Shoal Bay is one of Australia’s best beach destinations so it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular holiday spot – just two and a half hours from Sydney. Pack your beach umbrella, towels and inflatables and walk the 6 minutes down to Shoal Bay beach. If you're like me and want to add a little more adventure into your beach days, you can hire a paddleboard or kayak. You can even make your way over to d'Albora Marina in Nelson Bay and get a little more boujee and hire a catamaran or fishing boat. Dolphins and whales are regularly spotted throughout the Bay so always keep a look out.

It is so easy to get lost and wander the surrounding bays and beaches, all within 5-10 minutes of each other. Nelsons Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, Salamander Bay, Fishermans Bay, Boat Harbour, Tanilba Bay and those are just to name a few. Each Bay has its own unique feel and touch and are filled with pristine beaches and delicious restaurants to stop for lunch or dinner.

At the easternmost edge of the bay is Tomaree Head (168 m). There is a car park and picnic area at the base of Tomaree Head. Opposite the car park is the start of a walking track to the summit where the views are breathtaking. A must do when visiting Shoal Bay.

I have curated a list of things to do and places to eat, each spot we have personally visited, experienced and recommend ourselves.

THINGS TO DO

TOMAREE HEAD SUMMIT WALK
Take the invigorating short walk to the summit of Tomaree Head, 161m above the Port Stephens entrance. As you hike the track, you’ll enjoy unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline. From the top, you can even see as far as Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – these nature reserves are the world’s only nesting sites for the endangered Gould's petrel. Any visitor to the summit will tell you the 20 minute climb is well worth the effort. Great for kids and young families.

PADDLE BOARD & KAYAK HIRE
Paddle the waters of Port Stephens with your family and friends! Walk 6 minutes down to Shoal Bay beach or walk to Port Stephens Paddlesports, shop is located next to IGA, and enjoy their selection of kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals. Single or double sit-on-top kayaks and paddle boards, which are both durable and easy to use.

BOATING & WATER SPORTS
If you've brought your own boat or jet ski, there are multiple locations nearby to launch and enjoy the still, almost glassy water in the surrounding bays or for the more adventurous, make your way out to the heads for some waves..

STOCKTON BEACH SANDDUNES
The beautiful sandscape is forever changing. Created thousands of years ago, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere are spectacular. The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in the Worimi Conservation Lands, cover 4,200 hectares, 1,800 of which are forest, as well as 32kms of the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. These truly awe-inspiring dunes reach heights of over 30 metres with slopes of up to 60 degrees to form a majestic landscape are ideal for sand adventures. There are various 4WD, quad biking and sand-boarding tours. Or saddle up on a horse or on a camel and discover the extraordinary natural beauty. Take a fishing rod - the beach fishing is excellent.

DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING
With over 140 bottlenose dolphins calling Port Stephens home, it’s no wonder these friendly locals are sighted so often. The dolphins are a much loved resident of this beautiful area with visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the dolphins playfully going about their day to day lives! The rocky coastal headlands and long white beaches of Port Stephens provide an ideal vantage point for watching dolphins from the shore, or you could join one of the popular cruises that are on offer daily from the Nelson Bay Marina, just a quick 7 minute drive from One Bahia.

FAMILY SCHOOL HOLIDAY FAVOURITES
School holidays throughout the year are some of the busiest times to hit the Bay and there are many kid friendly events and activities that are held all around Port Stephens. Even during non school holidays time, there are plenty family friendly options for you to do together. Swim and feed Sharks and stingrays at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters. Feed and learn about the conservation of our endangered Koalas at the Koala Sanctuary. See, touch and feel Australian native, domestic farm and exotics animals at Oakvale Wildlife park. Get a hole in one or jump in a batting cage at David Grahams Golf Complex. Set on 25 acres, you have the choice out of driving range, batting cages, putt putt, laser clay shooting, laser tag, soccer golf and frisbie golf. Visit Toboggan Hill Park, a family fun park featuring 1km toboggan run, indoor rock climbing, roller skating, tractor train and so much more. Sit down with up to 60 captive-bred butterflies and at least five species, have a snack/drink and just take in the vibe at Tinnys Butterfly House and Underwater Cafe. Watch their rescued sharks and rays smiling down at you whilst you can enjoy our gourmet dogs. With 20 plus sharks rays and other fish swimming above you plus their huge table has a baby and full-grown seahorses, nemos, lionfish. It's a full-on aquarium experience!

EAT & DRINK

MURRAYS CRAFT BREWING CO
Located in Bobs Farm, Murrays is the perfect place to sit on the outside deck on a beautiful bay day. With a delicious range of food from woodfired pizza to smoked meats. Beer and wine tasting is also available. Bring your picnic blanket and park up on the huge grass area for the afternoon, dogs welcome.

SHOAL BAY COUNTRY CLUB
Breakfast, lunch and dinner! You could have every meal here and the menu is just fitting for everyone. Located directly across from Shoal Bay beach and jetty and just a 6 minute walk from One Bahia, a table on the patio is where you want to be while watching the sun go down at the end of the day. Open until 2am every night, on fridays and saturdays they have live music and djs, so i suggest you can let loose on their delicious cocktails and walk home at the end of the night. Curtesy bus also available.

ATMOS GREEK RESTAURANT
Owned by and located next door to the Country Club, Atmos is a beautifully aesthetically captivating greek restaurant with a simple but delicious menu that is best shared with family and friends. The Greek inspired cocktails are our favourite! If you love to travel, explore and escape, Atmos is for you.

THE LITTLE BEACH BOATHOUSE
The Little Beach Boat House restaurant is situated right on the water overlooking Little Beach with spectacular views. The food is cooked with fresh local produce. The menu is fresh modern Australian cuisine. Enjoy casual sunset drinks on the jetty deck bar downstairs or enjoy a more formal sit down dining experience upstairs.

ZENITH CAFE
Located directly opposite the calming views of Shoal Bay Beach. It's full of coastal charm and is the perfect spot to kick back with a cocktail and watch the sunset over the bay. The menu extends from classic breakfast bites to lunchtime eats and dinner feasts. It's a modern menu that takes its inspiration from all corners of the world.

RICK STEIN AT BANNISTERS
With vaulted ceilings and a spectacular bar, complete with views over Port Stephens Bay. Rick’s chefs keep dishes simple by choosing ingredients that naturally emphasise fresh seafood produce. Executed to perfection each dish delivers bursts of flavour that can be further complemented with the perfect wine pairing from our sommeliers recommendations.