Things to Do in Shoal Bay
Shoal Bay at a glance
Shoal Bay, a 2.5 km beach on the edge of Port Stephens, NSW, offers calm, sheltered waters perfect for swimming year-round. Just 10 minutes from Anchorage Hotel & Spa, it’s ideal for a day trip or an afternoon of exploring.
Things to do in Shoal Bay include kayaking or paddleboarding in the turquoise waters, bushwalking to viewpoints with panoramic coastal views, enjoying sunset drinks with ocean vistas, and sampling the area’s cafes and restaurants. With picnic shelters, BBQs, and a public jetty, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Just 10 minutes from Anchorage Hotel & Spa, Shoal Bay is perfect for a day trip or an afternoon of exploring.
Swim, paddle, and soak it all in
Shoal Bay Beach is one of the calmest swimming spots in Port Stephens. One of the best things to do in Shoal Bay NSW is simply floating in the clear, flat water. The bay faces north and is protected from southerly swells, keeping the water gentle year-round. You can wade in from the sand near the jetty, with visibility often reaching 4–8 m. Water temperatures range from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer.
For something more active, Shoal Bay SUP hires stand-up paddleboards for a small fee per hour, including a free lesson. Transparent kayaks and pedal boards are also available, book ahead during school holidays. Port Stephens Paddlesports offers guided kayak tours and SUP lessons in the marine sanctuary, where you may spot the resident dolphin pod.
Insider tip: Paddle before 9 am for glassy water and calm conditions; wind picks up after midday in summer.
Explore the beaches beyond the bay
Once you've conquered the summit, continue along the coastal walking tracks to discover some of Port Stephens' most beautiful hidden beaches. Zenith Beach sits just over the headland and feels a world away from the busier bays. It's a crescent of sand backed by native bush, with views up to Tomaree's pyramid-like peak.
From Zenith, you can walk to Wreck Beach and Box Beach, both quieter spots with good swimming conditions. The full coastal walk from Zenith to Fingal Bay takes about an hour and passes through Tomaree National Park. If you're looking for things to do in Shoal Bay beyond the main beach, pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it.
Where to eat and drink in Shoal Bay
The Shoal Bay Country Club is the main dining destination in Shoal Bay, with numerous venues under one roof. It's open from 6:30am daily.
Mermaids Cafe opens at 6:30am for coffee and serves breakfast from 7am. It's the best early-morning option in Shoal Bay. The Patio opens at 11:30am and is the spot for sunset cocktails, seafood platters, and ocean views from the upper level. Atmos serves Greek-inspired share plates and is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm, with lunch on Saturdays from 11:30am.
For something more casual, grab fish and chips from one of the takeaway shops along the foreshore and eat on the grass overlooking the water. The grassed reserve behind the beach has picnic tables and free public BBQs.
Things to do in Shoal Bay at night
Shoal Bay keeps a relaxed pace after dark, but there's still plenty to enjoy. The Shoal Bay Country Club has live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a fully retractable roof over the courtyard, and a large 6.5-metre outdoor screen for major events. The club stays open until late on weekends, with free late-night buses running to Anna Bay on Saturdays from 10:30pm.
For a quieter evening, walk along the foreshore as the sky changes colour. The bay faces north, so you won't catch the sunset directly, but the light reflecting off the water and headlands creates its own magic. Grab a table at Atmos or The Patio and watch the day fade while you work through a seafood platter.
If you're staying at the Anchorage, Moby's Bar opens from 4pm daily and is an atmospheric spot for a nightcap. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm. The nautical-inspired interiors, whisky selection, and freshly shucked Port Stephens oysters make it worth saving room for a post-dinner visit.
Things to do in Shoal Bay with kids
Shoal Bay is one of the safest swimming beaches in Port Stephens, with calm, shallow waters ideal for young children. Families enjoy the jetty, picnic areas, shelters, free BBQs, and public toilets.
Older kids can try kayaking, paddleboarding, or the walk to Tomaree Head, which includes WWII gun emplacements. Weekend kids’ activities run at Shoal Bay Country Club, and Mermaids Cafe offers a family-friendly menu.
For more family-friendly ideas across the region, see our guide to things to do in Port Stephens with kids.
Where to stay near Shoal Bay
Anchorage Hotel & Spa sits on the waterfront, a short drive from Shoal Bay and perfectly positioned for exploring the entire Shoal Bay region. Wake up to views across the marina, spend your days at the beach, and return to two pools (including an adults-only infinity pool), on-site dining at The Galley Kitchen, cocktails at Moby's Bar from 4pm, and treatments at Spa Lucca. If you’re looking for Shoal Bay accommodation options, Anchorage is the place to be.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Shoal Bay at night?
The Shoal Bay Country Club offers live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, sunset drinks at The Patio (open from 11:30am), and Greek-inspired dining at Atmos (dinner from 5pm Tuesday to Saturday). For a quieter evening, a foreshore walk as the light fades is a lovely way to end the day. Back at the Anchorage, Moby's Bar opens from 4pm and serves cocktails and oysters in a cosy, nautical-themed setting.
What can families do in Shoal Bay with kids?
The best things to do in Shoal Bay with kids include swimming in the calm, shallow water near the jetty, hiring kayaks or paddleboards (from around $25 AUD/hour), and using the grassed reserve with picnic facilities and free BBQs. The Tomaree Head Summit Walk suits school-age children, and the Shoal Bay Country Club runs free kids' activities on weekends from 12pm to 2pm.
What is there to do in Shoal Bay when it rains?
Popular things to do in Shoal Bay when its raining include the Shoal Bay Country Club's indoor dining and entertainment. Nearby Nelson Bay has an independent cinema (Nelson Bay Cinema, open daily from 10am) and Toboggan Hill Park with indoor rock climbing, mini golf, and a maze (open 10am to 4pm). Fighter World aviation museum at Williamtown is a 20-minute drive and houses over 17 military aircraft. At the Anchorage, Spa Lucca is the perfect rainy-day retreat.
How far is Shoal Bay from the Anchorage Hotel?
Shoal Bay is approximately 10 minutes by car from Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Corlette. Nelson Bay is around 5 minutes away, Newcastle Airport is 40 minutes, and Sydney is a 2.5-hour drive via the M1.
Is Shoal Bay good for swimming?
Yes. Shoal Bay is the calmest swimming beach in Port Stephens. The bay faces north and is sheltered from southerly swells, so the water stays flat year-round. The water near the jetty is clear and shallow (4 to 8 metres deep), suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. Water temperature ranges from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer.
What facilities are available at Shoal Bay Beach?
Shoal Bay Beach has public toilets, showers, picnic shelters, free BBQs, a public jetty, a boat ramp, and dinghy storage. The grassed reserve behind the beach is ideal for picnics. Shops, cafes, and restaurants line the southern end of the foreshore.
How long is the Tomaree Head Summit Walk?
The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is 2.2km return and takes 40 to 60 minutes each way. The track climbs 161 metres from the car park at the end of Shoal Bay Road to the summit. The first section is paved, becoming steeper near the top. Views from the summit include Port Stephens, Zenith Beach, Fingal Island, and offshore islands.