2025 Shoal Bay Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

A must do when visiting Port Stephens, NSW (2.5 hours drive from Sydney) is taking the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. It’s a 2.2km return walk and as you hike the track, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its beautiful coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – these nature reserves are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel. When you reach the summit, you will enjoy panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands from the north platform. From the south platform, views of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse. Bring your binoculars as you might be lucky to see some dolphins or whales. There’s a picnic table at the lookout, so if you have time, take a picnic lunch or some morning tea to enjoy as you take in the amazing views. Take care along the steep sections on this walk as well as paved areas that can become slippery when wet. The best time of year to visit is between May and October and allow 1.5-2 hours to enjoy all the lookouts.

#australiatrip "Salt at Shoal Bay is a hidden gem on the New South Wales coast. My stay in a beachfront apartment was incredible, with uninterrupted views of the sparkling bay. The apartment was stylishly furnished and had all the amenities I needed, including a fully equipped kitchen. The location is perfect, just steps from the beach and close to cafes and shops. I loved waking up to the sound of waves and enjoying sunset walks along the shore. The staff were welcoming and helpful throughout my stay. This is the ideal destination for a peaceful and scenic beach escape."

🌟 Highlights: During the Easter holidays, Shoal Bay Beach saw an influx of tourists, quickly filling up the small town. The narrow sidewalks couldn't accommodate the crowds, and cyclists had to shout from a distance to make way for pedestrians. The number of boats on the water also increased, with boat rentals, life jackets, and restaurants doing brisk business. The parking lot was full, forcing cars to park along the roadsides and in the woods, creating a lively scene 📝 Tips: This place has always been a tourist destination, but it is not open to tour groups, only to private cars on self-drive visits, due to the small scale of the town It is a little over a two-hour drive from Sydney.

Took a road trip with my wife from Melbourne along the coastal roads to Shoal Bay in New South Wales, staying overnight or two in Lakes Entrance, Bega and Cringila and making many pitstops for coffee and snacks was truly and surprisingly restful, recreational!

Today is Easter, many tourists come to Shoal Bay for vacation. The weather is sunny and windy, but there are more visitors at the beach than before. The free public parking lot is full of cars, and the roadsides of the town are also full of cars. Restaurants and parks are filled with laughter, it's such a lively scene. 👍 Shoal Bay Resort boasts turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Despite the wind, the waves are not too big, making it a popular spot for fishing, sunbathing, cycling, and hiking. Although the mountains are not very high. The town is like a fairy tale park, with a free children's playground, restaurants along the main street serving delicious food that won't make you gain weight. Here, life is all about a slow pace, complete with all necessary facilities, fresh air, birds singing and flowers blooming. It is definitely a great place for vacation.