Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your stay at Wanderers Retreat? Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a relaxing weekend in Port Stephens, these frequently asked questions cover everything from nearby beaches and restaurants to EV charging, wildlife, walking trails and the best things to do in every season.

Before You Arrive

How do I get to Wanderers Retreat from Newcastle Airport?

Newcastle Airport is approximately 25 minutes away by car. You can reach Wanderers Retreat by:

  • Uber
  • Taxi
  • Rental car
  • Bus services (with a short walk from the nearest stop)

Is parking available?

Yes. Every cottage includes free on-site parking close to your accommodation.

Can I stay without a car?

While there is public transport available close by and One Mile Beach is 400m away, it is best to come with a car to be able to explore everything Port Stephens has to offer.

Where is the nearest supermarket?

The closest supermarket is SPAR in Anna Bay, about 2.5 km away. For larger shopping, Salamander Bay Square is around 8 km away and includes Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, Kmart and specialty stores.

Can I charge my electric vehicle at Wanderers Retreat?

Yes. Wanderers Retreat has four 22 kW EV chargers on site, available to both accommodation guests and the public. The chargers operate through the Everty network, so we recommend downloading the Everty app before arrival. Charging cables are also available on site.

Staying at Wanderers Retreat

Is Wanderers Retreat suitable for couples?

Absolutely. Wanderers Retreat was designed with couples in mind and is one of Port Stephens’ most popular destinations for romantic getaways. Our adults-only Treehouses and Bush Spa accommodation feature private spa baths or outdoor hot tubs, surrounded by peaceful rainforest just a five-minute walk from One Mile Beach.

Spend your days exploring beaches, walking trails, wineries and cafés, then return to your own private retreat to relax and unwind. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, birthday or simply escaping for a few days, Wanderers Retreat offers the perfect balance of nature, privacy and comfort.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes. Wanderers Retreat offers a range of family-friendly accommodation, including cosy two-bedroom cottages and our four-bedroom Beach House. Families enjoy the peaceful rainforest setting, easy access to One Mile Beach and the many attractions nearby, including sandboarding, camel rides, wildlife parks and the Stockton Sand Dunes. It’s an ideal base for exploring Port Stephens while giving everyone room to relax.

Are the hot tubs private?

Yes. Every outdoor hot tub is exclusively for the use of the guests staying in that accommodation (noting not all cottages have outdoor hot tubs). Surrounded by native rainforest, they offer a peaceful and private place to unwind after a day exploring Port Stephens. Some cottages feature indoor spa baths.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, so you can stay connected during your visit.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Our drinking water comes from the local town water supply and is perfectly safe to drink. There’s no need to buy bottled water, so simply fill your reusable bottle and enjoy fresh drinking water throughout your stay.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Wanderers Retreat is not pet friendly. Our property is surrounded by native rainforest and provides habitat for local wildlife, including possums, lizards and many native bird species. To help protect this environment and ensure all guests enjoy a peaceful stay, pets are not permitted.

Can I use a fire pit or charcoal barbecue?

No. Open flames are not permitted anywhere on the property because Wanderers Retreat is located in a bushfire-prone paperbark forest. This includes campfires, fire pits, charcoal barbecues, candles and mosquito coils. All cottages include a Weber gas barbecue.If you smoke, remember smoking is only permitted outside the cottage and please ensure cigarette butts are fully extinguished and disposed of safely.

Do you hire bikes?

We don’t hire bikes ourselves, but there are several local businesses that do. Shoal Bay Bike Hire and E-Go-Try-Bikes both offer bike rental options, making it easy to explore the beautiful coastal cycleways and quiet streets around Port Stephens.

Exploring Port Stephens

What is there to do near Wanderers Retreat?

Wanderers Retreat is ideally located to explore the best of Port Stephens. One Mile Beach is just a five-minute walk away, while many of the region’s most popular attractions are within a 5–15 minute drive. Enjoy sandboarding on the Stockton Sand Dunes, camel rides along the beach, dolphin and whale watching cruises, scenic bushwalks in Tomaree National Park, surfing lessons, wineries, local cafés and restaurants, wildlife parks and the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone nearby.

How far is One Mile Beach?

One Mile Beach is only a five-minute walk (around 400 metres) from Wanderers Retreat. This beautiful patrolled beach is popular for swimming, surfing, long beach walks and whale watching during the migration season. It’s one of Port Stephens’ quieter beaches, making it a favourite with both locals and visitors.

What are the best beaches nearby?

Port Stephens is home to some of New South Wales’ most beautiful beaches. Our favourites include:

One Mile Beach – just a five-minute walk from Wanderers Retreat, perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing.

Birubi Beach – around five minutes’ drive, famous for the Stockton Sand Dunes, camel rides and spectacular sunsets.

Fingal Beach – about 15 minutes away, known for its crystal-clear water and the iconic Fingal Spit.

Shoal Bay Beach – ideal for families, paddleboarding and calm swimming.

Little Beach – sheltered waters, picnic areas and excellent for young children.

Each beach offers something different, so it’s worth exploring several during your stay.

Are there walking trails nearby?

Yes. Wanderers Retreat is close to some of Port Stephens’ best walking trails. We are ideally located to do the 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk over 2 days. The Tomaree Head Summit Walk offers spectacular panoramic views over the coastline and is one of the region’s most popular hikes. The Worimi Conservation Lands feature walking tracks through the impressive Stockton Sand Dunes. If you’re after something more relaxing, a stroll along One Mile Beach is the perfect way to start or end the day.

Where can I watch dolphins or whales?

Port Stephens is one of Australia’s best places to see dolphins and migrating humpback whales. Dolphin watching cruises operate year-round from Nelson Bay Marina, while whale watching cruises run from late May to early November. We often see dolphins around Little Beach and the Nelson Bay Marina. You can also spot whales from several coastal lookouts, including Tomaree Head Summit, One Mile Beach and Birubi Headland during the migration season.

Where are the best restaurants nearby?

There are excellent dining options just a short drive from Wanderers Retreat.

Anna Bay (5 minutes away) offers casual cafés, bakeries and family-friendly restaurants.

Nelson Bay (10 minutes away) has a wide selection of waterfront restaurants, seafood, modern Australian cuisine, cocktail bars and cafés overlooking the marina.

If you’re after fresh seafood, a romantic dinner or a relaxed breakfast before heading to the beach, you’ll find plenty of great options nearby. Our guest welcome guide also includes some of our favourite local recommendations.

How far is Nelson Bay?

Nelson Bay is approximately 10 kilometres from Wanderers Retreat, or about a 10-minute drive. It’s the heart of Port Stephens and offers a vibrant marina, boutique shopping, waterfront restaurants, dolphin and whale watching cruises, fishing charters and a wide range of cafés and attractions. It’s an easy trip during your stay and well worth visiting, whether you’re planning a meal by the water or exploring the local shops.

Visiting Port Stephens by Season

Is Port Stephens worth visiting in winter?

Absolutely. Winter is one of the best times to visit Port Stephens. The weather is generally mild, walking tracks are at their most enjoyable, the beaches are quieter, and it’s the start of the humpback whale migration. It’s the perfect season for hiking, exploring the coastline, enjoying local cafés and wineries, then returning to Wanderers Retreat to relax in your private hot tub or spa bath. If you enjoy nature without the summer crowds, winter is hard to beat.

What can you do in Port Stephens when it rains?

A little rain doesn’t have to spoil your holiday. Depending on the weather, you can still enjoy many outdoor experiences, including sections of the Tomaree Coastal Walk or the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which are often beautiful after light rain (take care if tracks are slippery). If the weather is heavier, visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, local cafés, boutique shops, breweries and wineries, or simply relax in your cottage with a good book before soaking in your private hot tub or spa bath. Many guests tell us that slowing down and enjoying the peaceful rainforest is one of the highlights of their stay.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Port Stephens is a fantastic destination all year round, with each season offering something different.

  • Summer (December–February): Perfect for swimming, surfing and beach holidays.
  • Autumn (March–May): Warm days, fewer crowds and ideal conditions for bushwalking.
  • Winter (June–August): Whale watching, crisp walking weather and peaceful beaches.
  • Spring (September–November): Wildflowers, pleasant temperatures and excellent outdoor conditions.

If you’re planning to explore the Tomaree Coastal Walk, autumn, winter and spring generally offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, while winter and spring also coincide with whale migration along the coastline.

Is Port Stephens busy during school holidays?

School holidays are naturally one of the busiest times of year, especially around the beaches and major attractions. However, Wanderers Retreat offers a different experience. Nestled within a peaceful paperbark rainforest and away from the main tourist areas, it’s easy to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature while still being just minutes from everything Port Stephens has to offer. Many guests tell us they love being close to the attractions without feeling caught up in the crowds.

Where can I see whales?

Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations. Humpback whales migrate along the coast between May and November, and you can see them on dedicated whale watching cruises departing from Nelson Bay Marina or from several spectacular land-based lookouts.

Our favourite places to spot whales are:

  • Boat Harbour Whale Lookout – a local favourite just 5 minutes from Wanderers Retreat, with sweeping coastal views and a prime spot for scanning the horizon for passing humpbacks. 
  • Tomaree Head Summit – one of the region’s best whale watching viewpoints.
  • Birubi Headland.
  • Barry Park at Fingal Bay.
  • Sections of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, where elevated headlands provide incredible views over the ocean.

If you’re visiting during whale season, we highly recommend walking at least part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk—you’ll enjoy stunning coastal scenery and have an excellent chance of spotting whales from the cliffs.

What are the best activities for couples?

Port Stephens is an ideal destination for couples looking to relax and reconnect. Some of our favourite experiences include:

  • Walking the Tomaree Head Summit Walk at sunrise or sunset.
  • Exploring a section of the Tomaree Coastal Walk and discovering secluded beaches along the way.
  • Dolphin or whale watching cruises (May to November for whales).
  • Watching the sunset over the Stockton Sand Dunes.
  • Snorkelling in Fly Point.
    Long walks along One Mile Beach.
  • Enjoying fresh seafood or waterfront dining in Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay.

After a day exploring, return to Wanderers Retreat and unwind in your private hot tub or spa bath surrounded by peaceful rainforest.

What are the best activities for families?

Port Stephens has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Popular family-friendly activities include:

  • Swimming and playing at One Mile Beach.
  • Sandboarding on the Stockton Sand Dunes.
  • Camel rides along Birubi Beach.
  • Visiting the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.
  • Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.
  • Dolphin watching cruises.
  • Toboggan Hill Park.
  • Oakvale Wildlife Park.
  • Easy sections of the Tomaree Coastal Walk, where families can enjoy spectacular coastal scenery at their own pace.

After a busy day exploring, families love returning to Wanderers Retreat to enjoy the peaceful rainforest setting, where children can spot native birds and other wildlife while parents relax and recharge.