Calling for adventure! Check out the top things to do in Nelson Bay
Sitting at the end of the Tomaree Peninsula is Nelson Bay, a coastal town known for its marina, beautiful bays and rocky headlands. The charming town is located just one hour north of Newcastle and offers a day of adventure and activities, from whale watching and headland hikes to surfing and sand dune camel rides.
Plan the perfect day trips from Newcastle with our roundup of the best things to do on your journey from Newcastle to Nelson Bay.
What To Do In Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay Camel Ride
Enjoy the thrill of a desert adventure on the coast of NSW with an unforgettable camel ride. Head to Birubi Beach near Nelson Bay and enjoy a ride along the beach and through the scenic sand dunes with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides. They offer 20-minute camel rides during the day and romantic 60-minute sunset rides on Friday and Sunday that trek through the higher sand dunes, returning along the water's edge.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
B Farm by Murray
As you cruise into Nelson Bay, be sure to stop at B Farm by Murray. The sprawling private estate is perfect for a lazy afternoon with a range of experiences, from sampling a range of house-distilled spirits and estate wines at B Farm Cellar Door to enjoying craft beers in Murray's Beer Garden, Devonshire tea at Agnes High Tea Pavilion, a picnic hamper on the beautiful grounds or farm to table dining at Restaurant William. The estate is also home to Murray's Craft Brewing Co, who have been brewing some of the region's finest craft beers since 2006.
Snorkelling Nelson Bay
Home to one of best diving and snorkelling spots in NSW, Nelson Bay is the ultimate spot for underwater adventurers. Fly Point, located between Nelson Bay Beach and Little Beach, is home to Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve, a protected aquatic sanctuary featuring kelp forests and lush sponge gardens filled with a range of sea life, including pineapple fish, octopus, blue groups, wobbegong sharks and seahorses.
Dive in and book a snorkel tour or PADI certification course with Let's Go Adventures Dive Nelson Bay.
Tomaree National Park
Tomaree National Park sits just behind Nelson's Bay and provides the perfect nature fix with its combination of native bushland and beaches. The park is excellent for whale watching and swimming or snorkelling at One Mile Beach. Hikers and nature lovers can take their pick of Tomaree National Park walking trails, including the Wreck Beach walk through coastal Angophora forest to a small scenic cove and the longer Morna Point walk, a 5.5 km trek through spring wildflowers.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Swim with Dolphins in Nelson Bay
Tick off the bucket list with the chance to swim with the dolphins in Nelson Bay. This patch of coastline is home to over 150 bottlenose dolphins, with plenty of tour operators on hand to take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Hop on a 4-5 hour dolphin swimming excursion, join the pod and get up close and personal. If you aren't much of a swimmer, dolphin-watching cruises are also available. Nelson Bay is also a renowned whale-watching spot with humpback whales making their migration between June and November.
Image Credit: Destination NSW
Gan Gan Lookout
Last on the list of things to do in Nelson Bay is a visit to Gan Gan Hill Lookout. The lookout, located off Nelson Bay Road, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Port Stephens, the Yacabba and Tomaree headlands, and the stunning sand dunes of Stockton Beach. Make sure to check out the Gan Gan Lookout while you're there.
Where to stay near Nelson's Bay
A sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of Newcastle, Crystalbrook Kingsley provides the perfect luxury base for your Newcastle to Nelson Bay exploration. The hotel features 130 elegantly appointed rooms, luxury amenities and a not-to-be-missed Newcastle dining experience at the hotel's rooftop restaurant, Roundhouse.
Top Image Credit: Destination NSW