The Area

   Leave work in Sydney at 5 and be in paradise by 8pm!

Situated in the heart of Nelson Bay our motel is the ideal base for exploring the fabulous waterways and the many attractions that make this region so popular for young and old alike. Our parkland setting blends with the tropical gardens that surround the motel.  A short stroll through the adjoining reserve reveals a sweeping view of the entire Bay including the busy d'Albora Marina with its many shops and restaurants, all easily accessible via a short walkway to the CBD. Many guests leave their car in our undercover parking and simply walk, hire a bicycle or catch buses and ferries for their entire stay.

Port Stephens Coaches also runs a regular bus service from Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle and the bus stop is directly opposite our motel. Click the following link for details http://www.pscoaches.com.au/

The Nelson Bay Golf Club, Bowling Club, Diggers Club and award winning restaurants are also minutes away. 

NELSON BAY FAST FACTS
Major holiday playground and main resort area of Port Stephens.
Located on the southern shores of Port Stephens
223 km north of Sydney
Population 5,400


  WHY COME HERE?
Nelson Bay is the main town for Port Stephens and it would be hard to find anywhere better equipped for aquatic pursuits - plus a great array of shopping, accommodation and dining options. On the town's doorstep within the sheltered arms of the bay there are safe, calm beaches that are ideal for small children, while the coastal beaches just a five-minute drive away are washed by booming waves. The diving and snorkelling here is exceptional.

Just east of Nelson Bay, the tiny promontory of Fly Point is an aquatic reserve with prolific marine life.

Divers have another superb site just off the coast at Broughton Island, with such outstanding features as the ‘Looking Glass', a split that runs through the middle of the island, crowded with marine life.

To the south of Nelson Bay, Stockton Beach has the country's largest coastal dune system, stretching for more than 30 km to the northern outskirts of Newcastle. Only 40 minutes from Port Stephens is historic Morpeth.  A nice little day trip, Morpeth is a small village that sits above an elbow in the Hunter River. Full of cafes and teashops in gardens or down small cobblestone alleyways, you will find arts, crafts and a great sense of life in a bygone time.

HISTORY
Chinese fishermen established a camp here early in the 1800s.

A post office and a school were built later in the century, but it was not until well into the 20th century that Nelson Bay became a popular tourist destination.

The area was also an important  strategic military site during World War 2

THINGS TO DO
Take a dolphin-watch cruise and marvel at the antics of these aquatic acrobats.
Hand feed the blue gropers at the Fly Point-Halifax Park Aquatic Reserve.
Spend the day at Dutchies Beach, the perfect place for family getaways.
Shop for a bargain,  boutiques,markets and galleries are in abundance
Throw a line in off the public jetty, charter a fishing boat
Play Golf at one of Australia's most picturesque courses, Nelson Bay Golf Club
  
EVENTS 
The Festival of Whales in June celebrates the beginning of the annual whale migration along Australia's east coast. The festival includes art, music, displays, street entertainment and daily whale-watch cruises.
Country Music Festival held during the June long weekend
Xmas and New Year celebrations and fireworks
Annual Food and Wine Festival held in November

DON'T MISS
The views from the walking trails of Tomaree National Park.
The local oysters, fresh from the bay.
The canoe trees at Little Nelson Beach.
The lighthouse and buildings at Nelson Head.
The view from Gan Gan Lookout.