Discover the perfect base for your Port Stephens adventure at Tinker Farm, a welcoming and accessible campsite located conveniently on Nelson Bay Road in Bobs Farm. This spot offers an ideal blend of rural tranquility and strategic location, making it a favoured choice for travellers exploring the stunning coastline of New South Wales. Whether you are in a self-contained caravan, a motorhome, or looking for a simple tent site, Tinker Farm provides a straightforward and comfortable camping experience without the hustle and bustle of a major tourist park.

The beauty of staying here lies in its simplicity and convenience. The grounds are spacious, allowing campers to find their own spot and settle in with ease. Its prime location means you are just a short drive from some of Australia’s most spectacular natural attractions. The famous Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, are nearby, offering opportunities for 4WD adventures, sandboarding, and camel rides. The crystal-clear waters of Nelson Bay are perfect for dolphin watching cruises, fishing charters, and swimming at pristine beaches like Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay.

After a day of exploration, Tinker Farm provides a peaceful retreat. The facilities are maintained to ensure a comfortable stay, with essentials like potable water and toilets available onsite. It’s a place where you can relax under the stars, share stories with fellow travellers, and plan the next day’s activities. The proximity to local amenities, including breweries, restaurants, and supply stores, ensures you have everything you need within reach. For those seeking an authentic, no-fuss camping spot that puts the best of Port Stephens at your doorstep, Tinker Farm at Bobs Farm is an outstanding choice, combining value, location, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Site Details

• • Location: Bobs Farm, Port Stephens, NSW
  • Site suitable for: Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers, Tents
  • Road access: Sealed road (Nelson Bay Road)
  • Site surface: Grass and gravel
  • Camping permitted: Yes
  • Maximum overnight stays: 7 nights

Facilities & Rules

• • Picnic tables: Yes
  • Potable water: Yes, onsite tap
  • Mobile phone coverage: Good for major carriers
  • TV reception: Good
  • Onsite public toilets: Yes

• Rubbish bins: Yes
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only. Check for local fire bans before lighting.
• Generator use: Permitted between 8am and 8pm.
• Number of sites available: Approximately 20 undesignated sites.

What to Do

• Essentials to bring: Insect repellent, sunscreen, drinking water hose, levelling blocks.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash at all times and waste collected.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby Port Stephens waterways.
• Short walks: Explore the local area and nearby coastal trails.

Local Amenities

• Pubs / Breweries:
  • Murray’s Brewing Co (approx. 5 min drive)
  • Cheeky Dog (approx. 10 min drive)
  • Anna Bay Tavern (approx. 10 min drive)
• Places to Eat:
  • Cookabarra Restaurant & Function Centre (approx. 5 min drive)
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Anna Bay (approx. 10 min drive)
  • Restaurants and cafes in Nelson Bay (approx. 15-20 min drive)
• Local Attractions:
  • Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters (approx. 5 min drive)
  • Oakvale Wildlife Park (approx. 10 min drive)
  • Stockton Sand Dunes (Birubi Beach access) (approx. 10 min drive)
  • Tomaree Head Summit Walk (approx. 25 min drive)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Multiple options in Anna Bay, Soldiers Point, and Nelson Bay (approx. 10-20 min drive)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Karuah Jetty Recreation Area (approx. 30 min drive) – Note: Check local council for current stay limits.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Coachmans Rest Area, Karuah (Public Dump Point, approx. 30 min drive)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations along Nelson Bay Rd (approx. 5-10 min drive)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Onsite at Tinker Farm
  • Coachmans Rest Area, Karuah (approx. 30 min drive)
• Nearest Public Toilets:
  • Onsite at Tinker Farm
  • Robinson Reserve, Anna Bay (approx. 10 min drive)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and humid. Average temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C. Perfect for swimming and water activities. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant weather. Average temperatures range from 14°C to 24°C. The water is still warm enough for swimming, and it’s less crowded.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C. Ideal for hiking, whale watching (migration season), and enjoying clear, sunny days.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny as temperatures warm up. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C. A beautiful time to see the region’s flora and fauna come to life.