Planning a holiday in Salamander Bay NSW and wondering what there is to do around Port Stephens?
You’ve come to the right place.
Salamander Bay is a great base for exploring Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, Corlette and Tomaree National Park.
And while the beaches are a big attraction, there is much more to discover.
You can climb a mountain for spectacular coastal views, cruise the bay looking for dolphins, watch whales during migration season, explore enormous sand dunes, meet Australian wildlife, snorkel among marine life, enjoy a round of golf or simply find a quiet beach and relax.
For families, couples, groups, golfers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and visitors looking for a relaxing coastal escape, Salamander Bay puts you within easy reach of plenty of things to see and do.
This guide covers 30 things to do around Salamander Bay and Port Stephens, including free activities, family attractions, beaches, wildlife, water activities, adventure experiences, golf and day trips.
Discover more of the region, including local attractions, beaches, dining, activities, and ideas to help plan your stay. View the full magazine for more inspiration and details.
Get a better sense of the area and plan your days with a handy regional map covering key destinations, roads, and places to explore. View the full map before setting out.
Explore additional destination information and resources showcasing Port Stephens experiences and attractions. Visit the full guide for more details and trip-planning inspiration.
Salamander Bay & Port Stephens at a Glance
Destination: Salamander Bay, New South Wales
Region: Port Stephens
Best known for: Beaches, sheltered bays, dolphins, whales, national parks, sand dunes and outdoor adventures
Also popular for: Wildlife, golf, fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing, walking, family activities and waterfront dining
Nearby areas: Nelson Bay, Corlette, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, One Mile and Lemon Tree Passage
Best accommodation base: Salamander Bay provides convenient access to many of the major attractions around Port Stephens.
One of the advantages of staying in Salamander Bay is that you can enjoy the quieter feel of the area while still being close to the action around Nelson Bay and the wider Port Stephens region.
And with Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort, you also have the bonus of golf-course views and the chance to spot kangaroos grazing nearby
30 Things to Do Near Salamander Bay NSW | Beaches, Wildlife, Adventure, Family Fun & Day Trips
1. Relax at Little Beach
Start close to home.
Little Beach is a great place to slow down, enjoy the sand, and spend a few hours besides the water.
Go for a swim, paddle with the kids, take a beach walk or simply find a shady spot and relax.
Sometimes the best holiday activity costs absolutely nothing.
2. Explore Nelson Bay Foreshore & Marina
Head into Nelson Bay and take a stroll along the waterfront.
Watch the boats coming and going, grab a coffee or ice cream and enjoy the atmosphere around the Nelson Bay Marina.
The Nelson Bay waterfront is also the departure point for many of the region’s dolphin, whale and sailing cruises.
3. Walk the Corlette to Nelson Bay Foreshore
Enjoy a relaxed coastal walk with beautiful views across Port Stephens.
The foreshore route takes you through parks, beaches, and waterfront areas, making it an easy way to experience the region without spending much money.
Keep your eyes open too. The Corlette and Salamander Bay area is known for its parks, reserves, and coastal walking paths.
4. Climb Tomaree Head Summit
One of the great free experiences in Port Stephens.
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk takes you through Tomaree National Park to spectacular views across Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, and the surrounding coastline.
It is a bit of a climb, but the views at the top make the effort worthwhile.
Take water, wear sensible shoes, and allow yourself enough time to enjoy the views rather than racing back down.
5. Visit Gan Gan Hill Lookout
Want spectacular views without tackling Tomaree Summit?
Head to Gan Gan Lookout.
The lookout provides sweeping views across Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Port Stephens and the surrounding landscape.
It is particularly impressive around sunrise and sunset.
Take your camera.
6. Discover Shoal Bay Beach
Take a short drive around to Shoal Bay and enjoy one of the best-known beaches in Port Stephens.
Swim, walk on the sand, have a picnic, or wander through the village for coffee, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
Shoal Bay is also a great starting point for exploring the Tomaree Headland.
7. Explore Fingal Bay
Fingal Bay is another beautiful Port Stephens beach worth adding to your holiday itinerary.
Enjoy the beach, walk along the shoreline, and explore the surrounding coastline.
The area provides plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the natural side of Port Stephens.
8. Walk the Tomaree Coastal Track
For keen walkers, the Tomaree coastline provides an excellent opportunity to experience beaches, headlands, bushland, and ocean views.
You can choose a section that suits your fitness level or make a bigger adventure of it.
During whale migration season, keep an eye out from the coastal cliffs for whales travelling along the NSW coast.
9. Visit Bagnalls Beach
Take a stroll along Bagnalls Beach at Corlette.
It is a lovely spot for a quieter beach walk and a good option when you want to get away from some of the busier tourist areas.
Pack a picnic, take the kids for a walk, or simply sit and watch the water.
10. Watch the Sunrise at One Mile and Boat Harbour
Head towards: One Mile or Boat Harbour as the afternoon starts to wind down.
Find a good vantage point, watch the colours change across the water, and enjoy one of those simple holiday moments that costs nothing.
Bring your camera.
Better still, bring a takeaway coffee.
Family Activities & Attractions
11. Visit Oakvale Wildlife Park
Looking for something the whole family can enjoy?
Oakvale Wildlife Park is one of the region’s popular family attractions.
Meet kangaroos, koalas, farm animals and other Australian wildlife.
There are animal encounters, keeper talks, feeding experiences, playgrounds and family-friendly facilities.
It is an easy way to add a wildlife day to your Port Stephens holiday.
12. Ride the Toboggan at Toboggan Hill Park
Get competitive with the family at Toboggan Hill Park.
The park features a long toboggan run along with other activities, making it a popular choice for families and groups.
Who is going to be fastest?
And who is going to blame the brakes?
13. Get Up Close to Sharks & Rays
At Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, visitors can get surprisingly close to sharks and rays in an interactive environment.
For families, it is a very different wildlife experience from simply looking at animals through a fence.
You can learn about marine life while getting much closer to the action.
14. Visit the Port Stephens Shell Museum
Discover an impressive collection of shells and marine curiosities at the Port Stephens Shell Museum in Corlette.
It is a relatively inexpensive attraction and can be a handy option when the weather isn’t playing ball.
A good one to have up your sleeve on a rainy day.
15. Try Ten-Pin Bowling
Need an indoor activity?
Head to Salamander Super Strike for some ten-pin bowling and family fun.
It is conveniently located in Salamander Bay, so you don’t need to drive across the region when everyone needs a break from sightseeing.
16. Visit Tomaree Aquatic Centre
Looking for somewhere for the kids to burn off some energy?
Tomaree Aquatic Centre in Salamander Bay provides another option when you want a break from the beach.
It can also be useful when the weather isn’t ideal for spending the whole day outdoors.
Water Activities & Adventure
17. Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
Port Stephens is famous for its bottlenose dolphins.
The bay is home to a resident population of dolphins, and cruises provide the opportunity to see them in their natural environment.
Watch for dolphins riding the bow waves, swimming alongside the boat, and playing in the water.
Some operators to investigate include:
Check current departure times and availability before booking.
18. Swim With Wild Dolphins
Looking for something more adventurous?
Book a wild dolphin swim with:
.This isn’t simply watching dolphins from a boat. You’ll have the opportunity to enter the water and experience these remarkable animals in their natural environment.
It is certainly one for the more adventurous members of the family.
19. Go Whale Watching
From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast.
Join a whale-watching cruise at d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay and keep your eyes open for breaches, tail slaps and travelling whales.
Some operators to investigate include:
Port Stephens has a long whale-watching season, making it one of the region’s standout seasonal experiences.
20. Snorkel at Fly Point
Grab your snorkel and explore the underwater world around Fly Point in Nelson Bay.
The area is known for marine life, underwater habitats and clear coastal waters.
If you’ve never tried snorkelling before, this can be a fun way to discover a completely different side of Port Stephens.
21. Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard
Get onto the water under your own steam.
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are great ways to explore the calmer waters around Port Stephens while getting a little exercise along the way.
It is also a good option for visitors who want to enjoy the water without booking a full-day tour.
22. Learn to Surf
Want to give surfing a go?
Port Stephens has several beaches where beginners can learn basic surf skills and beach safety.
Depending on the conditions, One Mile Beach, Birubi Beach and other coastal breaks provide options for lessons and experienced surfers.
Book a lesson if you’re a beginner and let the instructor worry about whether the waves are behaving.
Sand Dunes, Wildlife & Outdoor Adventures
23. Explore the Stockton Sand Dunes
Head to Anna Bay and discover the enormous Stockton Bight sand dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
The dunes create one of the most unusual landscapes in NSW, with huge shifting sands stretching alongside the coast.
It is hard to believe you’re still in the Newcastle and Port Stephens region.
24. Go Sandboarding
Ready for some fun?
Climb the dunes and race back down on a sandboard.
It looks easy.
It is easy.
Getting back up the dune is the part that requires a little more effort!
For families and groups, sandboarding is one of those experiences everyone will still be talking about after the holiday.
25. Ride a Quad Bike on the Dunes
For a bigger adrenaline hit, book a guided quad-bike adventure through the Stockton dunes.
You’ll experience the enormous sand landscape from a completely different perspective.
There are various operators offering dune experiences, so check current requirements, age restrictions, and availability before booking.
26. Take a 4WD Sand Dune Adventure
Let an experienced local guide take you into the dunes.
4WD tours can provide spectacular views of the Stockton sand dunes and access to areas that are difficult to reach in a normal vehicle.
It’s another way to experience the Worimi Conservation Lands without having to do all the driving yourself.
27. Ride a Camel Along Birubi Beach
Fancy something completely different?
Take a camel ride across the sand dunes and along Birubi Beach.
It’s one of those distinctly Port Stephens experiences that makes for some great holiday photos.
You don’t get many chances to say you’ve ridden a camel besides an Australian beach!
28. Go Horse Riding Along the Beach
Prefer four legs with a little more speed?
Horse-riding experiences are available around the dunes and coastline, including beach rides.
Imagine riding along the shoreline with the ocean beside you.
It is a very different way to experience the Port Stephens coastline.
Golf, Nature & Local Experiences
29. Play Golf at Horizons Golf Resort
And here’s one you don’t even need to drive to!
Condo 105 is located at Horizons Golf Resort, making it particularly convenient for golfers.
Enjoy a round surrounded by bushland and keep your eyes open for kangaroos and other wildlife.
In fact, you may not even need to leave the balcony to see them.
That’s one of the things that makes Condo 105 a little different.
30. Explore Tilligerry Habitat & Lemon Tree Passage
Drive across to Lemon Tree Passage and discover Tilligerry Habitat, a natural bushland reserve where visitors can explore walking trails and look for native wildlife.
The area is particularly well known as a place where visitors may spot koalas in their natural habitat.
Afterwards, head into Lemon Tree Passage for a relaxed waterfront lunch or coffee.
Planning a Family Holiday in Salamander Bay?
You don’t have to make every day about expensive attractions.
Try mixing the big experiences with simple days at the beach.
That gives everyone something to look forward to.
Free & Affordable Things to Do Around Salamander Bay
If you’re travelling on a budget, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars every day.
Try:
Sometimes the simplest days are the ones everyone remembers.
What to Do Around Salamander Bay When It Rains
Don’t let a wet day ruin your Port Stephens holiday.
Try:
And if the rain clears?
Head back outside.
Port Stephens is pretty good at giving you another option.
A 3-Day Salamander Bay & Port Stephens Itinerary
Why Stay in Salamander Bay?
One of the advantages of staying in Salamander Bay is the variety of experiences within easy reach.
You’re close enough to Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Corlette, Anna Bay and the Tomaree coastline to explore the region without constantly packing up and moving accommodation.
Salamander Bay is particularly practical for:
Five Days in Salamander Bay
Families, Couples and Groups
Friends travelling together
Golfers
Beach & Nature Lovers
Longer stays
Visitors wanting a quieter base
And after a day exploring?
It’s nice to come back somewhere peaceful.
Why Stay at Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort?
After a day exploring Port Stephens, it’s good to have somewhere comfortable to come back to.
Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort is a two-bedroom apartment sleeping up to 8 guests, making it a practical base for families and groups.
You can enjoy:
Golf course views
A private patio
See kangaroos at dusk & dawn
Fully equipped kitchen
Air conditioning, Shared washing machine ($4), and more
Free Wi-Fi and entertainment
Family-friendly accommodation
A peaceful golf resort setting
The property is particularly handy for visitors who want to explore Port Stephens during the day and then come back somewhere quiet in the evening.
And yes, sometimes the kangaroos are part of the entertainment.
Your Port Stephens Base
Looking for Salamander Bay accommodation near Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Anna Bay and Port Stephens attractions?
Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort gives families and groups a comfortable base for exploring the region.
Whether you’re coming for:
A Port Stephens beach holiday or a relaxing coastal escape
A family getaway
A dolphin-watching weekend or a whale-watching trip
A golf getaway
An adventure holiday or a long weekend
A few days away from Sydney or Newcastle
Salamander Bay gives you plenty of options.
And when you’ve finished exploring?
Come back to Aussie Chillout’s Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort, put your feet up, watch the kangaroos and Chill Out Like a Local.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salamander Bay & Port Stephens
- Is Salamander Bay a good place to stay in Port Stephens?
Yes. Salamander Bay provides a convenient base for exploring Port Stephens, with beaches, shopping, golf, wildlife, walking tracks and major attractions within easy reach.
- What are the best things to do in Salamander Bay?
Popular options include Salamander Bay Beach, Horizons Golf Resort, coastal walks, Nelson Bay, dolphin cruises, Tomaree National Park and the many attractions around Port Stephens.
- How far is Nelson Bay from Salamander Bay?
Nelson Bay is a short drive from Salamander Bay, making it easy to combine the two areas during your stay.
- What are the best things to do in Port Stephens with kids?
Families can choose from Oakvale Wildlife Park, Toboggan Hill Park, Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, beaches, sandboarding, dolphin cruises, ten-pin bowling and plenty of outdoor activities.
- What can you do in Port Stephens without spending much money?
There are plenty of free or inexpensive options, including beaches, coastal walks, lookouts, parks, picnics, foreshore walks and exploring the area’s natural scenery.
- Can you see kangaroos at Horizons Golf Resort?
Kangaroos are regularly seen around the golf course, and guests staying at Condo 105 may have the opportunity to see them from the property.
- What is Port Stephens famous for?
Port Stephens is particularly well known for its beaches, dolphins, whales, Tomaree National Park, Stockton Sand Dunes, wildlife and outdoor adventures.
- When is whale-watching season in Port Stephens?
The main humpback whale migration season generally runs from May to November, although exact sightings depend on conditions and whale movements.
- Is Salamander Bay good for a family holiday?
Yes. The area provides access to beaches, wildlife attractions, family activities, outdoor adventures and plenty of places to eat, making it a practical base for families.
- How many days should you spend in Port Stephens?
A long weekend is enough to experience several of the major attractions, while five or more days gives you time to explore the beaches, wildlife, dunes, national park, villages and water activities without rushing.
Ready to Explore Port Stephens?
There is a lot more to Port Stephens than simply finding a nice beach.
You can start the morning with kangaroos on the golf course, spend the afternoon watching dolphins, climb a headland for incredible views, race down a sand dune and finish the day with fish and chips besides the water.
Or you can do absolutely nothing.
That’s okay too.
Beach. Coffee. Walk. Swim. Explore. Eat. Relax.
Then come back to Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort, Salamander Bay, put your feet up and enjoy your own little slice of Port Stephens.
Stay. Explore. Swim. Discover. Relax.
That’s Port Stephens.
