Things to Do in Port Stephens with Kids
Ultimate Guide for Families
Port Stephens packs a lot into a small footprint. Calm bays for toddlers, sand dunes for thrill seekers, wildlife encounters that feel close‑up, and coastal walks with sweeping views. Base your stay at Anchorage Hotel & Spa and you can reach most highlights within a short drive or a scenic stroll along the water.
This guide is the ultimate resource for the best things to do in Port Stephens with kids. It outlines the safest swimming beaches, the most engaging wildlife encounters, wet-weather activities, scenic walks, and family-friendly dining. Inside, you’ll find age-specific activity suggestions, multi-day itineraries, and insider tips to help you get the most from your trip.
Where is Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a picturesque coastal region located about 2.5 hours north of Sydney and around 1 hour from Newcastle, making it easily accessible for a weekend escape or a longer holiday.
The area is part of the Hunter Region and is best known for its striking bay, expansive beaches, and unique sand dune systems. The main hubs, Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, serve as gateways to an array of family-friendly attractions, from calm swimming spots and scenic walks to bustling marinas and local markets.
Why families love it
Families are drawn to Port Stephens for its safe, swimmable bays, abundance of kid‑friendly cafés, and a wide range of half‑day activities that suit various ages and energy levels. The compact layout of the region means you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Whether you’re planning beach days, wildlife encounters, or cultural outings, Port Stephens offers a relaxed pace and a variety of experiences that make it an easy choice for travelling with children.
The Best Port Stephens Kids Activities by Age
Toddlers: Dutchmans Beach, Little Beach, Tilligerry Habitat, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary SKYwalk, Spirited Play Café.
Primary school kids: Shoal Bay paddleboarding, Oakvale Wildlife Park, Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Toboggan Hill Park, Dolphin cruise, David Graham’s Golf Complex.
Teens: Sandboarding at Birubi, Quad bikes on the Worimi dunes, Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Go Karts Go, Whale watching (seasonal), Snorkelling at Fly Point.
The Best Beaches for Kids in Port Stephens
Shoal Bay
Glass‑clear water with a long arc of sand, great for first swims and SUPs. Cafés and amenities line the foreshore.
Good for: Under‑8s, SUP beginners, prams along the path
Facilities: Toilets, showers, playgrounds nearby
From Anchorage Hotel: About 10 minutes by car, longer via coastal paths
Parent tip: Arrive early in school holidays for parking. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen and a shade tent.
Dutchmans Beach (Dutchies)
A local favourite. Sheltered bay, gentle water, and a playground under the trees.
Good for: Toddlers, picnics, low‑stress beach days
Facilities: BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, playground
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 10 minutes by car
Parent tip: The grassed area is perfect for newborn tummy time while older kids paddle.
Little Beach
Very sheltered, with a jetty for fishing and a calm swim zone.
Good for: First casts with a hand line, rock pooling on low tide
Facilities: BBQs, picnic area, amenities
From Anchorage Hotel: About 12 minutes by car
Fingal Bay
Patrolled in summer, with room for ball games and boogie boards. The Fingal Spit is photogenic, tides can be strong, check conditions and observe signs.
Good for: Confident swimmers, family surf days
Facilities: Surf club, café, amenities
From Anchorage Hotel: About 12 minutes by car
One Mile Beach
Wide sweep of sand with a relaxed feel, good for body surfing and beach walks.
Good for: Mixed‑age groups, long sand play
Facilities: Amenities, kiosk
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 15 minutes by car
Snorkelling favourite
Fly Point Aquatic Reserve between Nelson Bay and Little Beach often has calm, clear water. Best on a gentle tide and low swell. Older kids can spot bream, leatherjackets and the odd octopus. Use a snorkel vest for extra confidence.
Wildlife Encounters
Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Anna Bay
Elevated SKYwalk for treetop views of rehabilitating koalas, with an immersive Story Walk and informative displays. Pram‑friendly.
Allow: 60–90 minutes
Age notes: All ages, quiet voices around enclosures
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 15 minutes by car
Good to know: Pre‑book in peak periods. There are limited glamping tents on site for an overnight adventure.
Oakvale Wildlife Park
Bottle‑feed farm animals, hand‑feed kangaroos, and cool off in Splash Bay in warmer months.
Allow: Half day
Age notes: All ages
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 25–30 minutes by car
Parent tip: Pack swimmers and a towel if Splash Bay is open.
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Step into warm lagoons in provided waders, then feed friendly rays and small sharks with a guide.
Allow: 60–90 minutes
Age notes: Suitable for most ages under supervision
From Anchorage Hotel: About 12 minutes by car
Parent tip: Bring a change of clothes for little splashers.
Dolphin and whale watching
Port Stephens is known for resident bottlenose dolphins year‑round. Whale cruises operate roughly May to November during the annual migration.
Allow: 1.5–3 hours depending on cruise
Age notes: All ages welcome on most dolphin cruises, check whale tour age policies
From Anchorage Hotel: Departures from d’Albora Marina, about 8 minutes by car
Seasickness tip: Morning departures are usually calmer. Pack kids’ motion bands if they’re sensitive.
Dunes, Sand and Unique Adventures for your Kids
Sandboarding at Birubi, Anna Bay
Ride purpose‑built boards down towering sand dunes on the edge of Stockton Beach, part of the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Allow: 1.5–2 hours including transfers
Age notes: Usually suitable for school‑age kids and up, little ones can sit on laps at the base slopes
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 18 minutes by car
Parent tip: Sunglasses help with glare. Keep phones in zip bags.
Quad bike tours
Guided rides across sections of the dunes.
Age notes: Operators have height and age limits. Some offer pillion options for younger riders with a parent. Check requirements when booking.
Safety note: Closed‑in shoes required, long sleeves recommended.
Camel rides on the dunes
Short, scenic rides over the sands at Birubi for a gentle novelty the kids will talk about for days.
Age notes: Minimum ages apply. Ask about tandem rides with a parent.
About Worimi Country
The dunes sit on Worimi land. Choose tours that include cultural interpretation to add meaning to your visit. Respect signed areas and stick to designated tracks.
Walks, lookouts and gentle nature time
Tomaree Head Summit Walk
A short, steep track to sweeping views over Shoal Bay, Fingal and the offshore islands.
Distance: About 2 km return
Allow: 60–90 minutes with kids
Age notes: Confident walkers and carriers for toddlers
Parent tip: Start early on warm days, pack water and snacks.
Gan Gan Lookout
Easy access to one of the best views in the region.
Allow: 20–30 minutes
Age notes: All ages
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 10 minutes by car
Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, Tanilba Bay
Boardwalks and bush tracks through paperbark forest and wetlands. Wild koala sightings are possible.
Allow: 60 minutes
Age notes: All ages, pram‑friendly sections
Parent tip: Bring binoculars for birds, insect repellent in warmer months.
Nelson Bay Foreshore and Lighthouse walk
Flat, scenic path for prams and scooters from the marina towards the lighthouse. Perfect for a sunset stroll and an ice‑cream stop.
Rainy Day and Cool‑Off Ideas
Fighter World, Williamtown
Hands‑on aviation museum with historic aircraft and cockpits you can sit in.
Allow: 1–2 hours
Age notes: Primary and teens love it, toddlers enjoy a quick look
From Anchorage Hotel: Around 35 minutes by car
Zone Out amusement centre, Nelson Bay
Arcade games, VR experiences and indoor golf.
Allow: 60–90 minutes
Age notes: All ages with supervision
Spirited Play Café
Indoor soft play broken into age zones, with a café for parents. Book ahead on wet days.
Allow: Session based
Age notes: 1–12 years
David Graham’s Golf Complex, Anna Bay
Mini golf, driving range, batting cage, disc golf and more, most of it outdoors with shade options. Good for mixed ages.
Easy Family Dining
Anchorage Hotel eatery options for families
From relaxed waterfront breakfasts to casual poolside snacks, Anchorage Hotel offers eatery that fits smoothly into a family day.
Kids have their own dedicated menu with favourites like seaside spaghetti bolognese, ham and pineapple pizza, chicken nuggets, mini cheeseburgers, petite steak with mash and vegetables, and fun desserts including ice cream with sprinkles or warm donuts with toppings. Highchairs, flexible menus, and attentive service make mealtimes easy, and there’s always a view to keep little ones entertained.
End your day with a memorable meal and dine at the Galley Kitchen, the hotel’s signature restaurant and the perfect spot to relax after your adventures.
More Port Stephens family favourites nearby
Atmos, Shoal Bay, Greek share plates
Murray’s Beer Garden, space to roam and live music on selected days
Crest at Birubi, breakfast with dune views
Little Beach Boathouse (Below Deck for casual bites), sit right above the water
Parent tip, book early sittings during school holidays.
Port Stephens Kids Activity Itineraries
Two days with little legs
Day 1
Morning, check in, pool time at Anchorage Hotel & Spa
Lunch, Galley Kitchen
Afternoon, Dutchmans Beach playground and paddle
Evening, Nelson Bay foreshore walk and early dinner
Day 2
Morning, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Lunch, Murray’s Beer Garden
Afternoon, sandboarding look‑see and dune play at Birubi
Evening, ice‑cream at the marina
Three days with primary school kids
Day 1
Shoal Bay swim and SUP hire, lunch at Shoal Bay
Tomaree Head lookout later in the afternoon
Day 2
Oakvale Wildlife Park, bring swimmers for Splash Bay
Afternoon mini golf at David Graham’s
Day 3
Morning dolphin cruise
Picnic at Little Beach
Gan Gan Lookout before the drive home
Teens and thrill seekers
Day 1
Quad bike tour on the dunes, Birubi Beach
Sunset at Zenith or Tomaree
Day 2
Snorkel at Fly Point
Go Karts Go in the afternoon
Rain‑ready plan
Fighter World, Spirited Play Café session, hot chocolates at the marina, arcade time at Zone Out.
Make Anchorage Hotel & Spa Your Easy Family Base
Enjoy resort comforts with space for strollers and beach bags, lagoon‑style pools and a waterfront setting. The Kids Stay Free Package keeps costs in check during selected dates.
Browse layouts and bedding options at our central Port Stephens accommodation, explore our rooms, or reach out so we can help plan your days.
Practical Port Stephens Planning Tips for Parents
Best time to visit
Year‑round. Summer for beach time, late autumn to spring for whale watching. School holidays are busy, shoulder seasons are relaxed and great for toddlers.
What to pack
Sun hats, rashies, SPF 50, zinc
Reusable water bottles and snacks
Quick‑dry towels and a light wind jacket
Baby carrier for Tomaree if you have a toddler
Zip bags for phones on the dunes
Insect repellent for bush walks
Safety and access
Patrolled beaches vary by season, always follow lifeguard advice
Fingal Spit is tide dependent, heed local signage
Use child PFDs on boats if you have them
Many paths are pram‑friendly, some lookouts have short stairs
Getting around
Most highlights sit within a 10–20 minute drive. Parking fills fast near popular beaches in school holidays. Consider early starts and late swims. Taxis and rideshare operate, but a car is easiest with kids and beach gear. To make the most of your trip, discover the region’s top Nelson Bay attractions, perfect for families and kids of all ages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free kids’ activities in Port Stephens?
Dutchmans Beach and Little Beach, Gan Gan Lookout, Nelson Bay foreshore path, Tilligerry Habitat boardwalks and koala spotting.
Is Port Stephens good for toddlers?
Yes. Sheltered bays, pram‑friendly foreshore paths and plenty of shaded playgrounds make it simple.
Which is the best beach for kids in Port Stephens?
Shoal Bay for calm water and easy facilities, Dutchmans Beach for a playground and shade. Little Beach is great for toddlers and first fishing attempts.
What can we do in Port Stephens when it rains with kids?
Fighter World, Spirited Play Café and Zone Out arcade are reliable. Many cafés have books and colouring for wet‑weather breaks.
How far is Anchorage Hotel from family activities?
Most highlights sit 8–20 minutes from the hotel by car. The marina is around 8 minutes, Shoal Bay about 10 minutes, Birubi around 18 minutes.
When is whale watching season in Port Stephens?
Generally from mid‑May to November. Dolphins are seen year‑round.
Are there age limits for quad bikes and dune tours?
Yes. Providers set height and age requirements, and may offer pillion options for younger kids with a parent. Check at booking.
Is sandboarding suitable for young children?
The main slopes suit school‑age kids and teens. Smaller learners can slide lower dunes with close supervision.
Where can we hire gear?
Local operators hire SUPs, kayaks and snorkel sets at Shoal Bay and around Nelson Bay. Ask our team for current contacts.
Do we need to book restaurants during school holidays?
It’s wise to book early sittings, especially for seaside spots.