Nelson Bay in a Day: A Maritime Adventure

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by Natalie

March 30, 2024 · 1 min read

Nelson Bay 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a nautical escapade with our one-day itinerary in the picturesque Nelson Bay. Your adventure begins with the elegance of Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, where you'll spend two hours aboard a luxurious yacht or sailboat, basking in the serene waters and soaking up the coastal ambiance. Next, dive into the aquatic world with Port Stephens Dolphin Watching, a thrilling one-hour boat trip that promises close encounters with the friendly dolphins that grace these waters. To cap off your day, visit the Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse, a beacon of history perched atop the headland. Spend an hour exploring this iconic structure and enjoy panoramic views that will etch Nelson Bay in your memory forever. This succinct itinerary is designed to maximize your experience in Nelson Bay, offering a blend of relaxation, wildlife, and heritage—all within a day's reach.

Top 6 Hotels in Nelson Bay
TOP 1
Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites
Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites
hotelStar
4/5
107 reviews
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TOP 2
Anchorage Port Stephens
Anchorage Port Stephens
hotelStar
4/5
68 reviews
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TOP 3
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort
hotelStar
4/5
132 reviews
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Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens
hotelStar
4/5
59 reviews
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Karuah Motor Inn
Karuah Motor Inn
hotelStar
3/5
69 reviews
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Signature House 52 Saratoga Avenue
Signature House 52 Saratoga Avenue
hotelStar
4/5
0 reviews
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Day 1: Nautical Adventures and Lighthouse Views in Nelson Bay

1

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises

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Kickstart your Nelson Bay escapade aboard the elegant Moonshadow-TQC Cruises. As the first stop of the day, set sail on a maritime journey that promises to be both luxurious and serene. With a two-hour voyage ahead, you'll have ample time to soak in the coastal beauty from the deck of a yacht or sailboat. Located at 3/35 Stockton St, this experience is not just about the ride; it's about the panoramic views, the whisper of the sails, and the chance to spot marine life in their natural habitat.

Attraction Info

  • 3/35 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open on Sun,8:00am-2:00pm;Open on Mon-Sat,8:00am-5:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Taj Tandoori Indian Restaurant
Taj Tandoori Indian Restaurant
/5 · 0 reviews
0.2 km from attraction
Bluewater Grill
Bluewater Grill
/5 · 0 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
Bub's Famous Fish & Chips
Bub's Famous Fish & Chips
/5 · 0 reviews
0.6 km from attraction
L'il Buddha Asian Cuisine
L'il Buddha Asian Cuisine
/5 · 0 reviews
3.6 km from attraction
Little Beach Boathouse
Little Beach Boathouse
4.3/5 · 4 reviews
1.7 km from attraction
The Paper Rose Cafe
The Paper Rose Cafe
/5 · 0 reviews
0.3 km from attraction
5 min,0.44 km
2

Port Stephens Dolphin Watching

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After disembarking from the grace of the yachts, continue your oceanic theme with the Port Stephens Dolphin Watching experience. Just a short journey from your first stop, Dock C 'Albora Marina becomes your gateway to the playful world of dolphins. During this one-hour boat trip, you'll be graced with the opportunity to witness these intelligent creatures frolic in the waves, an encounter that's both heartwarming and thrilling, making it a perfect follow-up to your morning cruise.

Attraction Info

  • Dock C 'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
5 min,2.28 km
3

Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse

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Conclude your day with a visit to the iconic Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse. A mere stone's throw from your previous adventure, this lighthouse stands as a beacon of history and offers a tranquil retreat. Spend an hour exploring the grounds, taking in the sweeping views of the bay, and delving into the maritime past of Nelson Bay. The lighthouse's charm and the panoramic vistas it provides are the perfect way to cap off a day filled with nautical wonders.

Attraction Info

  • Lighthouse Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-4:00pm
4.4/514 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent14 Reviews
Nelson Bay
|0.14km from Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse
4.4/530 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent30 Reviews
Nelson Bay
|0.69km from Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse
4.3/559 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent59 Reviews
Nelson Bay
|0.76km from Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse
3.7/5102 Reviews
3.7/5102 Reviews
Nelson Bay
|0.78km from Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse

Top Things to Do in Nelson Bay-2024

TOP 1
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises
4.5/5 · 7 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,027 review
Highlights:
Go out to sea on the Moon Shadow Dolphin Watching Cruise, enjoy a leisurely dolphin-watching swim in the blue water paradise, and enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch, it is worth a visit.
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TOP 3
Port Stephens
Port Stephens
4.4/5 · 88 review
Highlights:
Port Stephens, located in the north of Sydney, South Wales, Australia, is known as the "Blue Water Paradise", integrating fishing, whale watching, rowing, sandboarding, flying, and outdoor barbecues. It is about two and a half hours' drive from Sydney, and it is very convenient to come by car. 1. Dolphin and whale watching Dolphins and whales are the biggest highlights of Port Stephens. There are more than 90-120 bottlenose dolphins living here all year round. You can take a dolphin-watching cruise, dolphins will jump out of the water to greet you, and you can lean on the rails and play with them. Port Stephens is also a suitable home for thousands of whales. Every year from the end of May to the beginning of November, swarms of humpback whales will come and go here. They are huge, some weighing more than 40 tons. Take a seasonal whale watching cruise to see their adorable naivety! Fisherman's Bay and Anna Bay in the south are good whale and dolphin watching spots. 2. Port Attractions There are many viewing points in the port, and you can climb up and overlook any one of them, and have a panoramic view of the coastal scenery. The lighthouse in Nelson Point at the entrance of Port Stephens is still in play. The lighthouse is currently open to the public. There is a renovated small museum under the tower, as well as restaurants and canteens. Just a few minutes walk to the Flying Point Marine Conservation Area, overlooking the stretch of coastline. 3. Port Stephens Port Stephens has a vast sandy land with soft sand, making it a famous sandboarding paradise in the southern hemisphere! As far as the eye can see, the west of Anna Bay is a few kilometers of sand dunes, which are larger in the southern hemisphere. You can sign up for sandboarding, or you can take a quad bike or four-wheel drive to explore the Stockton Dunes.
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TOP 4
d'Albora Nelson Bay
d'Albora Nelson Bay
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 511 review

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Nelson Bay 1 Day Itinerary