Shoal Bay Holiday Park is widely recognised as one of the most idyllic holiday destinations on the New South Wales coast. Located directly opposite the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Shoal Bay Beach, this award-winning park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. It serves as the ideal base for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Port Stephens region, famous for its dolphin watching, sand dunes, and spectacular coastal walks.
The park caters to all styles of travel with a diverse range of accommodation options. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the safari tents and self-contained villas provide a comfortable “glamping” experience with all the mod-cons. Caravanners and campers are well looked after with spacious powered and unpowered sites, many of which are set amongst shady trees or grassy areas. The park’s layout is designed to maximise the relaxed coastal atmosphere, ensuring you are never far from the sound of the ocean.
Facilities at Shoal Bay Holiday Park are top-tier. Guests have access to a modern camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and clean amenities blocks. For recreation, there is a tennis court, basketball court, and a playground for the kids. One of the biggest drawcards is the park’s proximity to the Shoal Bay Country Club and the village precinct, which are just a short stroll away. Here you can enjoy fine dining, casual cafes, and boutique shopping without ever needing to start your car.
Whether you are hiking the Tomaree Head Summit for breathtaking panoramic views, hiring a paddleboard to explore the bay, or simply relaxing on the beach, Shoal Bay Holiday Park puts you right in the centre of the action. It is a place where holiday memories are made, offering a safe, friendly, and stunningly beautiful environment for your next coastal getaway.
Shoal Bay Holiday Park – NSW Location Map
Park Information
- Name: Shoal Bay Holiday Park
- Address: 71 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay NSW 2315, Australia
- Phone: +61 2 4988 0990
- Website: www.beachsideholidays.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -32.71995, 152.17117
Park Location (Satellite View)
Site Information
- Location: Directly opposite Shoal Bay Beach and within walking distance to the Shoal Bay Country Club and village shops.
- Site Suitable For: Large caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, fifth-wheelers, and tents.
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access via Shoal Bay Road. Internal roads are paved and easy to navigate.
- Site Surface: A mix of grass and concrete slab sites.
Available Facilities
- Camp Kitchen
- BBQ Facilities
- Amenities Blocks (Toilets & Showers)
- Laundry Facilities
- Tennis Court
- Basketball Court
- Children’s Playground
- Recreation Room / Games Room
- Dump Point
- Kiosk / Reception
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safari Tents & Cabins
Essentials to Bring
- Drinking-water-safe hose for connecting to site water.
- 15A rated power lead for powered sites.
- Levelling blocks (some grassy sites may require minor levelling).
- Ground mat for under awning (breathable mats preferred on grass).
- Beach gear: Towels, swimmers, umbrella, and sunscreen.
- Bicycles: Great bike paths lead into Nelson Bay and Fingal Bay.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Conditional. Pets are permitted on sites only (caravans/tents) outside of peak holiday periods. Pets are not permitted in cabins or safari tents. You must seek prior approval from management before arrival.
- Fishing: Excellent. Shoal Bay Beach is great for whiting and bream. The nearby Shoal Bay Jetty is a popular spot for squid and fish. Boat ramps are available nearby for offshore fishing.
- Short Walks: The Tomaree Head Summit Walk (access approx. 1km away) offers arguably the best coastal views in NSW. The Wreck Beach walk is also nearby.
Local Amenities (Shoal Bay & Port Stephens)
Local Pubs
- Shoal Bay Country Club: (Shoal Bay Rd) Approx. 200m – Iconic venue with multiple bars and views.
- Seabreeze Hotel: (Stockton St, Nelson Bay) Approx. 3.5km West.
- Salamander Hotel: (Salamander Way) Approx. 8km West.
Places to Eat
- Shoal Bay Country Club (The Kitchen/Patio): (Shoal Bay Rd) Approx. 200m.
- Mermaids Cafe: (Shoal Bay Rd) Approx. 200m – Great breakfast and coffee.
- Atmos: (Shoal Bay Rd) Approx. 200m – Greek cuisine.
- Shoal Bay Diner: (Government Rd) Approx. 500m.
Local Attractions
- Shoal Bay Beach: Opposite the park – Swimming, paddleboarding.
- Tomaree Head Summit Walk: Approx. 1.5km East – Must-do hike for views.
- Fingal Bay Spit: Approx. 3km South (accessible via walking track or road).
- Gan Gan Lookout: Approx. 5km West – Highest point in Port Stephens.
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary: (One Mile) Approx. 10km South.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Halifax Holiday Park: (Nelson Bay) Approx. 2km West.
- Fingal Bay Holiday Park: (Fingal Bay) Approx. 3km South.
Nearest Free Camps
- Note: Free camping is heavily restricted in Port Stephens. Rangers patrol regularly.
- Twelve Mile Creek Rest Area: (Pacific Hwy) Approx. 45km West (Roadside rest area).
- Tattersalls Campground (National Park): (Karuah) Approx. 55km West (Booking fees apply).
Nearest Dump Points
- On-site at Shoal Bay Holiday Park: Available for guests.
- Halifax Holiday Park: (Nelson Bay) Approx. 2km West (Check access/fees).
- Raymond Terrace Public Dump Point: (Adelaide St) Approx. 45km West.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Shell Coles Express Nelson Bay: (Stockton St) Approx. 3.5km West.
- Woolworths Petrol (Caltex) Nelson Bay: (Donald St) Approx. 3.5km West.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site at Shoal Bay Holiday Park: Taps at sites.
- Shoal Bay Foreshore: Public bubblers/taps along the reserve.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Shoal Bay Foreshore Reserve: Directly opposite the park.
- Tomaree Headland Base: Approx. 1.2km East.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Shoal Bay
- Summer (December – February): Warm and humid. Average highs 25°C – 28°C. Perfect beach weather. Bookings essential.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and pleasant. Warm days (20°C – 24°C) and cooler nights. Great for hiking Tomaree Head.
- Winter (June – August): Cool but mild. Average highs 16°C – 18°C. Nights can be chilly (8°C – 10°C). Good for whale watching.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up. Highs 20°C – 25°C. Wildflowers in the National Park are spectacular.