Sydney to Nelson Bay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
Sydney to Nelson Bay road trip: Port Stephens activities
The Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash is just to the east – tickets can be booked online. And there are a couple more wildlife attractions on the way into Nelson Bay. The Shark, Ray and All Creatures Rescue Centre has an emphasis on animal rehabilitation while Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters focuses on close-up experiences.
Just off the Nelson Bay Road, you can also ride camels on Birubi Beach near Anna Bay, go nude bathing at Samurai Beach and see koalas at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
Once in Nelson Bay, things to do include dolphin-watching cruises, snorkelling with dolphins and tackling the Tomaree Head Summit Walk.
For Nelson Bay accommodation, try the golf course-adjacent Landmark Resort, the budget friendly Peninsula Motel and Serviced Apartments or the apartment-style Mantra Nelson Bay.
13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book
- (💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
- Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
- Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
- Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
- See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
- (Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
- Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
- Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
- Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
- Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
- Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
- (🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.
More New South Wales travel
What to see on the Armidale to Glen Innes drive.
How long is the drive from Orange to Mudgee?
What are the best things to do in Brunswick Heads?
Can I see penguins in Sydney?
What to see on the drive from Sydney to Hyams Beach.