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

Monday 12 October is shaping up to be a fantastic day along our stunning coastline, with clear blue skies and a temperature of 20C already reached by 8:02 am. The massive natural harbour is looking particularly inviting, with its calm bays and resident dolphin pods adding to the charm. This beautiful setting is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with the towering sand dunes providing a dramatic backdrop to the action.



The ocean conditions are looking great, with a wave height of 0.72m, which is perfect for some fun longboard surfing, and the water temperature is a pleasant 20.1C, making it ideal for a spring suit or rashie. The tide times are 10:18 am for high tide, with a height of 2.1m, and 04:41 pm for low tide, with a height of -1.9m. These conditions are sure to please the surfers, swimmers, and paddlers alike.



For all the sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy the beautiful coastline. Surfers will love the knee to waist high waves, while runners and cyclists will appreciate the clear skies and gentle breeze. The fishing is also expected to be excellent, with the calm bays and world-class game fishing on offer, and paddleboarders will have a great time exploring the harbour. With the low UV index and good air quality, it's an ideal day to get outdoors and make the most of the stunning coastal scenery.



As we head into the afternoon, the temperature is expected to remain pleasant, with no chance of rain, making it a great day to stay outdoors and enjoy all that the coastline has to offer. The gentle breeze from the WNW, gusting up to 18 km/h, will keep things comfortable, and the low UV index means you can enjoy the sunshine without worrying about excessive sun protection. So, grab your board, your bike, or your fishing rod, and get out there to make the most of this fantastic day along our beautiful coastline.

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.