Nelson Bay is the main township of the Port Stephens region and serves as a central base for exploring the surrounding coastline, beaches, and sand dunes.
Visitors to Nelson Bay are drawn to its marina, waterfront dining, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. From here, it's easy to access some of the area's most popular attractions within a short drive.
One of the most popular activities near Nelson Bay is quad biking on the Stockton sand dunes. Located just minutes from town, the dunes offer a dramatic environment for guided quad bike safari tours. Riders travel across open sand, climb steep dunes, and explore terrain that is constantly reshaped by the wind.
Nelson Bay is also known for dolphin cruises, with bottlenose dolphins commonly seen in the bay year-round. Seasonal whale watching, kayaking, snorkelling, and beach hopping are also popular options.
Many visitors combine a morning adventure activity with lunch along the waterfront or a visit to nearby Shoal Bay.
For those staying in Nelson Bay, choosing activities that are close by allows you to experience the best of the region without long travel times.