Why this Aussie summer hotspot is better to visit in the cooler months
Thousands of Australians head to Port Stephens for their annual summer break every year, and it’s easy to see why. This gorgeous corner of NSW’s pristine Hunter Region has some of the most idyllic scenery in the country, making it the perfect spot to surf, swim or simply sit back on the balcony and enjoy the warm summer breeze.
There’s no shortage of reasons to visit Port Stephens in the summer. But if you’ve already been there and are looking to see a different side of this region, we’d recommend waiting a couple of months before booking your next trip.
You avoid the crowds
In summer, it can sometimes seem like every man and his dog has popped up in Port Stephens, jostling for the same accommodation, restaurant table and patch of sand at the beach. But this is a completely different story in the cooler months.
Not only will the rates be better, but you won’t have to wait for a table, or in line at any of the region’s attractions, and it can seem like you have the whole beach to yourself.
Still plenty of things to do
And despite what the dispersal of tourists throughout the year might suggest, Port Stephens doesn’t simply close during the cooler months. There’s still plenty to see and do, and Port Stephens has a plethora of eateries, bars and cafés that are open all year round. The beaches are still great for walking, and the hikes are easier to manage. Oh, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth a visit to King Street Confectionary at Raymond Terrace is a must.
Whale watching
But the jewel in the crown of Port Stephens during the cooler parts of the year is the whale watching. The great whale migration on the east coast of Australia makes Port Stephens the place to be for whale watchers, and with an 98,000-hectare marine park literally on your doorstep you relish your time in this hidden paradise.
What are your thoughts? Have you been to Port Stephens?