The Wonderful World of Port Stephens

By Bobbi-Jo // 15 March 2010 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: Best Backpacker Job, Things to do, Traveller blog

As I said, there is a ton to do in Port Stephens. You can climb, swim, jump, float, fish, watch, play...you name it? It's there. 

Since I only have three months in Australia, and only a few short days in Port Stephens, that extensive list had to be narrowed down a little bit. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to do three of the must-see-and-do activities in the area. 

First up: Sand boarding in the Stockton Dunes. Operated through Port Stephens 4WD, the sand boarding trips leave on the half hour and last as long as you want, with shuttles taking you back to nearby Birubi Point when you're done speeding down the dunes.

Getting tired can actually happen faster than you think (and faster than I'm going to admit in such a public space) because while getting down the dune is a breeze, climbing back up is decidedly not. But when you have great tour guides like Angus and Neil, who'll take pictures for you if you're traveling alone, poke gentle fun at you take the first dune like a grandma (in my defense, I was easing into it), and hang out with you at the top while you rest after the steep climb, you really don't notice. They're also experienced guides, which means if you ask the questions, you'll get the answers. Taking in a little bit of the history and trivia of the dunes definitely heightens the experience and fully puts into perspective where you are. These are, after all, situated on protected land, inhabited by the Worrimi people for thousands of years, visible from space, and made a cameo in the Mad Max movie. 

After I successfully got myself coated in sand - and had a scare with getting some sand in my camera, which caused it to throw a temper tantrum for a good hour and a half - I hopped over to the d'Albora Marina to catch a 1.5 hour dolphin watching cruise. 

Guys, dolphins are cute. They're cute and they're smart and when you get them in a good mood or catch them at a good time they'll play at the front of your boat for almost the entire duration of the cruise. The last time I saw dolphins that close - when they weren't totally blowing a football game - I had fallen into the water off of a jet ski, so I wasn't exactly paying the most attention to them. But they are mesmerizing to watch, and if the weather isn't all that great, the Moonshadow vessels are equipped with underwater cameras that will let you watch from the inside of the boat while you have a cocktail, if you so choose. More fun than that? Heading to the back of the boat and hopping into the boon net, which will pull you along behind the boat in the water, and if you're lucky, a few dolphins will swim up close, giving you incredible access. And, I know this is meant for the littlest of captains, but ask nicely and you can sneak a picture steering the boat with a captain's hat on. 

Yes. I did. Don't judge. 

If you're already in the marina, I'd suggest checking out Port Stephens Parasailing. Run by Ian and Rowan Cutbush, parasailing in Nelson Bay gives you a view of the area that can only be rivaled by climbing Tomaree Head. Seriously, it's steals your breath a little bit. And if you've always wanted to try parasailing but haven't yet? Do it. It's one of the most peaceful experiences in the world, especially if the wind is too strong for the boat to dunk you into the water (evil smirk). You're also going out into the same water that the dolphin cruises tour, so if you didn't get your marine mammal fix the first time, it's a great second chance. 

So that's just a bit of what there is to see and do. Port Stephens is actually made up of a few areas, some of which I've named. Anna Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, lots of bays. Which means loads of activities that you should make sure you check out. Just remember, Australia is pretty big. So as tempting as it is, don't let Port Stephens suck you in forever!

Can't get enough?

And also keep an eye on YouTube and Flickr!