have to sit shoulder to shoulder with anyone else. Fingal Bay is often patrolled which will give those with young children added peace of mind.
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Fingal Beach
Fingal Bay is a huge sweep of golden sand with a sand bar that appears at low tide leading over to Fingal Island. If you do walk across to the island please check the tide times so you don’t end up stranded! Despite its huge popularity, at over a km long and you won’t have to sit shoulder to shoulder with anyone else. Fingal Bay is often patrolled which will give those with young children added peace of mind.
An idyllic scene awaits in Shoal Bay, where a wide arc of white sand beach is adorned by a heritage lighthouse on one end and the striking Tomaree Head on the other. Generally the water is calmer, which makes it a fantastic choice for people looking for a swim without the waves.
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Shoal Bay
An idyllic scene awaits in Shoal Bay, where a wide arc of white sand beach is adorned by a heritage lighthouse on one end and the striking Tomaree Head on the other. Generally the water is calmer, which makes it a fantastic choice for people looking for a swim without the waves.
Zenith, Wreck, and Box beach are three neighbouring beaches a little off the main tourist track (pictured above). Each is backed by picturesque headlands with beautiful clear water. You can get some waves here and Box beach is a popular bodyboarding spot. Please be aware that these beaches are not patrolled, so swimming is at your own risk. In addition, there aren’t any services (toilets, cafes) at the beaches.
If you’re feeling energetic, there is a coastal walk through Tomaree National Park that takes you through all of the above beaches. Simply park at Zenith beach and follow the signs.
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Zenith Beach Tomaree
1B Shoal Bay RdZenith, Wreck, and Box beach are three neighbouring beaches a little off the main tourist track (pictured above). Each is backed by picturesque headlands with beautiful clear water. You can get some waves here and Box beach is a popular bodyboarding spot. Please be aware that these beaches are not patrolled, so swimming is at your own risk. In addition, there aren’t any services (toilets, cafes) at the beaches.
If you’re feeling energetic, there is a coastal walk through Tomaree National Park that takes you through all of the above beaches. Simply park at Zenith beach and follow the signs.
If you're thirsty...
A gathering place for all ages and occasions offering breakfast, lunch & dinner options and live entertainment. Enjoy roof top views across Shoal Bay Beach at sunset. They even offer a courtesy bus service that will pick you up and drop you off door to door!
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Shoal Bay Country Club
35-45 Shoal Bay RdA gathering place for all ages and occasions offering breakfast, lunch & dinner options and live entertainment. Enjoy roof top views across Shoal Bay Beach at sunset. They even offer a courtesy bus service that will pick you up and drop you off door to door!
Terrace bar at Bannisters serves beautiful cocktails – happy
hour (3pm-5pm) is a must. Maximising views of the Karuah River, the poolside Terrace Bar is a great place to fully unwind and enjoy the coastal views. A real treat!
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Bannisters Port Stephens
147 Soldiers Point RdTerrace bar at Bannisters serves beautiful cocktails – happy
hour (3pm-5pm) is a must. Maximising views of the Karuah River, the poolside Terrace Bar is a great place to fully unwind and enjoy the coastal views. A real treat!
Murrays as won a bunch of awards and accolades – including Australia's Brewer of the Year. Located at Bobs Farm - there’s up to 10 draft beers on tap at any one time, plus bottled specials. Have a meal and enjoy the live music and entertainment.
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Murray's Brewery
3443 Nelson Bay RdMurrays as won a bunch of awards and accolades – including Australia's Brewer of the Year. Located at Bobs Farm - there’s up to 10 draft beers on tap at any one time, plus bottled specials. Have a meal and enjoy the live music and entertainment.
Located in the heart of Nelson Bay and just a step from D’Albora Marina, this lively venue offers something for everyone. The restaurant serves pub classics and Wood Fired Pizza.
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Seabreeze Hotel
1 Stockton StLocated in the heart of Nelson Bay and just a step from D’Albora Marina, this lively venue offers something for everyone. The restaurant serves pub classics and Wood Fired Pizza.
Mark Tynan started Tynan Wines in 2009. Tynans focuses on producing small batches of boutique, premium wine using the best grapes from vineyards in regional NSW and Australia. Enjoy a wine tasting at the cellar door in Salamander Bay.
Tynan Wines
141 George RoadMark Tynan started Tynan Wines in 2009. Tynans focuses on producing small batches of boutique, premium wine using the best grapes from vineyards in regional NSW and Australia. Enjoy a wine tasting at the cellar door in Salamander Bay.
For a great sunset drink setting, make tracks to Soldiers Point. You'll be tempted to stay on for dinner, which involves lots of fresh local seafood, including flounder with white noodles and slow-braised octopus.
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The Point Restaurant
1 Sunset BlvdFor a great sunset drink setting, make tracks to Soldiers Point. You'll be tempted to stay on for dinner, which involves lots of fresh local seafood, including flounder with white noodles and slow-braised octopus.
If you're hungry...
Overlooking the sea it captures the ‘beachy’ vibe perfectly. The modern Australian menu has inspiration drawn from fresh seasonal ingredients – they also have a veggie menu. A great place to have a drink at sunset.
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Piccola Casa Barca sulla Spiaggia
4 Victoria ParadeOverlooking the sea it captures the ‘beachy’ vibe perfectly. The modern Australian menu has inspiration drawn from fresh seasonal ingredients – they also have a veggie menu. A great place to have a drink at sunset.
A contemporary Restaurant and Bar with the kitchen as the focal point. Locally caught fish makes for some great seafood dishes. It is located directly opposite the iconic Shoal Bay beach.
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Zenith Cafe, Restaurant and Bar
59 Shoal Bay RoadA contemporary Restaurant and Bar with the kitchen as the focal point. Locally caught fish makes for some great seafood dishes. It is located directly opposite the iconic Shoal Bay beach.
The menu changes daily based on what is caught by the local fishermen. From Kingfish, Flathead, John Dory, Sand Whiting, Oysters, Lobster and Tuna, every piece of fresh produce serves for new recipes and dishes.
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Rick Stein at Bannisters
147 Soldiers Point RdThe menu changes daily based on what is caught by the local fishermen. From Kingfish, Flathead, John Dory, Sand Whiting, Oysters, Lobster and Tuna, every piece of fresh produce serves for new recipes and dishes.
A family-owned restaurant in the heart of Nelson Bay. Offers a modern Australian menu with something for everyone. Tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual dinner. Also offers takeaway.
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Sandpipers Restaurant
81 Magnus StA family-owned restaurant in the heart of Nelson Bay. Offers a modern Australian menu with something for everyone. Tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great spot for a casual dinner. Also offers takeaway.
Feeling Grecian? The recently opened Atmos brings the relaxing atmosphere of the Greek islands to Shoal Bay. The Greek cuisine is simple, uncomplicated, and best shared with family and friends.
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Atmos
35-45 Shoal Bay RoadFeeling Grecian? The recently opened Atmos brings the relaxing atmosphere of the Greek islands to Shoal Bay. The Greek cuisine is simple, uncomplicated, and best shared with family and friends.
We searched around for a good Thai and this is our favourite. Order and pick up (sometimes they deliver!) or sit outside under the fairy lights and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and tasty food.
Authentic Thai Restaurant
50 Austral StreetWe searched around for a good Thai and this is our favourite. Order and pick up (sometimes they deliver!) or sit outside under the fairy lights and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and tasty food.
Great coffee and breakkie spots
Located on the main shopping street in Nelson Bay. Serving great coffee and brunch options in the morning (the tacos are delicious), as well as cocktails and lunch later on. Enjoy the courtyard and relaxed vibe.
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Evviva Cafe &Bar
14A Stockton StLocated on the main shopping street in Nelson Bay. Serving great coffee and brunch options in the morning (the tacos are delicious), as well as cocktails and lunch later on. Enjoy the courtyard and relaxed vibe.
The Little Nel has grown into the favourite haunt for Bay\ locals and visitors alike. The food is great for breakfast or lunch. You can grab a takeaway and walk down the road to the Nelson Bay Foreshore, or just stay and enjoy your coffee
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The Little Nel
7 Government RdThe Little Nel has grown into the favourite haunt for Bay\ locals and visitors alike. The food is great for breakfast or lunch. You can grab a takeaway and walk down the road to the Nelson Bay Foreshore, or just stay and enjoy your coffee
Inner Light Tea Rooms is a heritage-listed café with stunning views of Shoal Bay. Sparkling waters and moreish meals at Inner Light Tea Rooms make for the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch. Open 8:30am-3:00pm every day. They also offer alcoholic drinks and BYO alcohol.
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Inner Light Tea Rooms
Inner Light Tea Rooms is a heritage-listed café with stunning views of Shoal Bay. Sparkling waters and moreish meals at Inner Light Tea Rooms make for the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch. Open 8:30am-3:00pm every day. They also offer alcoholic drinks and BYO alcohol.
Another popular venue in town, located on the corner of Donald Street and Yacaaba Street in the heart of Nelson Bay. This café makes their smooth-tasting coffee with Allpress Espresso beans from Sydney. This café offers creative, healthy dishes which taste great.
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IN HOUSE Kitchen
41 Donald StAnother popular venue in town, located on the corner of Donald Street and Yacaaba Street in the heart of Nelson Bay. This café makes their smooth-tasting coffee with Allpress Espresso beans from Sydney. This café offers creative, healthy dishes which taste great.