3 Port Stephens Stays That You'll Never Want to Leave

Just two and a half hours from Sydney, and just 30 minutes from Newcastle, Port Stephens is an ideal getaway from the city. There’s plenty to do, with hiking, camel riding, swimming, diving, dolphin spotting and surfing to occupy you. And if you’re looking for a luxury escape, there’s a generous supply of high-end accommodation for a truly relaxing weekend away.

Here are our top three picks for luxe hotel stays in Port Stephens.

3 Amazing Luxury Escapes in Port Stephens

The Anchorage

This Hamptons-chic resort and spa overlooks Port Stephens harbour for a sense of breezy relaxation. Choose your room from the wide range of modern and fabulously appointed rooms, from the bright Garden Rooms that open out onto a courtyard, verandah or terrace to the self-contained Luxe Villa, a freestanding two-bedroom villa nestled at the water’s edge on Corlette Point with 180-degree views of Port Stephens.

For an indulgent treat, you’ll want to make a booking at Spa Lucca, which was recently named one of the most insanely luxurious spas in the world by Harper’s Bazaar. The spa itself is an exclusive seaside sanctuary with two single and two double treatment rooms, a whirlpool and steam room, and a private relaxation lounge. They pride themselves on only using sustainably made, ethically produced Australian eco-luxe products from Sodashi, Mukti and La Gaia. Massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and bathing rituals are all on offer, so give yourself plenty of time to indulge.

And you won’t have to look too far for excellent dining, with two highly-rated onsite restaurants. The Galley Kitchen offers a seasonally changing menu featuring local produce and seafood for breakfast—don’t miss the signature sparkling wine breakfast—lunch and dinner, which you can enjoy inside or on the pool terrace every day of the week.

The other option, The Wild Herring, was named Best Seafood Restaurant in Regional NSW at the 2020 Savour Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence, and it serves up locally sourced, sustainable seafood dinners in a stylish venue overlooking the marina from Wednesday to Saturday.

Amarna Luxury Beach Resort

Set on a secluded beach in Nelson Bay, just 10 minute’s walk from the marina, the five-star Amarna Resort is an exclusive guest-only luxury beach resort offering an indulgent escape suitable for couples, families and multi-generational groups looking for a memorable getaway.

The resort comprises eleven modern one to five-bedroom apartments, all with panoramic water views and direct access to secluded Dutchmans Beach, and a 25-metre heated pool and spa.

Each designer apartment offers complimentary breakfast supplies, Miele kitchen and laundry appliances, high-quality linen, bathrobes, beach towels, Appelles Apothecary & Lab toiletries, air conditioning, under-floor heating, Foxtel and Wi-Fi. The waterfront location offers cool sea breezes, breathtaking sunsets and the opportunity to spot dolphins from your room’s private balcony.

During your stay, take advantage of the complimentary activities, such as stand up paddleboarding and kayaking, or book an in-room massage for the ultimate luxury. Other services available include Tesla charging, daily newspapers and a concierge to help with dinner bookings, taxis and activities.

Bannisters at Port Stephens

An ultra-chic deep renovation of a retro motel, Bannisters at Port Stephens is as good a representation of the luxury accommodation brand as any. The four-star hotel is surrounded by water, koala habitat and a sense of invigorating isolation.

The carefully restored and beautifully appointed rooms and suites span four levels, each offering a different experience of the surrounding natural world. Paperbark Rooms offer bushland views, from private balconies. Ocean Deck rooms overlook Port Stephens Bay from the boutique balcony or garden. Ocean Deck Lower Rooms sit on the ground and the first floor of the property for “green and blue” ocean glimpses and garden outlooks. Studio rooms have balconies or landscape windows with views of Port Stephens Bay. Luxury Suites offer a spacious balcony or bayfront garden for peaceful ocean views filtered through tranquil treetops. And last, but certainly not least, the Penthouse has panoramic views from the chic open living space for a sense of total escapism.

If you absolutely cannot leave your pampered pup behind when you travel, Bannisters at Port Stephens is a great pick. They offer ground floor Ocean Deck and Luxury Suite dog-friendly rooms that open out onto the garden for easy beach access and afternoon romps. Book Chalky’s Room to ensure your pooch will be welcomed.

On-site dining is worth sticking around for, with Rick Stein’s offering fresh, beautifully prepared seafood, the Cheeky Dog gastro-pub serving up cold beer and Mediterranean food, and the Terrace Bar offering cocktails and tapas by the pool. Once you’ve arrived, there’s no reason to leave.

Want to rent a holiday home instead? Check out these luxe rentals across Australia.

Featured