Jimmys Beach, Port Stephens

Jimmys Beach on the northern shore of Port Stephens is a stunner. But whether it’s the best Port Stephens beach or not depends on personal tastes.

Jimmys Beach in New South Wales is one that people who know about it don’t really want to share. It’s on the northern shore of Port Stephens, in the town of Hawks Nest. And it’s an absolute beauty.

Jimmys Beach stretches 5km from the mouth of the Myall River to the Yacaaba Headland.

Swimming at Jimmys Beach, Port Stephens

A surf beach, this is not. If you want surfing, try Bennetts Beach instead. Put the sheltered position and protection from the summer winds makes it a great spot for swimming, even though it’s not patrolled by lifeguards.

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Those who come to Jimmys Beach, therefore, tend to be families who have passed their favourite spot down through the generations. It’s a good place to go kayaking, although the nearest kayak hire outlets are on the Myall River. EZY Kayaks in Hawks Nest and Lazy Paddles in Tea Gardens both offer kayak hire and kayaking tours. These focus on the Myall River, however.

Best Port Stephens beach?

But is Jimmys Beach the best Port Stephens beach? Well, it probably depends on how you’re defining things. The best beach in the Port Stephens region is very obviously Stockton Beach, which incorporates Birubi Beach. There are also some excellent ocean beaches, which are in the Port Stephens region, but not technically on Port Stephens itself. These include Samurai Beach.

Of the beaches on Port Stephens itself, you’d be hard-pushed to say Jimmys Beach isn’t the most beautiful. But it does lack somewhat in amenities and places to eat. The Reflections Holiday Park Jimmys Beach provides plenty of accommodation, but otherwise Jimmys Beach is deliberately low development. If that’s what you want, then you’re in luck. Otherwise, the beaches around Nelson Bay and Salamander Bay aren’t as good looks-wise, but have more going on.

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