Port Stephens, NSW

A massive natural harbour with calm bays, dolphin pods, and the towering Stockton sand dunes — the fishing and boating capital of NSW.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Saturday 11 July is shaping up to be a great day to get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, with a massive natural harbour offering calm bays and stunning views. The resident dolphin pods are always a delight to spot, and the towering sand dunes provide a unique backdrop to the area. With a temperature of 5C and heavy overcast cloud cover, it's a good idea to dress warmly if you're planning on spending time outdoors.



The ocean conditions are looking good for water enthusiasts, with a wave height of 1.40m providing waist to chest high surf that's perfect for catching some waves. The water temperature is a comfortable 19.4C, making it ideal for a dip in the ocean, and you may want to consider wearing a spring suit or rashie to stay warm. The tide times are also worth noting, with a high tide of 2.4m at 05:44 pm and a low tide of -1.3m at 10:56 am.



If you're planning on getting active today, the conditions are suitable for a range of sports and fitness activities. Surfers will love the solid surf, while runners and cyclists can enjoy the scenic routes along the coast. Anglers are in for a treat, with the area being renowned for its world-class game fishing, and paddleboarders can take advantage of the calm bays to explore the harbour. With a wind speed of 8 km/h from the WNW, gusting 16 km/h, it's a good idea to check the conditions before heading out on the water.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to reach a maximum of 5C, with no rain expected and low UV levels, so you don't need to worry about special sun protection. The air quality is also good, with an AQI of 23, making it a great day to get out and enjoy the fresh air. With plenty of activities to choose from and stunning scenery to take in, it's shaping up to be a fantastic day to make the most of the beautiful coastal environment, so get out there and make the most of it.

About This Coastline

Port Stephens is a broad natural harbour north of Newcastle, surrounded by sheltered beaches, coastal villages, forested headlands and the immense dunes of Stockton Bight.

Its character is therefore broader than conventional resort imagery, combining practical coastal life with a strong sense of place.

The Vibe

The region shifts easily between family beach holiday and outdoor adventure.

Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay provide cafés and boat departures, while quieter bays, ocean beaches and walking trails create room for wildlife watching and escape. The shoreline supports both activity and observation, allowing an energetic beach day or a slower experience centred on walking and views.

The Local Anchor

Tomaree Head is the harbour’s dominant landmark, with a summit walk overlooking the entrance, offshore islands and the long arc of coastline.

To the south, the Worimi Conservation Lands protect culturally significant dunes associated with the Worimi people. This anchor gives meaning to the surrounding scenery and provides a useful starting point for understanding the wider district.

The Landscape

Inside the harbour, clear shallows and protected beaches support swimming, kayaking and resident bottlenose dolphins.

Beyond the heads, Pacific swell reaches beaches such as Fingal Bay and Birubi, while Stockton Beach runs beside one of the largest moving coastal dune systems in the Southern Hemisphere. The shape of the coast determines shelter and exposure, so neighbouring sections can offer very different experiences on the same day.

It is this overlap of landscape, history and daily use that gives Port Stephens its particular atmosphere.