I came from Sydney for the weekend it was my second visit, and I loved it even more this time. Penny, who looked after me, she was so professional, friendly, and attentive. Her warm smile and kind attitude honestly made my day. The steak was delicious, the coffee was great, and the whole place was bright, clean, and beautifully designed. The manager was also very welcoming and genuine. Everything was just perfect definitely one of the best places I’ve visited in the area . I’ll be coming back for sure!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🫶

We had dinner upstairs at the Country Club Hotel and it was such a great experience! Tegan, the manager, was absolutely amazing — so friendly, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for us. You can really tell she cares about the guests and runs things beautifully. And a big shoutout to the lovely girl with the New Zealand accent — she was just as fantastic! So kind, helpful, and full of good vibes all night. Thanks to the whole team for making it such an easy, relaxed, and enjoyable night. We’ll definitely be back!

Shoal Bay Country Club is one of the most beautiful seaside spots to relax and enjoy great food in Port Stephens. The restaurant has a lively yet cozy atmosphere, with stunning ocean views that make every visit feel like a holiday. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes — from fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza to juicy burgers and refreshing cocktails. Everything is well-prepared and beautifully presented. The service is friendly and efficient, and the staff make you feel genuinely welcome. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the vibe is always warm and inviting. It’s also a great place to enjoy a drink with friends while watching the sunset over Shoal Bay. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area — perfect for both casual dining and special occasions!

Our party came to the country club on Saturday afternoon for my Aunties 70th birthday. Spectacular afternoon with first class service. Holly and Teagan went above and beyond. My aunt said the way they looked after us made her day even more special ‘they even sang!’ Food was delicious. We had two picky toddlers with us and they loved the food (sorry about the mess!). My Vietnamese salad was delicious. We had a wonderful afternoon. Thank you for everything.

Had the most amazing service by a young girl called grace. We came in for breakfast that morning then she served us again at our friends wedding. The venue is amazing from the food to the venue to the staff will definitely be coming back

We dined at the Shoal Bay Country Club for lunch and dinner on two separate occasions during our 3 day getaway to Port Stephens and were seated and looked after by waitress Ash on both occasions. She was very friendly, helpful and very welcoming which made our experience enjoyable. The food was great and we would recommend the SBCC to people visiting the area.

I had an amazing experience at the shoal bay country club. The staff (Teagan, Aidan, Tia, Ash) were incredibly friendly and attentive from the moment we walked in. Our server made great recommendations and checked on us regularly without being intrusive. The food came out quickly, and everything was fresh and delicious. Excellent service and atmosphere — I’ll definitely be back!

It's a must-do if you are in the Port Stephens area. Get up early and take the walk up to Tomaree Headland and watch the sunrise. Be sure to take your camera and a drink bottle. It's not a challenging walk and can be done in under 30 minutes with small kids, the view is amazing and you can even see dolphins and whales at the right time of year. Enjoy the walk everyone and be sure to see the old gun mounts on the way back down

Don't be scared of this monster. It was easily tamed. Yes it's high and yes it's steep to climb, but once you get past the red brick path at the bottom, the stairs the rest of the way are quite easy. You get plenty of breathers along the way due to the amount of people coming down, so you should be fine if you have at least a little fitness. Excellent views from the top, obviously. If you are lucky you'll see eagles, whales and maybe even the odd fighter jet.

It’s not a difficult walk and can be finished fairly quickly, but it does require a moderate level of fitness—might be a bit challenging for first-timers. The track is well maintained, with amazing views along the way. Took us about 35 minutes return.

It's a little tough but doable for most. A 15-min walk along a red-brick pathway leads to the base of a series of well built steps. A signage says the summit is 500 m from there. A mix of stone steps and mesh steps (288 in total) from here leads up to sweeping breath-taking views. It's so worth the time and effort. Return was fast and the brick pathway took hardly 5 mins downhill. A bit over an hour including photography and rest was enough for us. It's similar to The Neck of Tassie or The Hawk Lookout near Forster.

🌄 Tomaree Head Summit Walk – 5/5 If you’re tossing up whether to do this walk, stop scrolling and just do it – your legs might scream, but your eyes will thank you! 🥾 The trail starts off by letting you know it’s not here to mess around – it’s steep. Like, “why am I already sweating in the first 2 minutes?” steep. Then come the stairs… lots and lots of stairs. You may question your life choices halfway up, but trust me, the payoff is so worth it. The views at the summit are absolutely breathtaking – panoramic coastal magic that looks like a Windows wallpaper, but real. 🏖️ I could sit up there for hours soaking it all in (and recovering from the climb). I’d honestly do this walk again and again – it’s that spectacular. Pro tip: Wear proper shoes, bring water, and prepare your glutes for a workout. But do NOT miss this if you get the chance. Total highlight of my trip! 💪

For a couple of fit near-70 year olds we did OK to tackle the steep climb - in our own time carrying water and I used a pair of hiking sticks. The path itself is in good condition and their are over 350 steps. The view at the top is stunning and the walk down is easier. Would not do the climb in hot weather though. Worth the effort.

Beautiful walk with lovely views of Zenith beach, shoal bay beach and fingal spit walk. It is a bit steep but worth doing it.

Breathtaking sunset views. Even as someone who's not very athletic, I found the climb enjoyable because the scenery kept getting more stunning the higher I went. Can't wait to try a sunrise hike next time.

A spectacular view of the Port Stephens region with breathtaking and picturesque views of the ocean, shoal bay, fern Bay, etc. It's one of the destinations of the Tomaree Coastal walk, and you won't be disappointed at all. Only a short walk from the shoal bay, but car park can fill up pretty quick.

Beautiful spot! Great hike with 360° views of Nelson Bay and the ocean. A must-do if you’re in the area.

Stunning lookout, really good path the whole way up. Only took us like 20minutes but it was an exhausting 20 minutes. Definitely worth it tho!

Half our group was ready to fake an injury just to turn back. Legs were jelly, spirits were low… but then we reached the top. Boom—views for days! Worth every dramatic sigh and break. 11/10 would do it again!

It’s a good 30 minute walk to the lookout from the car park. The trail is steep and does involve steps. Very suitable for family groups and fitness walkers. Spectacular views from the top.

The magnificent views are your reward for walking up this mountain. Although I have bad knees I made it to the top. The stairs have been recently upgraded and make walking up easier. Parking can be a little difficult but there is parking leading up to the mountain so grab one when you see it. Also so extra parking on the hill to the right when you get to the end of the road.

Last school holidays we went there and couldn’t get a table as they were fully booked out, recent school holidays we called and booked a table two days earlier and we were able to get in! The cafe is a great place to enjoy the sun! Make sure you check out their trading hours. The food and service was amazing! We also tried their specialty scones with fresh cream and jam! It was delicious! Peaceful but tiny and cozy place to be!

The restaurant offers a spectacular view and is easily accessible, which makes it a great spot to visit. The food was decent — not exceptional, but enjoyable enough. However, one major disappointment was that although the advertised closing time was 2:30 PM, the kitchen closed at 2:00 PM without any notice. This caught us off guard when we tried to place one more order. It would be great if the management ensures the staff adhere to the stated hours or at least inform guests in advance. Many people visit from far and wide, and such inconsistencies can leave a poor impression.

We went to visit Nelson bay lighthouse and went to the cafe for brunch. The service was good, the ladies worked very hard, and price of the food was reasonable. The beef burger and the chicken wrap were very generous in serving. I also ordered beetroot latte, which was nice too. The view was beautiful. Will come back again

Was prompty served and had a good spot facing the waters. Single scone $8 and coffee $5.9....plus nearly 2% card fee. Definitely paying higher for the location and its views.

Just a must see and must go . Spectacular views, great food, good people, easy to get to. Scones and jam/ cream were amazing. Will definitely go back next time in town

We enjoyed sitting overlooking the sea while having a scone. I recommend trying a scone from here. The scone was large and moist on the inside with a side jam and cream. Rainbow lorikeets were in the trees.

Great place for breakfast , brunch & lunch! Always busy but staff are very accommodating.

Fantastic beach for the little ones. We have a 2 and 5 yr old. Not many waves. Clean and tidy beach. Toilets close-by. Little play area close-by. Big tree to sit under for shade. Quite a lot of picnic benches and single benches. Parking can be tricky and pricey. Shark nets in place.

The best part of our visit here was seeing the pelicans begging for fish scraps. They gather around when fishermen are at the cleaning table by the beach. We spent a couple of hours sitting on the beach and it was peaceful and beautiful. Overall a nice place to visit.

A beautiful little beach to bring children for a paddle/swim and a play on the playground equipment. They can walk on the little jet and view the fish swimming about, and you can enjoy a picnic as well.

Beautiful. Great place for a swim, snorkel, dive, bbq. Plenty of parking. Toilet facilities. Playground for the kids

Beautiful little beach, great for a calm swim and perfect for sunsets

Beautiful quiet beach with boat ramp, jetty, bbq, bathrooms, play equipment and even a purpose built wheel chair ramp into the calm water. Perfect for families with small children. Plenty of excellent accommodation options nearby. Well stocked kiosk nearby.

Absolutely beautiful. And great to fish

Hubby and myself would just like to say a massive thank you to Seva, Lucas, and all waitstaff and barstaff for making our night special. The food was absolutely delicious, all our guests have confirmed. The room was set up so beautifully. We had the most amazing night and we would’ve been lost without Seva, she truly outdone herself, staying all day and night to make sure we were 100% okay with everything and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We only had time to play the first front 9. Great looking course. Bunkers placed well. Greens were quite slow. But we had a good time. Some really spectacular looking holes and accuracy off the tee a must.

I ate here on Saturday for lunch. I ordered the seafood plate and mixed vegetables. The seafood plate in my picture was $42.90 and contained six pieces of seafood and a packet dressing for my salad. This meal should have been called the chips and salad plate. Aside from the fish being cooked perfectly the value for money here is poor. The plate contained two prawns, three calamari rings, a piece of barramundi, with chips and a garden salad. One would think that if you’re paying $40 for a meal that contains salad, the dressing would be something that you can’t buy off the shelf at Woolworths. The mixed vegetables were nicely prepared. Loads of flavour and fresh, for $12. The venue itself is situated on perfectly manicured grounds of the golf course which was perhaps the highlight of my experience here. I won’t be returning to eat here based on value.

Had a hit on my own on a recent holiday in the area. A lot of rain in recent weeks, it was a modified layout with some makeshift greens. Missed the sign on the first hole and copped a spray from a greenskeeper for going down the wrong side of the fairway. The cart shut down immediately and asked me to reverse, but it didn’t stop him giving me an earful. Thought it was way over the top for an honest mistake and ruined the experience.

Had a great lunch here. Ordered two burger and beer deals. Theyhad a real waygu beef patty and really tasty chips. The Tanya Earth bowl was one of the tastiest vegetarian meals I’ve had in a while. The flavours were so moreish. The sweet potato with maple syrup was unforgettable. I am still raving about how lovely it was. The waiter was chatty and entertaining. Loved it

Nice course. Shortish. Good variety of holes. Some water damage at the moment. Kangaroos. Lovely large clubhouse with excellent views . A pleasant experience

The food was amazing. Tanya the head chef has a secret recipe in the kitchen for this special chilli infused sauce with lemon and garlic and ginger and it’s so spectacular that she could bottle it up and sell it in all the supermarkets. But she’s too humble and chooses to stay local, with the secret remaining local to the Nelson bay residents only.

Portion size was great considering the price. S+p calamari was fresh but their customer service and the cleanliness of the venue let them down. Tables were dirty and staff were very rude. It was a 30+ min wait and we were only told once we ordered and it must be the only fish and chip shop in the world which charges extra for lemon.

I basically love everything on our plate. We ordered a platter which (if I remember correctly) had 2 types of fish, prawns, squid and chips. Nice ample table and benches, I think parking was good for 2-3 cars. Highly recommended if you're in the area. This is "Aussie Fish and Chips"... they don't eat it with vinegar.

Great food and even better service! The salt and pepper squid was beautiful and tender. The lovely gentleman that served us went above and beyond for us and even at 11am the place was humming. A Nelson Bay treasure! Thanks Aussie Bobs!

I don’t normally eat deep fried, but when in Rome… I tried the seafood basket. Chips - not that crispy 😒 Fish - could have done with another 30sec in the oil. It was a bit…meh 😕 The other stuff was fine tho. 🙂 Friendly enough staff. 🙂

I had a fish cocktail, potato scallop and calamari ring. They were all tasty and I really liked them! The staff brought my meal to my seat. There was a bit of a wait as they started making the food after ordering, but I was satisfied that I was able to eat them freshly made.👍

Superb! Best battered snapper, sea scallops and chips that we've had anywhere in Australia! Reasonably priced, good sized serves, quick friendly service.

This is what a true fish and chip shop should be. You wont find exceptional service or a fancy menu here. What you will find is hearty fish and chips how they should be. I have had fish and chips all across NZ and Australia so I have big expectations when it comes to fish and chips. Aussie Bobs really did deliver. The plan was to order and take it down to the beach, but the wind was cold and it was getting dark so we decided to 'dine in', which was a big patio area with large picnic tables. At the time there were a few other tables of families, one table of what looked like a group of friends, and a few couples. In addition to the tables, there were locals standing waiting for their takeaway orders - this is always a good sign when locals eat here too. After you have ordered and paid, you will be given a number. When your food is ready your number will be called, or they will bring your food out to you if you are dining in. As much as the burgers looked tempting, I decided to stick to the classic fish and chips, though I did get a spring roll and a battered sav on the side. The fish was good, cooked just how I like, and the chips were good. If I was to be fussy, they could have done with more salt BUT they had thought of that and they give you sachets of salt with your meal. It makes sense for you to add more as you can't salt off if there is too much. One thing I did not check is if they had had offered chicken salt. The spring roll was very tasty. The portion of fish and chips was very generous for what I paid. I got the side dishes because I have been burnt before at other fish and chip stores with tiny portions walking away still hungry, but that will not happen here. Overall I really enjoyed my food at Aussie Bobs. It certainly quenched my craving for a good feed of fish and chips.

Heloo there I visit this place 2 times just because this restaurant has the Chef make sure every plate go out of kitchen is perfect 👌🏻 I really enjoyed your dining and I want to say to CHEF Thank you 🙏

One of the best restaurants in Nelson Bay. The view is stunning and you can see lots of kangaroos. Friendly and welcoming staff. Very quick service. Food was really good value for money and large portions!

Amazing views over Golf course, excellent food and friendly service. The menu has lots of options and meals are big (needed a takeaway container, which they were more than happy to provide!). Will definitely be back. We had the lamb & vegetable pot pie and the Mediterranean vegetable salad with chicken.

Had prawn salad with coconut risotto and chicken tenderloin. The taste is quite unique. Feels very healthy 😆. Great scenery overlooking the golf course.

A beautiful lunch today. The food was delicious but very limited for vegetarian options that are gluten free. And quite expensive but it was delicious.

Nice light and airy atmosphere overlooking the golf course. You are escorted to your table, but then you need to order and pay at the counter in front of the kitchen. Similarly, you need to get your drinks from the main bar outside the restaurant. The food is delivered to your table. The servings are generous, and the meals were well-presented and tasty. The waitress was attentive and de-cluttered our table progressively. Empty tables were reset quickly.

My wife and I brought our 12 month old and 2.5 year old here for the last 3 nights in a row. The meals are fresh creative and delicious! The kids are looked after with a kids pack and ice cream. The kids sausages and veggies are a big winner - more places should have this as an option for kids.

Enjoyed a wonderful meal at west's. The roast of the day was Pork and was served in good time and was delicious and filling. There is ample seating and was a pleasant experience not being too noisy.

Our dining experience was made extra special by the kind, friendly and helpful service given by the Bay Brasserie staff, Karen Lawrence. She took the initiative to wash my 2 grandchildren’s two dirty bibs and our own children’s suction plate and always gave us big smiles when she came to clear our table during the night. We came back the next night for dinner mainly due to the exceptional service from Karen plus the great Brasserie food and kid-friendly atmosphere. We were so glad to see Karen again and felt really at home because of her presence the second night. We certainly will return to dine here when we book our next holiday in Port Stephens!

We ordered and our buzzer went of within 15 minutes. We were pleasantly surprised by how tasty and hot the food was. We only stopped in for dinner but it was well worth it. Will check out the amenities next time for sure

Returned a week later Hawaiian Snitty delish, best meal so far. I fell in love with the stunning person clearing the tables wearing an arousing scent🥰Sorry had to be mentioned. A year later and another review this occasion dined up stairs to n the Brasserie. Well lit and warm, sunny seating for a winters day. Snitty was moist, though the crumb wasn't my fav, the prawn skewer topper was disappointing, very commercial, prawns welded on to skewer and the Hollandaise didn't really sing with this. The side salad was the best, freshest edible side salad I've ever received, anywhere!!!, The Salt and Pepper squid looked oily and the same crumb as the Snitty. I think this crumb is too oil absorbent. The chips weren't crispy and had no seasoning. The Onion rings in blue cheese sauce was squirted out of possibly a home brand container, no blue cheese flavour at all. Seemed more like a whole egg mayo. 1⭐Came for lunch. Difficult sign in technology issue. Dim lighting, gloomy. Mood lighting not really creating a sense of vibrancy by day. Menu quite 70's. I selected Chicken Schnitzel. Ready before I could sit down. The chips were not fresh. The salad was not chilled, or fresh. The schnitzel was reheated. Equivalent to a Macca's drive thru. Overall the vibe was gods waiting room Like to an aged care facility. It appears that Wests reply to reviews However from the amount of Low star reviews before mine, there has been no improvement. What has Chef got to say moving forward.

Enjoyed delicious food each time we have visited. Grilled hallumi salad and roast lamb were to die for! Lime gelato best I've ever had. Lovely, comfortable, stylish club with very friendly staff.

Had a great night, friendly staff & great meat trays

We had the Melbourne cup lobster deal, great price, clean and managed eating area, staff friendly. Lobster was delicious, house wine smooth, accompanying veggies and chips were average but ok

Good food. Great service. Good prices. Not busy. I guess it's part of a hotel so isn't very popular, but deserves better recognition

The food was tasty & in ample quantity. The service was friendly, but a little haphazard. We had a good time catching up with friends so it didn't matter too much. Under new management & I wish them all the best. We would return

Long wait but worth it. I suspect the wait is because they cook to order. Our sweet & spicy chicken was fresh, hot and crispy, not to mention the sauce being very addictive. It wasn't too spicy either. Japchae noodles were nice too.

I saw this place as we drove past while on holidays and thought might be worth a try. Checked out the reviews and glad we went there. Service from the staff was excellent and the food was even better. Not usually one to leave a review but certainly think that this place deserves 5 stars from me and my family. Will certainly be back.

Ok so hears the deal !!!!!! Best Asian food in the bay and this is no joke . Locals unite and get behind this business because it's a great little addition to nelson bay !!!!! . We all know the Asian food offerings up here is Thai Thai Thai or bogan Chinese strait out of an 1980s time capsule . Awesome food brilliant service rocking little atmosphere. We were more than welcome even with a massive great dane .

First time eating here and was by far the best dish I’ve ever had. A good size plate of food we got was amazing! Staff were so lovley & kind. Service was a 10, fresh & hot food to top it off! Would recommend this place any day of the week🤍🤍🤍🤍

When I go to a Chinese Restaurant I don't worry about the decor. It's the food that's important, right? This restaurant is part of the Peninsula Motel. It has a simple but pleasant decor but the food is spectacular. I live in a Sydney suburb but I keep thinking about the Chinese food I had there a few weeks ago. The sweet and sour pork was out of this world, but what really surprised me was the fried rice. The flavour was smokey and delicious. The chef even came out and spoke to us and told us how he achieves this effect but I won't share his secret. The place is run by a father and daughter who are both friendly and courteous and the daughter even gave us tips where we could have our upcoming wedding. I was quite happy that we were the only ones in the restaurant that night - covid was our friend for a change. I have had Chinese food a couple of times since then and it just doesn't measure up. This is seriously the best Chinese food I've had in a long time. I can hardly wait to visit again.

The Marina is situated next to the Nelson Bay's City Centre. It has it's own public paid parking limited to 4 hrs at about $5 per hour. There are some cafes and restaurants around. It's a nice place to be.

Taking a ferry cruise is a unique and enjoyable way to travel, especially if you're crossing between islands or coastal cities. From the moment you board, you’re welcomed by fresh sea air, wide open views, and the relaxing sound of the waves.

Have a chance to do ferry to see the whale from Nelson bay. Beautiful places. Lots of restaurant. Have car park space. Good souvenir shop.

The marina is the meeting place for a whale watching tour The tour on a big catamaran was excellent and we saw lots of whales and dolphins

Ingenia One mile beach..perfect spot for a getaway with the dogs..clean cabins & great location..oh the pups enjoyed there little break away also..

Great spot. Bathrooms too far away from marina to be useful tho.

Great spot to moor your yacht, if you have one. Also a decent area for a bite to eat and a bit of food.

Picture perfect and delicious breakfasts. Very pleasant location near the water. Reasonable prices and a must try venue. The Chai tea is a bit strong so ask for extra hot water.

Ordered atlantic salmon which was superb. Top notch service and the food is exceptional for the value of money. Owner himself was working and very attentive staff. Had cocktails as well which is amazing wish I had taken the photo but got mesmerised by the presentation and had to drink it as soon as it arrived haha 🥰.

Had lunch here last week. The place is in a very enviable position and surrounded by great restaurants but this one doesn’t really seem to be managed as well as the others. The food was at best a 3.5/5. The cocktail I had was like a milkshake with alcohol but even this seemed to be a bit watery somehow. The restaurant was clean enough but the tables and chairs seem like they’ve had better days. The waitress we had was the highlight for us. She was so friendly and tentative and took great care of our pup. Kinda feels like it is being run by people who are just keeping things going. Would be great for the marina if they give this place a refurb with a new menu.

My partner and I had breakfast here today and were very impressed. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the prices were quite reasonable. We’ll certainly return.keep up the good work!

It’s really really nice placement and they serve you extremely quickly and are super friendly! The issue is just the food really. It’s quite expensive to get anything and the food is honestly rather dry though.

The cafe is located right next to the water, it has a very nice water view. However the food and coffee were average for the prices charged. They open late every day which is a bonus.

Absolutely loved it! We stopped by for just one coffee and ended up having two, it was that good. The food was a hit with my child, and the service was warm and attentive. A cozy spot with great vibes. Totally recommended!

The Thai female staff was very lovely and provided good service. The food was delicious, especially the stir-fried basil and steamed fish (I can't remember the name of the dish). The restaurant was large and had a good atmosphere.

Was looking forward for a good Thai meal. Sadly, best way I can describe this place is "Thai Inspired." Fried rice was wet, Tom Yum was on the sweeter side. Service was ok and resto had good space and was clean. But I wouldn't call this place an Authentic Thai Restaurant.

Visited Mod Thai for the second time — all the way from Sydney! The food was delicious as always, and the staff were absolutely lovely and welcoming- Noon and kristel ☺️. They even surprised me with sweets as a token of love for my birthday. Such a thoughtful gesture! Highly recommend this place for both great food and warm hospitality. 💖

Mod Thai offers delicious, flavorful dishes with fresh ingredients and great presentation. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy. A solid spot for Thai food lovers. 4 stars!

Over many years of holidays spent in Nelson Bay, Mod Thai Nelson Bay has been our go to outlet for take away and in-house dining. A second outlet in Shoal Bay which we haven’t visited. An extensive everyday menu including a limited selection as a daily lunch special. Excellent quality and very generous servings nicely presented for in-house dining. On this visit we ordered a Red and a Green Chicken curry with coconut milk takeaway from the lunch special menu. Perfect level of mild spiciness just right for our taste. Our lunch specials came with steamed Jasmine rice. Excellent.

I was really looking forward to a flavorful Thai meal, but unfortunately ModThai missed the mark. The red curry I ordered lacked both the signature spice and color—it wasn’t red at all, more like a pale imitation. Even more surprising was the use of uncooked pumpkin in both dishes I tried. I’ve never encountered that in any Thai cuisine before, and it made the texture quite unpleasant. Overall, the food didn’t deliver the authentic Thai flavors I expected. A real letdown, especially given the promising menu. Hopefully they revisit their recipes and preparation methods.

Friendly and prompt service. Busy Tuesday night. Had starters of curry puffs and prawns. Both dishes delicious and this was followed up by 10/10 mains. Chicken pad thai and Lemon chicken. Food very fresh and cooked to perfection and the price is actually super cheap. Very impressed, thankyou

Always skipped this place in the past, but this time around, we managed to stop by It has an amazing panoramic view of some areas of Port Stephens. Parking spots are very limited, though.

It's a very useful lookout point. Wonderful views we stayed for about 20mins parking is very limited.

A quick stop for an incredible view. There are two areas to enjoy the view. Free parking is available in a small parking area at the lookout.

The drive up is steep and winding, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it! You get a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire Port Stephens area, including the bay, Tomaree Head, and the surrounding landscape. It's the perfect first stop to get your bearings and appreciate the scale of this beautiful region. A must-do for the view alone!

Really nice drive with plenty of parking. The view did not disappoint. Very much a place to visit.

A great lookout above Nelson Bay and the area with a boardwalk to the observation platform Lots of great views and a lot of nice plants

Great view, easy to get to and you can drive up!

Delicious food, great cocktails, friendly staff and a fabulous view. Went there for my birthday dinner and thoroughly enjoyed myself, and even got a birthday song. Will be back next time we're in town. Lots of great seafood options which were fresh fresh and included some native additions, good selection for kids and a delicious looking vegetarian/vegan menu as well.

Loved this place, situated in an idyllic spot overlooking Nelson Bay. Watching the late afternoon light merge into sunset made for a delightful experience. Our meal started with Shark Bay half shell scallops with candied blood orange and jamon. This turned out to be a perfect blend of flavours. The other entree was rare sliced house smoked duck breast with citrus, radicchio, cherry caramel and wattle hazelnut. It tasted delightful. Following this, the main course consisted of fresh local sword fish with spinach and ricotta ravioli in saffron pasta, saffron beurre blanc, broccoli, blistered tomato and toasted pepita. We chose the recommended wine with each course and were not disappointed. Dessert was a tasting plate for two with a sample of each desert. Accompanied by coffee, this was a pleasant way to finish the meal. We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening and are happy to recommend this delightful restaurant.

We celebrated our anniversary here. We were sat overlooking the water which was beautiful. The staff were amazing and super inviting. Food and drinks were delicious. Chicken supreme and Cauliflower risotto are a must. Can't wait to visit again!

The entire experience was amazing. Sherwin really looked after us. Not too much and not too little attention. From the get go, he knew our names and had a great attitude. The black ink squid spaghetti with the halopenos was just perfect, as well as the fresh oysters. Thank you Dean for running such a great restaurant. We WILL return...

My partner and I shared an anniversary dinner here tonight and everything was fantastic, service was lovely and the food was amazing. We had beautiful seating overlooking the water sunset as well! We shared the 3 course set menu and thoroughly enjoyed the lamb rib, ravioli, pork belly, market fish (Murray cod), panna cotta, and the Black Forest semifreddo, everything was quick, hot, and delicious. They were also very easily able to accommodate my dairy allergy which is always immensely appreciated!! We will be sure to be back next time we are in the Nelson Bay area!

Thoroughly enjoyed. Warm and friendly staff enhanced the experience. Food excellent. We love fresh tasty seafood. Wine varied, offering recommendations to be enjoyed with each course, if that’s your vibe. We had the Riesling with the delicious fish of the day. You cannot beat the views, perfect. My new favourite restaurant.

Food is great! RHUBARB TART is to die for! So are the truffle & parmesan chips. A nice little afternoon break

This is such a beautiful place — it honestly feels like a dream. I’ve always loved the color blue, but here, I couldn’t decide which blue was more beautiful: the sky or the ocean. Both were so stunning in their own way. The sky looked soft and endless, while the ocean sparkled with deep, clear shades of blue. In the end, I thought — why choose? Together, they make the perfect view. Everywhere you look, it feels calm and peaceful. The breeze is fresh, the sound of the waves is relaxing, and the whole place makes you want to just stop and enjoy the moment. Whether you're walking on the beach, watching the dolphins, or just sitting and looking at the view, it feels special. Port Stephens is definitely one of the most amazing places in NSW. It’s a perfect mix of beauty, nature, and peace — a place you won’t forget.

🌿 East Coast Forest Walk: Beauty, History, and a Few Hazards Tucked along Australia’s stunning east coast lies a walking trail that offers a rich blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This red-brick path winds through lush forest, providing a peaceful and scenic route for walkers and hikers alike. 🌳 Nature & Views The forest canopy filters the light beautifully, and there are moments when the trees part just enough to reveal sweeping views of the coastline. It’s a serene place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Along the way, you’ll also encounter World War II gun emplacements—fascinating relics that add a layer of historical depth to the experience. They’re well worth a pause to take in both the engineering and the views they command. ⚠️ Trail Conditions While the path is clearly defined with red bricks, it’s important to note that the surface has become quite slippery—especially when dry leaves accumulate or during wet weather. Hikers should exercise caution, particularly after rain. Proper footwear is a must. 📜 Historical Signage The site includes several signs offering historical context, but unfortunately, many are dirty and difficult to read. A simple cleaning would go a long way in making the information accessible and enhancing the overall experience for visitors. 🧭 Final Thoughts This trail is a gem for those seeking a mix of nature and history, but it could benefit from some basic maintenance to improve safety and readability. Still, it’s a rewarding walk for those prepared—and a reminder of how even small improvements can elevate a public space.

There is a lot of beautiful views but this coastal track is fatally flawed due to inconsistent and negligent signage. Parks NSW should not have created this track without making consistent signage that allows people to do the track in sections. They are innumerable parts of the track that do not connect. The track does not exist on Google Maps and is very difficult to follow. Just because you print a map does not mean you have a coastal track unless you put in the resources to make it make sense on the ground…

Really nice national park with nice long hiking trail (Tomaree Coastal Walk). Parking situation is quite tough as they only allow 4P near the trail head and paid 9P up $40; I had to drive around to find free parking on street. So it is better to visit the park early. After 8am, the Tomaree Head summit walk was quite crowed with narrow walk way, so it took sometime to go up there when there was a queue. There are many toilets with drinkable water and BBQ areas in the park. When hiking on One Mile Beach in the afternoon, be aware of cars driving in the area, they drive quite fast to my liking. Also, hikers will need to by pass Samurai nudist beach.

Hands down my favourite part of Port Stephens. The beaches between Zenith and Fingal Bay are some of the most beautiful in the world. They also contain some world class surfing options but only for the experience and locals. Take the walk up Tomaree headland and test your fitness to see one of the greatest views ever. Eat fish and chips in the kiddy‘s corner at Fingal and swim with your children in crystal clear safe conditions. Truly one of the most beautiful places I know. Walk up to the spit where they shot the most famous Australian Tourism adds of all time with Lara Bingle and the “where the bloody hell are you campaign”

Summit walk is medium grade, and views from the top are absolutely beautiful. Pleasant hike and a great spot for taking photos

Tomaree National Park is in such a cool spot, surrounded by awesome beaches and restaurants. The Summit walk is a bit of a challenge, but let me tell you, the view totally makes it worth it! If you're up for some climbing and walking, definitely give this Grade 5 walk a go. That 360-degree view is something everyone should experience – totally recommend it!

Dining at Sirena Seaside was such a treat – with the sea breeze on my face and stunning ocean views, it felt like being in a postcard. The food was fresh and flavorful, and we enjoyed every dish. The kids’ meal of fish and chips was also really nice, and my child loved it. The staff were friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience feel like a relaxing holiday. Definitely a place worth returning to.” The pasta also good too. The prawn one

This place is a hidden gem! It’s upstairs from the marina side path, but is so worth visiting! Beautiful view of the marina and the interior was also beautiful. Very comfortable and the food was delicious! The Eggplant “steak” was surprisingly really tasty and the seafood platter was light, crispy, salty and just perfect! The ragu was nicely done and the potatoes were crispy. Great place all round, definitely worth having a meal here!

Having wandered around the quayside for half an hour, we were the first customers of the day, so the place was empty. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, helping us find a suitable table for Julie, my wife who is currently wheelchair bound. Drinks were promptly served and our order taken. We were then provided with the best carpaccio I have ever had (and I’m an expert!) Julie had prawns which were perfectly cooked and, she tells me, delicious! A really great experience! If there had been more customers I think the atmosphere would have been wonderful. We’re not in Nelson Bay often but when we are I know where we will eat! Well done! M

If you're looking for the perfect blend of culinary excellence, breathtaking scenery, and romantic charm, look no further. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning breathtaking views — the kind that make you want to linger over your coffee or cocktail just a little longer. The atmosphere was intimate and inviting, with soft lighting and beautiful décor that made it feel both special and relaxing. Whether you're after a romantic dinner for two or a memorable meal with close friends, this place sets the tone beautifully. The menu was a delight, with every dish showing care and craftsmanship. The garlic prawns were truly superb — perfectly cooked, rich in flavour, and beautifully presented. The ravioli, delicate yet hearty, melted in the mouth and paired wonderfully with selections from their expansive collection of Italian wines. It’s clear the owners have a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine with staff who are just as friendly and helpful. Their recommendations were spot-on, adding even more enjoyment to our experience. A heartfelt thank you to the owners, who not only know their food and wine but also make you feel genuinely welcome. Their passion is evident in every detail. This restaurant is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. We’ll be back.

This place is amazing. I went here twice and I will come back more. We ordered the special lobster and it’s so fresh and so delicious! Highly recommend! The steak was so tender with the best sauce. And the Ravioli is our favourite with the most addictive sauce. The staff members are so kind and friendly. Would definitely visit again and again.

Sirena Seaside is an exquisite restaurant to dine. Some friends took me there for a Saturday lunch in October. I was stunned by the eloquent and unique interior decor . The bay views are probably the best sea side views from a restaurant in Australia . The food was superb and the international wine list is the largest most diverse I have ever had the pleasure to choose from . Sirena is a must to visit .

Nice Italian in Nelson Bay and on the marina with a good view too. Had he charcuterie board and meatballs to share which was more than enough. Good variety with the cheeses and meats and some nice nibbles including melon, gherkins, pickled onions. Meatballs really juicy and tasty too. Recommend for a nice meal!

Great marina side pub. Magic views. Location 👍👍👍👍👍 Buzz & Vibe 👍👍👍 Team: 👍👍👍👍👍 Had to go up the stairs but it was worth it even with a sore foot. Great daily specials. The steak and ribs are supposed to be amazing but we just needed something light The team were bright, happy, attentive and knew everything about thier offering and even went out of their way for one of my random requests. We had a fab lunch , magic day great view ! Check it out and try the steak 🥩

Hog's Breath Café Nelson Bay is still a local favourite and open unlike many of the HBC's located up and down our east coast. Overall the food is good, price reasonable and drinks priced well, especially happy hour. For it's market HBC Nelson Bay is a great dining option with an excellent marina location. Yes, some of the outdoor dining area does need some renovations.

We have been here a few times now, food has been excellent everytime. Staff are very helpful & really nice. The view over the Marina/water is also quite delightful, highly recommend. Thanks

I had the mega prime rib steak (400g), which is their special 18hr cooked steak. I would definitely recommend it. The steak was full of flavour, tender and delicious. The sauce was tasty and the mash was great. You can pick 2 side dishes. We haven’t been to Hogs breath for a number of years, but will be back to this one….

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic family-friendly dining — great food, great value! We had a wonderful meal at Hogs Breath Café! The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming — perfect for families or travellers looking for a hearty, satisfying meal. Our table ordered a Chicken Fiesta Bowl, two steaks with salad and mash, and a cheeseburger with salad and mash, followed by delicious desserts. Everything was cooked beautifully and full of flavour. The menu offers something for everyone, with plenty of vegetarian options, some vegan choices, and even low-gluten meals, which was such a bonus. The portion sizes were generous, and the quality was excellent for the price — definitely great value for money. Service was friendly and attentive without being rushed, and the kids felt really welcome, which made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend Hogs Breath Café — especially if you’re travelling with kids and want a meal that’s tasty, affordable, and served with a smile! 🍔🥗🥩

Cherished childhood memory. Steak is still surprisingly good. Like really good. Macaroni and cheese the best I’ve ever had.

The staff were very Friendly and welcoming, but food was pretty average for the price... The Beef fiesta salad was good, but overpriced. there was a nice fireplace which made the experience a bit better.

Amazing experience at Taj Tandoori Indian Restaurant! I visited this evening with my friend and we were really impressed. We ordered a full serve of tandoori chicken along with some curries and naan — everything was absolutely delicious! We truly enjoyed our dinner and highly recommended for anyone who loves real desi food! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the worst biriyani I ever had..bakwas..price is also high compared to other restaurants in this area..they put peas in lamb biriyani..🤣 total waste of money…please don't go there 😡😡

I must say, I was disappointed at the reviews of local Indian Restaurants. The food and service here is far-far better compared to at least one other restaurant we tried and other was serving buffet when we were there, so comparison would be unfair. I wish I had looked at reviews more closely instead of just looking at the stars. Food actually looked like what was being advertised on the TV and the taste certainly matched the expectation. Thank you for wonderful dinner.

Food was really good and tasty . Great service. Staff were well behaved. As I am a local here. I recommend all people who want to have real indian Food. Try at taj

Its a bit pricey for the taste, service and ambience. Ordered 3 curries, starters, taste was not good, just edible. Butter chicken was not good. Paneer curry seemed to be old as paneer was dry and chewy. Breads were fine. Starters were OK. Service was slow on Friday evening. Staff was courteous. High chairs available, toilets are not kid friendly.

Excellent! Great atmosphere- 10 star service - easy and friendly. Food was divine - rotis and naan absolutely spot on. We had chicken65 and veg - ate so much - really good experience. Seriously, I did not expect that quality looking at the reviews. I dont understand why anyone would give one star to such a quality restaurant. The only request I would like to make to the management is not to respond to negative reviews at all - just ignore them; not necessary and worth it. .

Best Part is you will get an authentic Indian food with a decent ambience and friendly staff. Starters quantity does not match the price tag on it. Few things are over priced not everything so you should be fine. They offer BYO but do charge $2.50 as a corkage fee per person.

Sweater than Authentic Thai ! Despite my booking for a group dinner, they did not secure our table. When I mentioned the order- taker's name, then they prepared a table right in front of us. The foods were nice and colourfully presented. However they were too sweet. The rice was little soggy too. Price was reasonable and averall our group was satisfied.

I ordered pad thai noodles and cashew nut sauce with chicken.. They both were best dishes I've had in Oz.. the location is average but the food and wine was amazing.

Food was on point! Definitely deserves these 5-star reviews!! We ordered multiple dishes at different times and each one came out perfectly timed, and more delicious than ever! This is 100% the BEST Thai restaurant that I’ve ever been too. I definitely recommend coming here where you will feel welcomed, apart of the culture, and definitely not rushed at all! Thank you to all the staff, the service was fantastic and so helpful. They welcomed us to our table, didn’t rush us to order at all and treated us so lovingly. I’ve been here so many times but I couldn’t recommend it more!

Outstanding experience dining here - the quality of the food was unexpected. It is not your run-of-the-mill Thai restaurant. Excellent, delicious food and super service - staff were particularly attentive when it rained and they made a special effort to keep us dry. A great experience!

Beautiful authentic Thai food and excellent service. I recommend this place pad see wu and drunken noodle were really fantastic.

Unbelievably rude male manager/owner. Ordered 2 mains, 1 rice and one entree. One main, rice and the entree came. We ate quietly, thinking that the 2nd main would come later as the restaurant had gotten busier. However, nothing came, and as we were almost finished with the food that had arrived, I enquired about the 2nd main. They then came and said we never ordered it (we did, but they dont write down orders?). They offered to cook it straight away but as we were nearly full after the long wait, we politely declined. Then when we went to pay, we apparently had the 'audacity' to simply enquire about whether there was a credit card surcharge. The male manager came over and interrupted and said in an incredibly rude and condescending tone, your bill is only $50+, the surcharge would be so low' as if we made the grave offence of not wanting to pay the surcharge, and told us off for even enquiring. We never said we didn't want to pay by credit card, however, it is a paying customer's right to ask questions regarding their bill. He repeated it again loudly at us even as we were walking out the restaurant. I dont know whether it was the fact we declined the reordering of another dish and so didnt spend as much as he'd like, or he simply doesn't like people asking bill related questions, but there was a drastic change of attitude to when we first entered and ordered, to when we were leaving. We didn't even comment or get upset that they got the order wrong, because sometimes there is a genuine misunderstanding. We just declined the reorder since we had pretty much finished all our other dishes, and we didn't want to wait longer for another to come. Everyone has a right to ask questions about their bill, and the right to decide their method of payment. They shouldn't be made to feel smaller just for enquiring. To the male owner/manager, have a bit more respect and courtesy, not just false niceness when people enter and order. I would not return here, and would not recommend this place to my friends.

Another hidden gem in Port Stephens. Nestled in the back streets of Nelson Bay is this amazing Thai restaurant. It’s nothing flashy, and the best ones aren’t. Just amazing Thai food, and fantastic service. The most authentic Thai food I have tasted in Australia. We visited over the Christmas period. We had done our research and we made sure to book a table, as it is super popular with the locals. Every dish was fresh and full of flavour. The Chicken green curry was not sickly sweet as is done predominantly with most Thai restaurants for a western palate. The service is efficient and the food comes out quickly. It was crazy busy over Christmas, but it was all under control. Highly recommend!