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

Friday 28 August is shaping up to be a great day to get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, with the 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 9C and heavy overcast cloud cover, it's a good idea to dress in layers to make the most of your day.



The ocean conditions are looking exciting for experienced surfers, with a wave height of 1.88m and powerful waves that are sure to provide a challenge. The water temperature is a comfortable 18.7C, making it ideal for a spring suit, and the high tide at 08:41 am and low tide at 02:20 pm will provide plenty of opportunities to get in the water. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just looking to cool off, the ocean is definitely worth a visit today.



For all the sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy the coastal scenery while getting some exercise. Surfers will love the powerful waves, while runners and cyclists will enjoy the cool and calm conditions, with a gentle wind of 5 km/h from the WNW and low UV index of 0.2. Fishermen will also be in their element, with the area renowned for its world-class game fishing, and paddleboarders will enjoy the calm bays and stunning views. With the air quality at a moderate AQI 51, it's a good idea to take any necessary precautions to stay comfortable while you're out and about.



As the day wears on, the temperature is expected to remain steady at around 9C, with no rain expected and plenty of cloud cover to keep things cool. It's going to be a fantastic afternoon to get out and enjoy all that the coast has to offer, whether you're looking to relax on the beach, get in some exercise, or just take in the stunning views. So why not grab your gear, head on down to the coast, and make the most of this beautiful day – we hope you have a great time and enjoy all that this amazing coastal destination has to offer.

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.