Travel Tales: Port Stephens

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I had a pretty good time at Port Stephens. So here’s my chance to tell you all about my trip. You know, because I want to! 🙂 Firstly though, let me give you some background information on Port Stephens.

Port Stephens is located in New South Wales and is about a 3 hour drive north from {where I live in} Sydney. It is well known for its beaches and the whales and dolphins. A number of coastal townships make up Port Stephens and the heart of these is Nelson Bay. Which is where I stayed. I left Sydney on Monday around 11 and drove up the Pacific Highway highly caffeinated and voiceless. I reached Nelson Bay around 3 because well, I predictably got lost when I reached Newcastle. But I didn’t panic and eventually found my way around and made it to the motel I’d booked a while back: The Admiral Nelson Motor Inn. I had booked a queen deluxe suite which was pretty decent for one person.

Monday arvo I just drove around Nelson Bay and neighbouring Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay after checking into the motel. I stopped at the Visitor’s Information Centre and picked up a few maps about the local attraction and stuff. And armed with papers I headed back to the motel to relax, have some dinner I’d got from home, and well, check out what to do over the next few days. Tuesday the weather didn’t seem too crash hot so I tried to walk around Shoal Bay a bit and checked out Nelson Bay shops and the marinas. I also made enquiries about whale watching cruises. I wasn’t feeling the best thanks to not much sleep due to my sinuses and continued to not have a voice and have a splitting headache through the day. Not the best for a holiday I know!

Wednesday though, I decided to take charge despite feeling a bit sick. The weather was gorgeous. And I went for a walk around Tomaree National Park. It was truly an amazing day for some coastal walks. After spending most morning walking, I headed towards Anna Bay but first stopped over at Gan Gan Lookout which gives you the most incredible view of Port Stephens. Photos don’t do it any justice! I drove around Anna Bay and had lunch at a pie shop. Eventually I headed back to Nelson Bay with stopovers at One Mile Beach and Boat Harbour. I stayed indoors that evening just resting as I was still a bit fatigued from being crook.

Thursday dawned bright and early and I rushed to catch the 8:30 a.m. ferry to take me to Tea Gardens. It was another gorgeous day and on the ferry, it was just me, an older couple and a young girl. Australia’s beauty never ceases to amaze and awe me. After an hour’s journey, we reached the Tea Gardens. I got myself a cappuccino from one of the local shops and enquired about what they would recommend I do. The owner recommended I walk to Jimmy’s Beach and along the beach at Hawks Nest and possibly head up Yacaaba Head. Once there I could possibly sight some whales. So head there I did. I walked across to Hawks Nest and the walk was amazing. There were parts on the road and parts along the coast. But what struck me most was how quiet most of the area was. It was that entire morning that prompted me to write about the sounds of silence. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed nature more and just being present and aware of everything around me. The solitude was refreshing! Later that evening, I decided to go on a dinner date by myself. I ended up going to Flipped Burger Bar which was a pretty funky looking place with really good food. Sure, I spent time instagramming and on my phone, but I also chatted with the guy serving and well, managing the place that night given I was one of his two customers. Yes, it was a quiet night!

On Friday, I decided to go on a whale watching cruise and was in luck as we spotted a couple of humpback whales that were pretty game and friendly. They swam right around the boat and my pictures obviously will not do them any justice. It was incredible! Apart from the whales, we also spotted dolphins and seals and well, the landscape itself was amazingly beautiful. I had a lovely lunch at Nice at Nelson Bay and then wandered around the shops until the skies looked grey and threatening.

Finally, on Saturday when Port Stephens was grey and rainy, I left. To come home to Sydney.

I loved my holiday and had quite a few epiphanies during the trip. One of which was I need to do this often — as in, go on holidays by myself. Even if it is for a weekend. I enjoyed my own company but also enjoyed talking to strangers and meeting people. More importantly, I feel completely refreshed and rejuvenated. Which was one of the main reasons for going away. Sure, I missed my kitties. But they were well looked after by my flatmate. With this holiday, I also managed to cross off one other thing on my 30-by-30 list. I might even contemplate going back to Port Stephens to check out other things I have missed.

Have you ever been on a holiday by yourself? Did you enjoy it? 

Do share! 

Until next time,

Cheers!!!