Your Front Row Seat to Port Stephens Paradise
Situated directly across from the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Shoal Bay Beach, Shoal Bay Holiday Park is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in New South Wales. This park puts you in the heart of the action, nestled between the towering Tomaree Headland and the vibrant village atmosphere of Shoal Bay. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly beach holiday, a romantic getaway, or an active adventure exploring the walking trails and marine parks of Port Stephens, this location is unrivalled.
The accommodation options at Shoal Bay Holiday Park are designed to suit every style of traveller. For campers and caravanners, the park offers well-manicured powered sites, including slab sites for stability and grassy areas for a more natural feel. If you prefer a “glamping” experience or the comfort of a solid roof, you can choose from a range of stunning safari tents and self-contained villas. The villas range from cozy one-bedroom units to spacious two-bedroom family cabins, many of which feature modern interiors and private verandas perfect for sipping a morning coffee while soaking in the sea breeze.
Guests enjoy access to a suite of high-quality facilities that make staying here a breeze. The park features clean and modern amenities blocks, a fully equipped camp kitchen, and BBQ areas where you can grill the catch of the day. For the kids (and the young at heart), there is a playground and a recreation room to keep everyone entertained. One of the major drawcards is the park’s pet-friendly policy during non-peak periods (on sites only), allowing you to share your coastal escape with your four-legged friends.
Beyond the gates, the best of Port Stephens is at your doorstep. A short stroll takes you to the famous Shoal Bay Country Club for dining and drinks, or to the start of the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which offers panoramic views that are arguably the best on the NSW coast. The calm bay waters are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, while nearby Nelson Bay offers dolphin and whale watching cruises. Shoal Bay Holiday Park combines convenience, comfort, and natural beauty to deliver an unforgettable seaside holiday.
Shoal Bay Holiday Park – NSW Location Map
Contact & Location
Name: Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Address: 71 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315
Website: www.beachsideholidays.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -32.71960, 152.17640
Site Details
- Location: Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, NSW. Directly opposite the beach.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers, Tents, Safari Tents available.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access via Shoal Bay Road.
- Site Surface: Mix of concrete slabs and grass sites.
- Facilities: Powered sites, Villas, Safari Tents, Camp Kitchen, BBQ Areas, Laundry, Playground, Recreation Room, Half-Court Basketball/Tennis, Dump Point.
- Essentials to Bring: Beach towels, sunscreen, walking shoes for Tomaree Mountain, snorkeling gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, on powered sites only during off-peak times (Blackout periods apply during school holidays/long weekends). Strictly no pets in cabins.
- Fishing: Beach fishing directly opposite; boat ramp nearby at serene Shoal Bay.
- Short Walks: Tomaree Head Summit Walk (start is 800m away); Shoal Bay Foreshore walk.
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- Shoal Bay Country Club – 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.1 km)
Iconic waterfront venue with multiple bars, live music, and dining. Next door to the park. - Seabreeze Hotel – 1 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 3.5 km)
Family-friendly hotel with a relaxed atmosphere in nearby Nelson Bay.
Places to Eat
- Atmos – 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.1 km)
Greek restaurant located within the Country Club, offering shared plates and cocktails. - Zenith Beach Cafe – 7 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.2 km)
Great spot for breakfast and coffee with ocean views. - Mermaids Cafe – 35 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.1 km)
Casual dining right on the water’s edge.
Local Attractions
- Tomaree Head Summit Walk – Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.8 km)
Steep hike rewarding you with spectacular 360-degree views of Port Stephens. - Fingal Bay Spit – Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 3.0 km)
Sand spit connecting the mainland to Shark Island (cross only at low tide). - Gan Gan Lookout – Lily Hill Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 4.0 km)
Accessible lookout offering sweeping views of the entire peninsula.
Alternate Caravan Parks
- Halifax Holiday Park – 5 Beach Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 2.0 km)
Located on Little Beach, closer to Nelson Bay town centre. - Fingal Bay Holiday Park – 52 Marine Dr, Fingal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 3.0 km)
Large family park located just around the headland.
Alternate Free Camps
- Twelve Mile Hill Rest Area – Pacific Hwy, Balickera NSW 2324 (Approx. 45 km)
Nearest legal free roadside rest area. Illegal camping is heavily fined in Port Stephens. - Tattersalls Campground – Karuah National Park (Approx. 50 km)
National Parks campground (booking fees apply) inland from the coast.
Alternate Dump Points
- Ron Hill Oval Dump Point – 100 Sandy Point Rd, Corlette NSW 2315 (Approx. 7.0 km)
Public dump point located at the sports fields. - Halifax Holiday Park – 5 Beach Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 2.0 km)
Dump point available for park patrons (check for public access).
Nearest Petrol Station
- Shell Nelson Bay – 23 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 3.0 km)
Full service station with convenience store. - Ampol Nelson Bay – 40 Stockton St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 3.1 km)
Located on the main road into Nelson Bay.
Alternate Drinking Water Resupply
- Neil Carroll Park – Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 1.0 km)
Public park with BBQ facilities and taps.
Alternate Public Toilets
- Shoal Bay Boat Ramp Amenities – Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.3 km)
Public toilets located near the boat ramp and jetty. - Tomaree Headland Carpark – Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315 (Approx. 0.9 km)
Toilets available at the base of the summit walk.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Shoal Bay Holiday Park
Shoal Bay enjoys a mild maritime climate, making it a year-round destination.
| Season | Months | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Dec – Feb | 25°C – 28°C | 18°C – 20°C | Warm and humid. Perfect for swimming and water sports. |
| Autumn | Mar – May | 20°C – 24°C | 12°C – 16°C | Mild and clear. ideal for hiking Tomaree Headland. |
| Winter | Jun – Aug | 16°C – 18°C | 8°C – 10°C | Cool nights but sunny days. Great for whale watching (migration season). |
| Spring | Sep – Nov | 20°C – 24°C | 12°C – 15°C | Warming up with blooming wildflowers on the coastal walks. |