Nelson Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Nelson Bay
Nestled against Tomaree National Park is this haven of stunning beaches and coastline where dolphins are a regular sighting and humpback whales pass by.

Australia’s natural beauty is right on your doorstep in Nelson Bay, where you can hike to lookout points with spectacular views, cycle along the coastline, sail in waters home to dolphins and dive in coral reefs. Just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, this little coastal town is the perfect place to relax and enjoy lazing on the sand or surfing at one of the many beaches.

Some of the best spots for diving are at the nearby marine reserve Fly Point and Broughton Island. At Fly Point, look for the exotic pineapple and angel fish that live among the colourful coral. Adventurous fisherman can take a game fishing charter in the deeper waters to catch tuna, marlin and swordfish.

You can spot dolphins from the beach at Nelson Bay. Get out on the water for an unforgettable close-up view. In the cooler seasons you can also see majestic humpback whales. Some whale-watching tours visit the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands, where you can sandboard down dunes as high as 40 metres (130 feet), and visit aboriginal shell middens, burial areas and camping grounds that predate European settlement. 

Spend a day exploring Tomaree National Park, which surrounds Nelson Bay. Hike up Tomaree Head Summit for incredible views over the water and forested headlands. Explore World War II gun emplacements on the Fort Tomaree walk. At low tide you may have access to Fingal Island, where you can walk along the beach to the ruins of the 19th-century cottage of the Point Stephens lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse itself, built in 1862, is still standing and active.

After an adventurous day outdoors, relax with a glass of local wine and a dinner of freshly caught seafood in one of Nelson Bay or Port Stephens’ restaurants that have an oceanfront view.

Bicycle paths are everywhere in Nelson Bay. Rent a bike to explore the area. Alternatively, buy a Bay Explorer Ticket to get unlimited use of the local bus service.

Hotel Nelson
Hotel Nelson
4 out of 5
1 Government Road, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ₹9,262 per night from 16 May to 17 May
₹9,262
per night
16 May - 17 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Nelson Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Well located and with good amenities. The staff was very obliging and despite a power black out, we enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Hotel Nelson
Mantra Nelson Bay
Mantra Nelson Bay
4.5 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
The price is ₹16,106 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹16,106
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,365 reviews)
"close to town nice view"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Mantra Nelson Bay
The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay
The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay
4 out of 5
Dowling Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Fully refundable
The price is ₹9,474 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
₹9,474
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.2/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"I was all good"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Halifax Holiday Park
Halifax Holiday Park
4 out of 5
5 Beach Road, Little Beach, Nelson Bay, NSW
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (210 reviews)
"It was our first visit to Nelson Bay, nature is fascinating, lots of activities around to get engaged in, shopping is near by which was great. The only constructive feedback that I would like to share is that property needs renovations, not decently cleaned when we received the key."

Reviewed on 24 Nov 2023

Halifax Holiday Park
Mantra Nelson Bay
Mantra Nelson Bay
4.5 out of 5
1A Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,365 reviews)
"close to town nice view"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Mantra Nelson Bay
Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
3.5 out of 5
1 Trafalgar Street, Nelson Bay, NSW
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a sauna.
8.2/10 Very Good! (217 reviews)
"What a great place to stay. So central and organised. Everything perfect!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2024

Nelson Bay Breeze Holiday Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Nelson Bay

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Oct 2019

Lovely location - easy stroll to beautiful beach and lighthouse

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Aug 2019

Beautifull place. Very prety

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
23 Apr 2019

Beautiful area, lots of wonderful beaches and lots of activities available.

Cities near Nelson Bay