Port Stephens specials are mostly a matter of timing and choosing well. The area sits just north of Newcastle, and its tours and caravan parks are listed on this site, so you can compare them before you commit.
We can lay out the climate figures, the tours with listed prices and the parks to ring for current rates, so you can plan a cheaper trip.
Port Stephens specials: the quieter months
The weather is a useful guide to timing. The coolest stretch runs from June to August, when daytime maximums sit between about 16 and 18 degrees. August is also the driest month, with around 38.5 mm of rain over 6.3 rain days and 29.1 sunny days.
Summer is warmer and wetter. January averages a maximum of 26.5 degrees and a minimum of 20.8 degrees. February and March are the wettest months, at 86.2 mm and 89.2 mm. March has the most rain days, at 11.9.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.5 | 20.8 | 65.4 | 10.0 | 27.1 |
| February | 26.0 | 20.9 | 86.2 | 10.0 | 24.6 |
| March | 24.4 | 19.7 | 89.2 | 11.9 | 27.8 |
| April | 22.1 | 17.1 | 63.7 | 10.0 | 27.8 |
| May | 19.2 | 14.3 | 62.4 | 9.8 | 27.7 |
| June | 16.9 | 12.2 | 76.4 | 10.2 | 25.7 |
| July | 16.3 | 10.9 | 47.2 | 7.7 | 27.6 |
| August | 17.7 | 11.2 | 38.5 | 6.3 | 29.1 |
| September | 20.3 | 13.2 | 41.1 | 6.4 | 27.9 |
| October | 22.2 | 15.4 | 57.2 | 8.5 | 28.1 |
| November | 23.6 | 17.3 | 72.1 | 9.9 | 26.3 |
| December | 25.1 | 19.2 | 69.8 | 10.1 | 27.0 |
Our pick for the shoulder months
We reckon September is the sweet spot on the figures alone. It has just 41.1 mm of rain, 6.4 rain days and a mild 20.3 degree maximum. Whale season runs from June to November, so a late winter or early spring visit can still fit it in. Check current prices with the operator before booking.
Lower-priced tours
Three tours are listed for the area. The cheapest by a good margin is the Hunter Valley winery, sandboard or camel rides tour, from $219.1 and running 11 to 12 hours.
The private Port Stephens tour from Sydney is from $495 for 10 hours. It includes transport by air-conditioned minivan with hotel or port pickup. The region has roughly 150 bottlenose dolphins year-round, which you can see on Nelson Bay cruises as an optional extra. Migrating whales pass through between June and November.
The dearest of the three is the dolphin watching and sandboarding tour from Sydney, from $850 for 11 hours. If you only want one of those two activities, the cheaper listings may suit better. Our Port Stephens tours and rentals page has more to browse.
Caravan and holiday parks
Six parks are listed. Each offers powered sites and cabins, and each asks you to contact the park for current rates and availability before booking.
- BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Soldiers Point, Soldiers Point
- Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach, One Mile
- BIG4 Karuah Jetty Holiday Park, Karuah
- NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park, Stockton, in the Newcastle City Council area
- NRMA Myall Shores Holiday Park, Bombah Point, in the Mid-Coast Council area
- BIG4 River Myall Holiday Resort, Bulahdelah, in the Mid-Coast Council area
Soldiers Point, One Mile and Karuah are all in the Port Stephens Council area. Stockton, Bombah Point and Bulahdelah sit in neighbouring councils. For other stays, see Port Stephens accommodation.
Getting there without overspending
Driving distances give a feel for the cost of reaching the area. Newcastle is 58 km away, about 59 minutes by road. Sydney is 206 km, about 170 minutes, and the Hunter Valley is 99 km, about 92 minutes.
Port Stephens Coaches runs a daily coach service to Sydney, ending at Central railway station. Newcastle Interchange is the nearest major railway station, and Newcastle Airport is at Williamtown. The Port Stephens Ferry Service links Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens.
Planning more of the trip
Our Port Stephens destination guide is the best place to start. The state tourism site, Visit NSW, is the official place to look for current offers. For background on the area, there is a page on Port Stephens Council.
Frequently asked questions
When is the driest time to visit Port Stephens?
August is the driest month, at about 38.5 mm of rain over 6.3 days. September is close behind, at 41.1 mm.
Which listed tour costs least?
The Hunter Valley winery, sandboard or camel rides tour is from $219.1, which is lower than the other two listed tours.
Do the caravan parks list their prices?
Each of the six parks asks you to contact it for current rates and availability before booking.
