Here are our Top 10 solo traveller holiday ideas for Port Stephens
Far from being lonely or boring, travelling solo can be exactly what we need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Travelling on your own allows you to dance to the beat of your own drum: you can do exactly what you want to do, without having to compromise, and you can move entirely at your own pace, according to your own schedule – or, for complete freedom, without a schedule at all.
If you’re a regular solo traveller, or you’re taking an unprecedented opportunity to get away on your own, we can heartily recommend visiting Port Stephens. Located just 2.5 hours (200km) north of Sydney, an hour from Newcastle, and just 20 mins from Newcastle airport, Port Stephens is a spectacular destination for the ultimate getaway, with a huge range of attractions and activities that are perfect to experience on your own.
Here are our Top 10 solo traveller holiday ideas for Port Stephens:
For the active adventure lover
Idea 1 – Enjoy some Stand-Up-Paddleboarding (SUP)
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to Stand-Up-Paddleboard, Shoal Bay SUP offers a free introductory lesson for beginner SUPs when you hire a stand-up-paddleboard. If you’ve already used a paddleboard, you can hire a board and take a solo paddle or book in for an early morning tour.
Idea 2 – Learn to surf
If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, why not book a lesson with Port Stephens Surf School. With four different Port Stephens locations to choose from, there’s bound to be a beach with the right conditions for you.
Idea 3 – Go for a hike (or an energetic walk)
Tomaree Head summit, 161 metres above sea level, offers 360-degree views of stunning Port Stephens. The Tomaree Head Summit Walk is a steep 1.5hr, 2.2km round trip that, according to the National Parks & Wildlife Service of NSW, is rated as a grade 5 (challenging) hike – though, if you’re moderately fit and can climb stairs, you should be able to tackle the track.
If you’re not quite so active, the Nelson Head Light walk is a shorter, easier walk to the inactive lighthouse on Nelson Head. The lighthouse is now occupied by Inner Light Tea Rooms, so you can grab breakfast, a light meal, or a delicious coffee while enjoying the spectacular views of Port Stephens.
If you’d prefer a guided nature walk, Tomaree Coastal Adventures offer a variety of guided walking tours. Their Stephens Peak Micro Adventure – a guided walk through Tomaree National Park, ending up at Stephens Peak – offers panoramic views of Port Stephens and is an excellent alternative to the Tomaree Head Summit Walk.
Idea 4 – Explore the Port Stephens Marine Reserve in a Kayak
For the active water-lover, why not get out amongst nature and explore the stunning marine reserve of Port Stephens? Port Stephens Paddlesports at Shoal Bay offers sit-on kayaks, water bikes and paddleboards for hire, and runs a variety of tours through Spring, Summer and Autumn – from the long-distance, guided eco-adventure Discovery Kayak Tour exploring the Marine Park, to the relaxing Sunset Kayak Tour (Apr-Oct), or the Zen-inducing Paddle & Pamper package (a 1hr SUP session followed by a blissful 1hr massage).
For the nature lover
Idea 5 – Get up close to the native fauna
Nestled within 8 hectares of beautiful natural bushland, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary is a haven for rescued koalas that can’t be released back into the wild and offers a unique opportunity to see koalas in their natural habitat.
The Sanctuary also houses the Koala Hospital, where visitors can observe staff caring for sick and injured wildlife, and the SKYwalk, with an elevated viewing platform that provides a tree-top view of the koalas’ natural habitat.
Idea 6 – Visit the beaches!
Home to the largest shifting sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, Port Stephens is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia – and there are plenty of them! If you don’t mind a bit of sand, make sure you check out at least one of the 26 beaches in the Port Stephens area. Whether you’re going for a swim, or just lazing around, we can promise you won’t be disappointed.
Idea 7 – Take a Dolphin- or Whale-Watching Cruise
Port Stephens is dolphin central, with hundreds of dolphins inhabiting Port Stephens waters all year round. Humpback whales can also be seen in the area from May to October as they migrate along the coast. There are a variety of dolphin- and whale-watching experiences available through a number of operators, so there’s bound to be an experience to suit your schedule and budget.
Dolphin Swim Australia runs 4-hour eco-friendly dolphin cruises. Relax on the boat, enjoy the scenery, and watch as the dolphins interact with swimmers on your tour or, for a truly special experience, book your spot as a swimmer on the only wild dolphin swim experience permitted in NSW.
For the luxury lover
Idea 8 – Take some time for self-care
The Wellness Centre Port Stephens offers a cornucopia of wellbeing services, including reiki, massage, aromatherapy, and kinesiology, as well as yoga and pilates classes. Try a blissful 3hr Therapeutic Touch Package, including infrared sauna, a massage, an energy unblocking The Bars treatment, oxygen therapy and delicious refreshments, or book in a psychic reading, past life regression or ‘Ignite your spirit’ therapy session to cleanse and balance your chakras.
Idea 9 – Book into a Day Spa for a pampering session
If you want to really pamper yourself, why not book into a day spa or salon? Barley Sugar Day Spa offers a huge range of relaxing and rejuvenating massage, spa, and beauty services – from the traditional, stand-alone beauty treatments to indulgent spa packages that include complimentary bubbly and chocolates. Their services aren’t just for women either, with a pamper package and other services specifically tailored to men’s needs.
Idea 10 – Enjoy a sensational gustatory experience at one of Port Stephens’ best restaurants
If you’re a foodie, Port Stephens won’t disappoint. Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens, with a menu full of delicious fresh seafood dishes, and Wild Herring restaurant at The Anchorage, recently named Best Seafood Restaurant in Regional NSW for the second year in a row, are essential dining for seafood-lovers. The Anchorage also boasts the Galley Kitchen restaurant, which is a must for lovers of fine food.
The Retreat Port Stephens wants your Port Stephens holiday to be a truly memorable experience, so if you need local advice, or help with putting together a local itinerary or making bookings for activities or experiences, contact on us (02) 4982 1244 or fill out our contact form to have one of our friendly staff contact you.
