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
$209 nightly
The price is $230 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$230 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and 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! (1,514 reviews)
"Just a beautiful place the pool was amazing, staff very helpful"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay

The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
Dowling Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
$115 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$127 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Great view from room, and easy walk to town and eating spots. A great couple of days at a good well maintained resort."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

The Landmark Resort 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
$101 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Oct 22 to Oct 23
$111 total
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star motel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved this place ,very clen and friendly staff, very basic kitchen facilities, just a pan and one steel pan, enough cutlery, mugs and glasses. 10 min walk to beach, good location. Clean& comfortable beds and bathroom."

Reviewed on Oct 7, 2025

Peninsula Nelson Bay Motel and 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.
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! (1,514 reviews)
"Just a beautiful place the pool was amazing, staff very helpful"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (254 reviews)
"The property is well maintained, and all the required amenities are available within the property."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
Halifax Holiday Park

Halifax Holiday Park

4 out of 5
5 Beach Road, Little Beach, Nelson Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach campground in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Nelson Head Lighthouse and Shoal Bay ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (222 reviews)
"Looking forward to returning with my whole family, have just spent a week up there with my son. Very convenient and great location, everything you need at your fingertips. Staff are friendly and extremely helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Halifax Holiday Park
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Nelson Bay

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

LaurenH

I would love to plan a week long stay just in Nelson Bay.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Toboggan Hill Park great fort kids - however its not cheap

5/5 - Excellent

Paula

Great place for family

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The area is beautiful and perfect for a short or long break. Lots to do outdoors and there a attractions and activities for kids of all ages.

Cities near Nelson Bay

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