Whilst you won’t find much within walking distance, the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary occupies a somewhat central location within Port Stephens and is an easy drive to the various beaches and townships where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, cafes and bars. 

The easiest spot to get to is Nelson Bay. Our favourite cafe here is The Little Nel, open for breakfast and lunch. We love coming here for breakfast and exploring the menu that has options for all persuasions and hunger levels. If we’re feeling healthy we’ll go for the Pumpkin Bruschetta, or when our appetite is up it is hard to go past the “Proper” egg and sausage sandwich. 

A slightly shorter drive (though not by much) is the township of Anna Bay, where you’ll find Crest, our favourite spot for a meal with a view. They’re open for breakfast and lunch daily, but also open for dinner on Friday and Saturday night. Dinner is our pick, so we can enjoy one of the beautiful sunsets that this region is known for. On the menu you’ll find classic bistro fare - in a location like this overlooking the ocean we always gravitate towards the fish of the day. This is a popular spot so we highly recommend booking.

Within the property you’ll find the Fat Possum Cafe and Kiosk which is open from 9am to 3pm daily and serves up barista made coffee as well as a range of grab-and-go food. All Glamping Tents and Rooms have kitchenettes and fridges so feel free to bring your own provisions to enjoy on site, you’ll even find a few little surprises pre-stocked for you if you’re staying in the Glamping area. 

When you’re staying at a place like this, experiencing all that it has to offer has to be at the top of your to-do list, and who wouldn’t want to see koalas up close in a beautiful natural setting! There are several walking tracks and experiences available. The Sanctuary Sky Walk is a 225 metre elevated pathway that offers a birds eye view over koalas in their natural habitat. The Sanctuary Story Walk is 250 metres and houses an immersive educational experience for all ages telling the story of koala and its habitat through artistic sculptural representations.The Koala Hospital is another must-see, where you can learn about the amazing work being done to rescue and rehabilitate sick and injured koalas.

Port Stephens is of course home to an array of beaches, which many consider some of the best in Australia - all are a short drive away. Shoal Bay Beach is a favourite for its crystal-clear water and laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. Fingal Bay Beach has a bit more swell for those keen to catch a wave. If you're up for an adventure, Birubi Beach at Anna Bay is where the famous Stockton Sand Dunes begin, and you can try sandboarding or join one of the famous camel ride tours. For something a little more off-the-beaten-track, Zenith Beach and One Mile Beach are our picks.

If you’re keen on a dip but not so keen on hopping in the car, there’s a great swimming pool and spa located on site .

There are no Site options here so if you’re travelling with a caravan or motorhome you’ll need to leave it in the carpark.