Nelson Bay is a central hub for entertainment and dining in Port Stephens, with weekend markets, a cinema, restaurants and cafes, and a local hotel and bistro with live music. Swim at the beach, hire a runabout boat, visit the lighthouse museum, explore the marina, do a parasail, or link to the many tour operators such as whale watching, sand boarding or quad biking. During summer, the kids will love the giant Splash water park! Book ahead and avoid the summer queues!
The Ferry to Nelson Bay departs daily from Tea Gardens Ferry Wharf on Marine Drive, just down from the Tea Gardens Hotel. Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure. Book your seats online or call our booking line on 0411 388 380. We look forward to welcoming you on board!
Nelson Bay Visitor Information Centre
The Visitor Information Centre is a short walk up from the ferry and is open 7 days. Pop in and discover things to do and see while you’re in the Bay. Their friendly staff will point you in the best direction, and even help you book it – there’s nothing like expert local advice when you’re looking for adventure!
60 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4988 0900 | www.portstephens.org.au
Splash Water Park
Splash is the place to be during summer in Nelson Bay! Step off the Ferry and step into fun. Located at 40 Victoria Parade in Nelson Bay, Splash is a fantastic aqua-park with loads of activities and challenges for all ages. Make sure you book ahead and avoid the summer queues.
40 Victoria Pde Nelson Bay NSW 2315 | www.splashwaterpark.jp
Lighthouse Cottage Museum, Nelson Head
A visit to Nelson Bay is not complete without visiting the historic Lighthouse Cottage Museum at Nelson Head. Discover the maritime heritage of the Bay, and enjoy a Devonshire tea served fresh in the Tea House. Boasting the best views in the Bay, it is well worth the hike around Little Bay and up the hill.
Lighthouse Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2324 | Tel : 02 4981 3585
Visit website
D’albora Marina
Located right where the YKNOT Catamaran arrives into Nelson Bay, D’albora is a hive of activity with a great selection of retail boutiques offering gifts, clothing, jewellery and accessories. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the marina’s many restaurants and cafes.
Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2324
Nelson Bay Cinema
Located in the heart of Nelson Bay, a short stroll up from D’Albora Marina. Grab your tickets and a snack from the Candy Bar, and settle into one of 3 cinemas for a midday movie. Check out the screening schedule on their website below.
Cinema Mall, Stockton Street Nelson Bay
www.nelsonbaycinema.com.au
Nelson Bay Boat Hire
Do your own personal dolphin watch, spot fairy penguins and sea turtles, explore the beaches, and catch your dinner! Nelson Bay Boat Hire is located at the end of the marina at 40 Victoria Parade. Tinnies and cruisers are available for hire, no boat license required, each hire comes with a free fishing license.
Telephone : 0419 631 988 | www.nelsonbayboathire.com.au
Fish Port Stephens – Fishing Charters, Nelson Bay
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, this operator will hook you up with the most amazing fishing experience in Port Stephens. Born and bred in the Bay, Paul Lennon knows his fish, and we’re pretty sure the fish know him. 5hr & 2.5hr charters available, as well as wildlife / sight-seeing tours. Call Paul direct to discuss your options.
Mobile : 0434 370 687 | fishportstephensestuarycharters.com
Dolphin Watch Cafe
The friendly crew at Dolphin Watch Cafe serve up delicious homestyle burgers and fresh cooked seafood. You may even spot a dolphin cruising by as you enjoy breakfast or lunch. There’s a good reason they call it the Dolphin Watch Cafe!
40 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay NSW 2324 | Telephone : 02 4984 1262
The Wharf Restaurant Bar & Grill, Nelson Bay
Situated on the marina where the fishing boats deliver their bounty, The Wharf Restaurant have the luxury of selecting the best of the daily catch and prepare mouth watering seafood dishes that delight even the most discerning diner. The perfect place to take in the stunning views of Port Stephens.
Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 | Telephone : 02 4981 0020
www.wharfrestaurantbarandgrill.com
Little Beach Boathouse
Little Beach is the next bay around from the wharf, about a 20 minute stroll. The Boathouse is nestled in the corner of the bay, with its open deck and beachside views, it’s well worth the walk!
4 Victoria Parade Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4984 9420 | www.littlebeachboathouse.com.au
Little Nel Cafe, Nelson Bay
A favourite haunt for locals and visitors, Little Nel sits atop Government Road outside the Hotel Nelson and overlooks D’albora Marina. About a 10 minute stroll from the wharf, their menu changes regularly and samples the best local produce they can find.
3/7 Government Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4916 4600 | www.littlenel.com.au
The Seabreeze Hotel
Located in the heart of Nelson Bay, The Seabreeze Hotel boasts a distinct beachside feel, and serves up pub favourites along with freshly shucked oysters, seafood, wood-fired pizza and fantastic kid’s meals. Book ahead during the summer months.
1 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4891 1151 | www.seabreezehotel.com.au
ModThai Restaurant & Noodle Bar, Nelson Bay
Open 7 days for lunch, right next to the Cinema Mall in Stockton Street. Wander up and dine at what the locals call the best Thai restaurant in the Bay!
12/25 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2135
Telephone : 02 4984 4222 | www.modthai.com.au
Bayz Patisserie
If you’re on a budget, you can’t go past Bayz Patisserie on Donald Street. They bake the most delicious crisp pies and pastries, along with the best Vietnamese Bahn Mi ($5 pork rolls). Min. spend on eftpos is $10, so make sure you’ve got cash on you for a delicious cheap eat.
30 Donald St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 | Telephone : 02 4981 3042
Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar
Barry Kelly is a master pie-maker who has been cooking up amazing creations for over 20 years, and has over 50 varieties of award winning gourmet pies to tempt your taste-buds. Located in the centre of Nelson Bay, you can dine inside or alfresco, all within comfortable walking distance of the ferry wharf.
3/17-19 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 49841355 | www.redneds.com.au
In House Kitchen @ The Home Interior
A lovely homewares shop with a vibrant cafe where you can enjoy freshly cooked cafe style meals. Lots of gorgeous things to explore after you’ve dined, just a short walk up from the ferry wharf.
41 Donald St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4984 4888 | www.thehomeinterior.com.au
Earth Quirks
A gorgeous gallery style boutique with an amazing selection of hand-picked original artworks, gifts, jewellery, designer clothing and inspired homewares, located in the main street of Nelson Bay.
136 Magnus St, Nelson Bay NSW 2324 | Telephone : 02 4984 1262
Pizazz Boutique
Beautiful clothing store for women, located in the heart of Nelson Bay, this place is a wardrobe wonderland without limits! Personalised boutique-style service, they will help you find the perfect piece for any occasion.
118 Magnus Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4984 4177 | www.pizazzboutique.com.au
Else & Me
Another gorgeous boutique located in the main street of Nelson Bay. Else & Me is both fashionable and fresh, with hand-selected off the rack clothing, swimwear, shoes and accessories for women.
83 Magnus Street, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
Telephone : 02 4981 3023 | www.elseandme.com.au