Nelson Bay Hotels

Known for its national parks, crystal clear waters, soaring sand dunes, beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Nelson Bay and the Port Stephens region is the ultimate holiday destination just 2.5 hours north of Sydney.

Looking for the perfect seaside holiday? Then Nelson Bay and the Port Stephens region is the place for you. From ocean activities like surfing Zenith Beach and snorkelling the waters of pristine Nelson Bay to dining on some of the world's best seafood or sandboarding down the iconic sand dunes of Stockton, Nelson Bay and the Port Stephens region has something for everyone.

Ready to book your Nelson Bay adventure, but wondering where to stay? Qantas Hotels allows you to choose from over 500,000 hotel and accommodation options worldwide, with a wide selection in Nelson Bay alone. You’ll also earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent with Qantas Hotels.

So whether it’s your first time to Nelson Bay or your fiftieth, let’s take a look at what you need to know about Nelson Bay and its hotels to make the most of your stay.

Places to see

What are the must-see attractions in the Nelson Bay area?

As the largest town in the region, Nelson Bay is the perfect place to start your Port Stephens journey. Cycle along the waterfront on the 5 km Bartlett Cycleway, enjoy a latte and history lesson at the heritage-listed c1875 Nelson Head lighthouse cottage or simply while away the evening hours with a meal or drink at one of the town's many quality restaurants or bars.

If ocean rather than sand is more your thing, then you are spoilt for choice in the Port Stephens region. Covering an area of approximately 98,000 hectares, Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park is one of NSW's most beautiful national parks. With rivers, lakes and over 26 breathtaking beaches to choose from, Port Stephens is a water lover's paradise. 

From exploring sheltered bays and surf breaks to watching sunsets with dolphin pods and scuba diving, a walk up Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay (in the Tomaree National Park) will give you panoramic views across the beaches, dunes, rocky coastline and forests of this magical area.

Backdrop to countless films and music video clips, Stockton Bight's iconic sand dunes are a place of wonder. Set within the Worimi Conservation Lands and officially the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, they are the perfect playground for sandboarding, quad biking, four wheel driving or camel and horse riding.

Find the right hotel

What are Nelson Bay's best hotels for solo travellers?

Merely footsteps to the sandy shores of Shoal Bay and minutes from Nelson Bay, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay is perfect for the solo traveller looking to enjoy the Nelson Bay area to the fullest. With multiple spas, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre and seven separate dining options, this is the ideal place to relax or meet new friends.

What are Nelson Bay’s best hotels for couples?

Looking for a romantic getaway? Then be sure to visit Hotel Nelson, considered by many to be one of Nelson Bay's best hotels for couples seeking relaxed modern accommodation. Renovated amenities include a gym, heated pool, steam room and bay views from some rooms. 

What are Nelson Bay’s best hotels for families?

If it's a relaxed family holiday you're after within easy walking distance of restaurants, cafes and the marina, it's impossible to go past Mantra Nelson Bay. With a choice of two and three bedroom self-contained apartments, features include a jacuzzi, bicycles, tour desk and pool.

What are the best hotels in the Nelson Bay area for spa facilities?

With an understated Hamptons aesthetic as its underlying inspiration melded with a relaxed Australian coastal charm, The Anchorage is without question one of the east coast's most exceptional hotels. The only absolute waterfront luxury hotel in the Nelson Bay/Port Stephens area, there is a choice of suites, restaurants and Spa Lucca – rated by Harper's Bazaar as one of the 'World's Most Insanely Luxurious Spas'.

Getting around

What is the best way to get around Nelson Bay?

While Nelson Bay village is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle, the best way to get around the Port Stephens area is by car or tour, as this will allow the convenience of being able to travel and experience the region more fully.

Wherever you choose to stay in Nelson Bay, there's always something new to see and do no matter what the time of year. What's more, you can save your money and use points for your stay.

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