Sydney to South West Rocks road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Sydney to South West Rocks road trip: Distance, time & best stops

Attractions between Sydney and South West Rocks: Williamtown and Nelson Bay

After Newcastle, you may wish to steer off towards all-action Port Stephens. If so, drive towards Williamtown, which brings fighter jets at Fighter World and a quad biking tour across the Worimi Sand Dunes.

Further towards Nelson Bay are several wildlife attractions – Oakvale Wildlife Park, the Shark, Ray and All Creatures Rescue Centre and Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters.

6 fantastic Port Stephens experiences worth going for.

  1. 4WD dunes tour with sandboarding – whizz down the Sahara-style dunes
  2. Dolphin-watching cruise with fun boom nets 🐬.
  3. Quad-biking over the Worimi sand dunes – learning about local Aboriginal culture along the way.
  4. Snorkelling with wild dolphins – the ultimate dolphin experience
  5. Port Stephens koala sanctuary admission tickets 🐨.
  6. Shallow water shark and ray encounter 🦈.

Near Anna Bay, try riding camels on Birubi Beach, clothing-optional bathing at Samurai Beach and koala-watching at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

Things to do in Nelson Bay include dolphin-watching cruisessnorkelling with dolphins and taking on the Tomaree Head Summit Walk.

For Nelson Bay accommodation, take a look at the golf course-centric Landmark Resort, the wallet-friendly Peninsula Motel and Serviced Apartments or the apartment-style Mantra Nelson Bay.

d'Albora Marina in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens
Port Stephens dolphin cruises depart from d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay. Photo courtesy of Destination NSW.

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