PORT STEPHENS GREAT CHOICES

Port Stephens has morphed from a sleepy escape for Sydney fishers and retirees into a sophisticated and dynamic destination that also commands attention as a viable choice for corporate meetings.

Port Stephens is located just north of Newcastle and is a two and a half hour scenic drive from Sydney. The area has an efficient coach service and visitors from the south completely miss the traffic snarls that occur further up the Pacific Highway.

The area has a number of settlements, the main ones being Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay. There are no fewer than six golf courses in the area, one of which is a world-class championship course as well as tennis courts, 4WD adventure on the Stockton Dune system, restaurants and relaxed Aussie pubs from which to watch the sun set over the bay.

>> Conference & meeting venues Port Stephens, NSW

One of the enduring attractions is the permanent pod of dolphins who live in the bay and sightings of up to 70 on a cruise is quite common. There are several comfortable cruise boats operating from the marina at Nelson Bay and these also head out to sea during the whale migration season for a spot of whale watching.

The marina has a number of restaurants which provide alfresco dining for much of the year and there are a number of fashion outlets in the complex as well.

The beaches at Port Stephens are among the very best in New South Wales and are so extensive you could easily find one that is virtually deserted.

Another significant attraction is the close proximity to the wine producing region of the Hunter Valley and wine tastings and presentations from winemakers could be part of the social program, as would a trip to one or other of the wine estates of the Hunter.