Located where the Karuah River meets the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Shoal Bay is the easternmost suburb of Port Stephens. It’s named after the sand shoals found throughout the area and is where you’ll find picturesque beaches and walking trails to explore within Tomaree National Park.

Things to do

Take in the sweeping coastal views from Mount Tomaree, reached along a one-kilometre-long summit walking trail. Soak up the panoramas across the Port Stephens entrance, with the opportunity to spot pods of dolphins and migrating whales below.

The area played a pivotal role in World War II, with an observation post and gun emplacements still visible from historic Fort Tomaree. Join a guided walking tour along original wartime patrol paths to witness the weapon pits and operation rooms, built to defend against the Japanese.

Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore below the water’s surface at nearby Broughton Island. Swim amidst colourful fish and grey nurse sharks, then visit the active colony of breeding wedge-tailed shearwaters at Little Poverty Beach.

A short drive from Shoal Bay takes you to the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest sand dune system in Australia. Join a quad biking tour, go sandboarding down the dunes or explore the Worimi Conservation Lands by camel or horseback.

Getting around

Shoal Bay is located around 40 minutes’ drive east of the Newcastle Airport and 10 minutes from the centre of Port Stephens. The quiet residential streets and Tomaree National Park are easy to explore on foot, but having your own vehicle is best for visiting the surrounding sights.