Nelson Bay

Travel Guide

Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay

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
The price is HK$1,629 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
HK$1,629
HK$1,792 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (1,513 reviews)
"Easy to make booking online, staff contacted me prior to check-in to confirm bed configuration. Friendly staff, clean and ample parking. Close to golf course, shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Mantra Nelson Bay
The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay

The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay

4 out of 5
Dowling Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is HK$886 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
HK$886
HK$980 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (994 reviews)
"Very quiet and central to shops and activities. Spotless rooms and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 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
The price is HK$790 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
HK$790
HK$869 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Nice clean quiet place comfortable beds very reasonable pricing too"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 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! (1,513 reviews)
"Easy to make booking online, staff contacted me prior to check-in to confirm bed configuration. Friendly staff, clean and ample parking. Close to golf course, shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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! (253 reviews)
"The property is well maintained, and all the required amenities are available within the property."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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 18 Jul 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
4
5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely location - easy stroll to beautiful beach and lighthouse

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautifull place. Very prety

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful area, lots of wonderful beaches and lots of activities available.