Port Stephens.

Port Stephens is called the "blue water paradise" because of the beauty of its marine surroundings.

It is located in New South Wales about two and a half hours north of Sydney, on the East Coast of Australia, the area has a population of about 50,000.

With over 19 miles of clean, white, sandy beaches, the region has vibrant tourism and fishing industries and is known as the dolphin capital of Australia.

Pods of these wonderful mammals swim and play in the ocean right next to a number of the regions 26 beautiful beaches.

You might spot a Port Stephens dolphin as you’re catching a wave, but if you’d really like to get “up close and personal” with these beautiful creatures you should consider joining a Dolphin Swim Australia tour.

While some zoos and marine parks allow guests to swim with their dolphins, this tour is the only one in Australia that lets you swim with Pacific Common dolphins in their natural habitat.

A catamaran will take you through the Port Stephens heads to an area known as the Gravel Patch, just off Broughton Island, where you’ll be able to join these wonderful creatures in their own environment.

It is an awesome experience and one you shouldn’t miss…

Port Stephens is a naturally beautiful area, with plenty of reasons to visit all year round.

In truth, it’s not a town in its own right, but rather a region that is divided into different areas; the Tomaree Peninsula, the Tilligerry Peninsula and the Golden Bight all surrounding the bay.

Most of the visitors to Port Stephens enjoy the tranquillity, the isolation and the relaxation of the area and its surrounds.

Port Stephens is home to around 165 bottlenose dolphins, which actually live in the Port itself.

If you are lucky you can view them from the shore or you can hire a boat.

Alternatively, join a tour that takes you around the Port dolphin watching.

It is also possible to see Hump Back Whales during their migration north to warmer waters, and later in the year during their return journey south to Antarctica.

Many people enjoy just watching some of the most amazing sea creatures float by while they soak up the sun and the atmosphere that Port Stephens serves up daily.

There is a wide range of wildlife in the region with many varieties of plants and birds and there are also several National Parks surrounding Port Stephens that are well worth exploring.

Offshore there are numerous islands to explore, including Cabbage Tree Island home to a range of wildlife and Broughton Island which is a great spot to go diving.

Several of the charter boats offer diving and fishing around both of these islands which is great fun.

There are many wonderful walks around the area, especially along the many coastal paths.

It is possible to get a great view of the bay and further out to sea from the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.

The Yacaaba Headland walk starts at the Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club, located at the end of Booner Street, from here head south following the beach past Jimmy's Beach Caravan Park and up to Yacaaba headland.

From here take in the panoramic view of Hawks Nest/Tea Gardens, up the coast to Seal Rocks and south over Nelson Bay and return via the bay side of the peninsula.

This walk is about 6.5 kilometres and will take you about 3 hours, but it’s worth it…

Other good walks in the area are:

· Morna Point, 5.5 Kms, 2.5 Hours, Easy.

· Tomaree Head, 2.4 Kms, 1.5 Hours, Moderate.

· Boulder Bay to Fingal Head, 5.5 Kms, 2.5 Hours, Easy.

· Boulder Bay to Samurai Beach, 12 Kms, 5 Hours, Moderate.

· The Spit, 2.4 Kms, 1 Hour, Moderate.

· Stephens Peak, 1.8 Kms, 1.5 Hours, Moderate.

For those of us who don’t much like walking there are also plenty of historic buildings and museums well worth visiting, as well as a variety of other attractions for the whole family and if you love koalas then you should definitely visit Lemon Tree Passage, as the whole peninsula is covered with koala habitat.

If you want to get away from it all and just enjoy some peace and quiet while getting as much, or as little exercise and excitement as you like then Port Stephens could well be the place for your next holiday………..enjoy,

John.

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