Soldiers Point
Soldiers Point lies on a peninsula that juts out from the southern shores of Port Stephens and separates the eastern third of the port from the western two-thirds. It is believed to be named after the Corporal's Guard once stationed there and was the site of Cromarty land grant. Formerly called Friendship Point.
It's close to the popular Nelson Bay, and shares many of the same traits as it's neighbours. There is a fine marina, a relaxed lifestyle and calm beach waters. The jetties on either side of the point offer great fishing.
Accommodation in and around Soldiers Point is plentiful. From quiet outback rural retreats to hotels along the beach to the city centre, Soldiers Point is a town, which can cater to anyone's needs.
Salamander Bay
Salamander Bay is 202 kilometres north of Sydney and 55 kilometres from Newcastle.
Named after the Salamander, the first boat to enter the Port in 1791 and used to transport convicts. Once proposed as the site for a naval base and for heavy industry.
Salamander Bay is a sleepy holiday hamlet located on the shores of Port Stephens. One of a number of coastal communities, the town is becoming an increasingly popular holiday and retirement destination. Despite its popularity, Salamander Bay maintains a low-rise development aesthetic with plenty of its natural landscape remaining intact.
There are an endless number of white sandy beaches in the Salamander Bay area. Salamander Bay Beach is a long arcing stretch of sand fronting the azure waters of Port Stephens.
Time here is best spent outdoors, either exploring the beautiful bay or surrounding parkland or simply pulling out the picnic set and lazing in the sun.
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay is a coastal resort town of approximately 5000 people located just inside the mouth of Port Stephens, a large natural harbour. Despite its growing popularity the town, treads a sensible line between tourism and charm. Nelson Bay, the largest town of the Port Stephens area, is 223km north of Sydney via the Pacific Highway, 69km from Newcastle by road and 18m above sea level.
The origin of the town's name is not know. It may have derived from the boat the Lady Nelson used by Govenor Macquarie in 1812 when he came to visit the Port with an eye to establishing a settlement which never eventuated.
A group of Chinese fishermen established a base here early in the 19th century. They cured their catch and sent it back to China and to Chinese merchants in Sydney and Melbourne.
The first survey of Nelson Bay was carried out in 1874. A post office and school were established in 1883. By 1886 there were about 30 residents. The villagers led a rather peaceful life based around fishing (still important to the local economy) until developers arrived in the late 1960's.
Today Nelson Bay has everything the visitor could want as far as facilities and aquatic recreation goes.
The diving and snorkelling here is exceptional. Just east of Nelson Bay, the tiny promontory of Fly Point is an aquatic reserve with prolific marine life. Divers have another superb site just off the coast at Broughton Island, with such outstanding features as the 'Looking Glass', a split that runs through the middle of the island, crowded with marine life.
Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay is located 220km north of Sydney with a population of 2050 and named after the numerous sand shoals which are scattered around the area.
Founded in 1934, Shoal Bay Country Club (then known as The Port Stephens Game Fishing Club) was taken over by the US Army when the Japanese entered the War. It was used as headquarters for an army training unit known as JOOT (Joint Overseas Operation Training Services) to ready the troops for invasion in the Pacific during World War II.
During WWII more than 14,000 American troops were based at Shoal Bay and the beach was heavily fortified with barbed wire traps.
The Country Club was developed into the Shoal Bay Resort & Spa in 2004 at a cost of $65 million.
Today Shoal Bay is a popular holiday destination on the mid north coast where visitors relax in the pristine and tranquil environment.
There are shops and restaurants along the beach and the luxurious Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is a major draw card to the area. Other Shoal Bay accommodation includes villas, apartments, B&Bs and holiday units.
The area is a great base for fishing trips and cruises around Port Stephens and has excellent bushwalking as well as the "bay experience"
Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is the most eastern township in Port Stephens and is just 5 minutes from the heart of Nelson Bay and a stones throw away from Shoal Bay
Fingal Bay was originally known as False Bay. In the 19th century it was sometimes mistaken for the entrance to Port Stephens.
This picturesque village is surrounded by the Tomaree National Park. A magnificent beach with an infamous walk across 'the spit' to view the burnt out ruins of the outer lighthouse residence. Explore Fingal Head and enjoy the views.
There is some great fishing off the beach as well as the Headlands. Many large fish have been landed off the spit. This beach is very popular with surfers and is quiet protected by the headland in the southern corner.
Whales can sometimes be spotted offshore between September and November or, less frequently from late May to July. They like to rub their barnacles off on a reef 50m offshore.
Tomaree National Park conserves coastal bushland, sand dunes, heathland, forest areas and over 20km of rocky coastline and beaches. There are excellent opportunities for bushwalking, swimming, snorkelling, surfing, fishing and picnicing.