The largest town in the Port Stephens area, Nelson Bay is an exciting hub and a great place to base yourself to explore the delights of the region. Visitors will find plenty of fun things to do, from dolphin watching to sunset cruises and the sheltered beaches are ideal for families with young children. Well known for the many Bottlenose dolphins that live around the port, dolphin spotting is an extremely popular pass-time for visitors. Then there are whales. Approximately 3000 Humpback whales pass close to the coast of Port Stephens whilst migrating to the warm tropical waters from late May to July each year. September to November offers even more excitement when the whales can be viewed returning to Antarctica with their calves. Whale-watching boat tours operate between May and November.
You can also head below the water at Fly Point-Halifax Aquatic Reserve just east of the town, with sponge gardens, soft corals, sea turtles, and a colorful array of fish. Getting to Nelson Bay is easy, with the drive north from Sydney about2.5-hours. You can also fly into Newcastle Airport which is just 34-kilometers from Nelson Bay. From Newcastle, you can choose from various transport options on arrival, including rail, car rental, limousine and door-to-door shuttle buses to make the short trip northeast to Port Stephens.
Real estate and golf homes in Nelson Bay vary from large five-bedroom family homes to small two-bedroom villas and bungalows. One to three-bedroom units and apartments are also available. There is a wide range of accommodation options from holiday parks to stylish resorts in and around the Nelson Bay community, as well as a range of other holiday rental options to suit every taste.
For golfers, there are several other excellent golf attractions in the Port Stephens and Greater Hunter Valley region including the 27-hole championship golf course at Nelson Bay Golf Club. Set in a beautiful natural setting with native trees and flora on the outskirts of the Tomaree National Park, the club is home to an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and native birds. Ranked in the top 50 courses in Australia for rounds costing under$50, this community offers great value and an enjoyable experience to golfers of all levels. Located in the heart of Nelson Bay and just walking distance from the CBD, It is an ideal golfing destination for short breaks, family holidays, or as a regular holiday home rental
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