Things to do in Nelson Bay
THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nelson Bay
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Things to Do in Nelson Bay
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Gan Gan Lookout, Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve, Beaches, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Gan Gan Lookout, Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve, Beaches, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nelson Bay.
- fromper adultAU$189
On the Waterfromper adultAU$42
Eco Toursfromper adultAU$49- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$200
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$740
Day TripsfromAU$129per adultAU$104- fromper adultAU$98
- fromper adultAU$269
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$455
Sightseeing Cruisesfromper adultAU$129
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Biking Trails
Thrill-seekers revel in the toboggan ride, while a mix of mini golf, RC cars, and indoor rock climbing cater to all ages for a full day of family entertainment.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Marinas
Beaches
Bodies of Water
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Other Top Attractions around Nelson Bay
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- lenpottsNewcastle upon Tyne, UK448 contributionsfantastic views of the Karuah river and Port Stephens. you can drive virtually to the top leaving a short walk & fairly easy climb to the summit viewpoint, with another viewpoint next to the carpark looking out to seaWritten 24 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Charmaine YSydney, Australia126 contributionsA lovely light house. The museum was very interesting and only needed a gold coin donation. The car park is small, we were lucky to get a park. The tearoom was busy but the scones and drink didn’t take too long. Really nice scones. The gift shop had some interesting things to buy.Written 29 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sarah M6 contributionsOne of our best snorkels ever at this site! Straight into the water from shore at high tide, and we were immediately surrounded by schools of shining silver fish of all sizes. Highlights included a wobbegong shark, a pair of miniature cuttlefish, a colourful nudibranch and a big blue grouper! Awesome natural encounter. 🐟😀Written 29 December 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rita H8 contributionswonderful ride but it was a long wait. nice trip from sydney not too long. We also popped into our favourite road trip take away, Olivers Real Food at Wyong which we also recommend highly.Written 19 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Voula VSydney2 contributionsSuch a great experience for my teens!!! They loved it and would do it again next year. So easy to book online.Written 19 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom12,346 contributionsD’Albora Marina is the central feature of the harbour at Nelson Bay. The water is sparkling and the gleaming white cruisers and luxury boats are always fun to look at.
The marina centre is a large, attractive looking place, almost entirely occupied by cafes, restaurants and food places.
There are a few clothing/gift shops of the kind that you’d find in any coastal mall but overall, its not enough to make you spend any time shopping here.
One exception to this is Artisan Collective which showcases works by local artists. Inside, you’ll find a variety of high quality artwork, sculpture, paintings, photography and ceramics, many with coastal themes.
A bungee jumping trampoline and ice cream shop will provides some entertainment for kids and on a practical note, you will find the Tourist Information Centre behind the Marina.Written 23 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JEndoGosford, Australia163 contributionsGreat little beach for families. Lots of grass areas for picnics and calm and clean water for cooling off. Kiosk near by and ice cream truck seemed to be there most of the time too.Written 27 November 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- aussieallanSydney, Australia44 contributionsKookabarra restaurant features an extensive menu obviously featuring barramundi. Meals were substantial, fresh and delivered quickly. Staff were. Friendly, professional and very obliging. Advisable to book your table as it has become a very popular lunch venue. Added interest is a very informative chance to learn more about Barramundi.Written 6 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David JacksonMelbourne, Australia99 contributionsNelson Bay is a fantastic wellness relaxing location, appropriately 30 minutes from Newcastle NSW. During our 12 day stay we explored much of what Nelson Bay offered. You will need a car for this. We based ourselves at Beaches Serviced Apartments 12 Gowrie St. A short walk to Little Beach, Little Beach Boathouse Bar and Restaurant the Lighthouse including cafe and museum. The main beach and wharf is a bit further on. Both of these walks take you through native bush lond. For us the piece of resistance was finding One Mile Beach (Hannah Pde).Written 20 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nat1215 contributionsWe found this beautiful beach on a day out walking. It wasn't crowded, and a mix of locals and visitors.
Bbq and clean water were available. It was a lovely place to stop and take a rest and enjoy a swim .Written 2 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mairwen1United Kingdom12,346 contributionsOne of the more interesting shops in the flashy, white D’Albora Marina, the Artisan Collective showcases works by local artists. Inside, you’ll find a variety of paintings, printmaking, sculpture, photography and ceramics, many with coastal themes. As you’d expect many of the artists draw on their immediate environment to produce their work.
Some of the pieces were of very high quality and everything was well displayed in a bright, open area. I was very drawn to the blue and white ceramic pottery and was intrigued by some striking fish prints that used the Japanese Gyotaku technique.
From time to time, they hold special exhibitions. Currently local artist, Penny Amberg is showing her dramatic, stormy paintings and her delicate copper woven sculptures.
There’s also a much smaller range of souvenir/gift items such as cards, jewellery, hair accessories and bags.
Volunteers manning the gallery were very helpful and were able to talk about the artworks, without being at all pushy.
Overall, this was a very nice place to browse out of the sun for a while and there’s a lot here to tempt.Written 23 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - francesca082'Sydney, Australia361 contributionsThe wattle trees were just about to blossom which is always lovely. The walks are pleasant and the huge trees are awesome.Written 29 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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