Things to Do in Salamander Bay and Surrounding Areas
Salamander Bay sits on the southern shore of Port Stephens, where the Karuah River meets the Pacific. Calm bay beaches, coastal walking trails, a championship golf course and one of the region’s best oyster farms are all within a few minutes of each other, with the wider Port Stephens coastline opening up beyond.
Anchorage Hotel & Spa is just a five-minute drive away in neighbouring Corlette, giving guests easy access to everything the area has to offer while returning to waterfront dining, two pools and Spa Lucca at the end of the day.
From beach mornings and heritage walks to whale watching, sand dunes and local wine tastings, here are the best things to do in Salamander Bay and the surrounding Port Stephens region.
Beaches near Salamander Bay
The beaches around Salamander Bay sit on the protected bay side of Port Stephens, so the water stays calm and sheltered year-round.
Wanda Beach is the main swimming beach, stretching along the northern end of the suburb toward Soldiers Point. The water is calm and clear, with the area in front of George Reserve popular for swimming in the warmer months.
Salamander Beach is a short drive south, with gentle waves and grassy picnic areas behind the dunes. It’s a favourite with families for its flat water and relaxed atmosphere.
Corlette Beach is about 200 metres from Anchorage Hotel, a short walk through the waterfront gardens and onto the sand. The beach sits on the bay side with calm water ideal for morning swims.
Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are both within 15 minutes by car, offering longer stretches of sand and views across to the headlands.
Coastal walks and nature
Mariners Walk Heritage Trail runs along the Soldiers Point and Salamander Bay peninsula for 3.3 kilometres, with interpretive signs telling the maritime history of the region. The full walk takes about 40 minutes.
The Corlette headland walk follows the water from Corlette Beach past the The Anchorage Hotel & Spa toward Nelson Bay. It’s an easy, flat walk linking waterfront parks and reserves, with koalas often spotted in the trees and many spots offering playgrounds and barbecues.
Tomaree Head Summit Walk The walk takes around an hour return and rewards you with panoramic views over Shoal Bay, Fingal Spit and the offshore islands. It’s one of the most photographed lookouts on the NSW coast.
Gan Gan Lookout offers 360-degree views from 160 metres above sea level and is accessible by car. It’s a particularly beautiful spot at dusk, with views stretching across Port Stephens Bay and the surrounding bushland.
Water activities and cruises
Port Stephens is home to over 140 resident bottlenose dolphins, and several operators depart from Nelson Bay marina (a short drive from the area) for year-round dolphin watching cruises. From May to November, the bay is on the annual humpback whale migration route, with whale watching cruises running throughout the season.
Fly Point, in the Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve near Nelson Bay, is one of the region’s best snorkelling spots with exceptional visibility and an abundance of marine life in the protected waters. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and boat charters are also available across Port Stephens, with calm bay conditions well suited to all experience levels.
Fun activities in & around Salamander Bay
Holberts Oyster Farm is on the opposite side of the peninsula, just off the main road. Holberts is a leading oyster supplier in the region, and the small on-site shop sells trays of freshly shucked oysters to enjoy at their waterfront picnic tables. They also stock prawns and other local seafood.
B Farm by Murray’s (formerly Murray’s Craft Brewing Co) is about 20 minutes away, set in a relaxed outdoor space with a brewery, distillery, winery cellar door, high tea room and family-friendly garden. Live music and a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site make it a popular afternoon outing.
Little Beach Boathouse in Nelson Bay offers waterfront dining with views across the marina, and is a popular choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Rick Stein at Bannisters in Soldiers Point (a few minutes from Salamander Bay) is another well-regarded option for fresh, simply prepared seafood.
Golf at Horizons Gold Resort is in Salamander Bay itself, a 72-par, 18-hole championship course ranked in the top 100 courses in Australia. The course is open to the public with green fee options including cart hire, and the clubhouse has a café for breakfast or lunch afterwards. Kangaroos and koalas are regularly spotted on the fairways, adding something to the round that city courses simply can’t offer.
Back at Anchorage Hotel, The Galley Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a seasonal menu built around local produce and seafood. The restaurant has won R&CA Savour Awards for Excellence, and Moby’s Bar opens from 4pm with cocktails, an extensive whisky selection and bay views from its nautical-inspired interior.
Family activities near Salamander Bay
Families have plenty of things to do at Salamander Bay beyond the beach. Toboggan Hill Park is nearby with rides, indoor rock climbing and entertainment for children and teenagers. Tomaree Aquatic Centre has water slides and a heated pool for days when the ocean feels too cool. Salamander Super Strike offers tenpin bowling, and Oakvale Wildlife Park (about 15 minutes away) is home to koalas, kangaroos and wombats with hands-on encounters for younger visitors.
The Stockton Sand Dunes, about 20 minutes from the area, are the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Sandboarding, quad biking and camel rides are all available, with several tour operators offering guided experiences that suit families with older children and thrill-seekers alike.
Wine tastings and local produce
Salamander Bay has its own artisan winery and cellar door, Tynan Wines, sourcing grapes from regional NSW vineyards and offering tastings with knowledgeable staff. The nearby Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions, is about an hour’s drive from Port Stephens for a full day of cellar door visits and vineyard dining.
Nelson Bay’s local markets run throughout the year and are a great source of regional produce, handmade goods and artisan food. The combination of fresh oysters from Holberts, local wines and Anchorage Hotel’s award-winning dining makes Port Stephens a strong food and drink destination in its own right.
Stay at Anchorage Hotel & Spa near Salamander Bay
Anchorage Hotel & Spa is in Corlette, a five-minute drive from Salamander Bay and a short drive from Nelson Bay. The property sits on a boutique marina overlooking Port Stephens Bay, with Corlette Beach a short walk from your door.
Guests have access to ten room types from waterfront rooms to a freestanding two-bedroom villa at the water’s edge, award-winning dining at The Galley Kitchen, Moby’s Bar, the Poolside Bar, two swimming pools (including an adults-only infinity pool) and Spa Lucca day spa. Complimentary morning yoga runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and on-site parking is included with every stay.
With so many Salamander Bay things to do within easy reach, Anchorage Hotel is a natural base for exploring the area. After a full day out, return to a waterfront hotel where everything is taken care of.
How to get to Salamander Bay
From Sydney: 2.5 hours via the M1 Pacific Motorway.
From Newcastle: 45 minutes via Nelson Bay Road.
From Newcastle Airport: 25 minutes.
Salamander Bay is a five-minute drive from Anchorage Hotel in Corlette, and a short drive from Nelson Bay. On-site parking is complimentary for all guests.
Book your stay near Salamander Bay
With beaches, coastal walks, golf, whale watching and award-winning dining all within easy reach, Anchorage Hotel & Spa is a natural base for anyone looking for things to do in Salamander Bay and the wider Port Stephens region. Check availability and current packages on our booking page, or call (02) 4984 2555 to speak with our reservations team.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Salamander Bay NSW?
Popular activities include swimming at Wanda Beach, walking the Mariners Walk Heritage Trail, playing a round at Horizons Golf Resort, visiting Holberts Oyster Farm and exploring the Stockton Sand Dunes. Dolphin and whale watching cruises depart from nearby Nelson Bay, and the Tomaree Head Summit Walk offers panoramic coastal views about 15 minutes away by car.
How far is Anchorage Hotel from Salamander Bay?
Anchorage Hotel & Spa is in Corlette, about a five-minute drive from Salamander Bay. Nelson Bay is also a short drive from the hotel.
Is Salamander Bay good for families?
Yes. The bay beaches have calm, sheltered water suited to young children, and nearby attractions include Toboggan Hill Park, Tomaree Aquatic Centre, Oakvale Wildlife Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. Anchorage Hotel offers family rooms that sleep up to four and Two Bedroom Lofts that sleep five.
What beaches are near Salamander Bay?
Wanda Beach and Salamander Beach are both nearby with calm bay water. Corlette Beach is about 200 metres from Anchorage Hotel. Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay are within 15 minutes by car, and One Mile Beach (popular with surfers) is a 10-minute drive.
Can I go whale watching from Salamander Bay?
Whale watching cruises run from May to November and depart from Nelson Bay marina, a short drive away. Humpback whales migrate along the Port Stephens coastline, and several cruise operators offer guided trips.
What is the Mariners Walk Heritage Trail?
The Mariners Walk Heritage Trail is a 3.3-kilometre walking trail along the Soldiers Point and Salamander Bay peninsula. Interpretive signs along the route tell the maritime history of Port Stephens. The full walk takes about 40 minutes, with a shorter section available from Wanda Beach around Wanda Wanda Head.
Where can I eat near Salamander Bay?
Holberts Oyster Farm sells fresh oysters from a waterfront shop in the area. Murray’s Craft Brewing Co is about 20 minutes away with craft beer and live music. In Nelson Bay, Little Beach Boathouse offers waterfront dining. Rick Stein at Bannisters in Soldiers Point is nearby. At Anchorage Hotel, The Galley Kitchen serves award-winning seasonal dining and Moby’s Bar opens from 4pm for cocktails and whisky with bay views.