Hunter River, Western Australia cruise port guide

About Hunter River, Western Australia

Port Stephens is a large natural harbour of approximately 134 square kilometres in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, situated about 160 km north-east of Sydney. Despite its name, the area was never developed as a significant commercial port — that role fell to Newcastle at the mouth of the Hunter River. The harbour is renowned for its protected waters, resident dolphin colony, seasonal humpback whale migrations, and coastal recreation anchored around Nelson Bay.

Nelson Bay anchors marine tourism for the region. Whale watching cruises — operated by Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and Imagine Cruises — depart from the marina between May and November targeting humpback whales, with dolphins and penguins also possible; the resident dolphin colony is best observed November through May. Nelson Bay's shore dives at Fly Point and Halifax are considered among New South Wales' premier sites for macro marine photography, served by Feet First Dive and Pro Dive. At Birubi Beach, Sand Dune Safaris and other operators run 4WD tours and camel rides across Stockton Beach's dunes, with sandboarding and visits to the abandoned Tin City settlement. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters offers in-water shark and ray experiences. Land highlights include Tomaree National Park, Gan Gan Lookout, Mt Tomaree, Point Stephens Lighthouse, One Mile Beach, and the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park (established 2005, ~97,200 hectares).