Nelson Bay was in the middle of our first big Australia journey. After soaking up the raw beauty of South Australia and falling in love with Victoria’s coastline, we crossed into New South Wales. Funny enough, Nelson Bay wasn’t even part of our original plan. But then we found a cozy Airbnb that looked too good to skip – and we ended up staying for three nights. That spontaneous stop turned into one of our favorite moments of the trip. The area completely blew us away with its mix of wild nature, calm beaches, and that small-town coastal charm.
That spontaneous stop turned into one of our favorite moments of the trip. Just a few hours north of Sydney, Nelson Bay felt like a whole different world – peaceful, laid-back, and full of natural beauty. The area completely blew us away with its mix of wild nature, calm beaches, and that small-town coastal charm. It was the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying.
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Quick Peek
For our busy travelers, here is the Fact-sheet about our Nelson Bay adventure in NSW.
Travel Time
November
Travel Mode
Weekend Getaway
Our Must-Sees
Anna Bay, Fingal Beach
Where to stay
The Loft Corlette
Plant-Based Food
Mainly self-catering
Mobility
Rental car
Travel Budget
€1.310 / 2.270AUD
without air fare
Must-See Spots in Nelson Bay You’ll Regret Skipping
Anna Bay at Sunrise – A Beach You Can Drive On
We visited Anna Bay early in the morning and caught the first soft light just after sunrise. You can drive your car directly onto the beach here – something we already tried back in South Australia at Sellicks Beach, and were keen to do again. The beach is wide, open, and stretches along the edge of the Stockton Sand Dunes, giving it a raw, more rugged feel. The kids had plenty of space to run around while we enjoyed the quiet, open view. It’s quite a contrast to the more classic east coast beaches – and worth a stop if you’re nearby.
Fingal Beach – The Instagrammable Dream Spot
Fingal Beach was one of the more scenic stops during our time in Nelson Bay. The water was very clear, and the beach itself had that classic white sand look. It’s a great place for photos – especially if you enjoy a good coastal shot. There’s a small headland that adds some drama to the background, and it’s not overly crowded, at least when we went. We spent a quiet afternoon here, just walking and enjoying the view.
Zenith Beach – Short Walk, Big Wow
Zenith Beach is just a short walk from the car park, but once you reach the sand, the view really opens up. The beach sits between two steep headlands, which gives it a dramatic and almost untouched feel. When we visited, there were maybe five other people around – it was incredibly quiet and peaceful. No crowds, no noise – just the sound of the waves and a lot of space to breathe. The water was too rough for swimming, but for a calm break with a beautiful backdrop, this was one of the most relaxing spots on our trip.
Our Nelson Bay Airbnb Review: What We Loved About Our Stay
We didn’t plan on stopping in Nelson Bay, but when we came across this Airbnb, we couldn’t resist – and it turned out to be one of our top ten stays so far. The place is called The Loft Corlette, and honestly, it felt like our own little slice of calm. We had way more space than we needed, which was perfect for spreading out after days on the road.
The kitchen was a dream – super modern, spotless, and equipped with everything you could possibly need. There was a private balcony where we had our morning coffee, a garden for the kids to play in, and even free bikes we could use to explore the area. Everything was designed with comfort in mind, and it all felt very well taken care of. We’ve noticed that prices seem to have gone up recently, so depending on when you travel, it might be more expensive now. But with a bit of luck and the right timing, it’s absolutely worth checking for availability. For us, this stay made our time in Nelson Bay even more special – and we’d go back in a heartbeat.
Where to Eat Plant-Based in Nelson Bay
As we already mentioned, The Loft Corlette had everything we dreamed of – so we honestly loved staying in and cooking at home. The space was so inviting, we often found ourselves just wanting to enjoy slow evenings in the kitchen or breakfast on the balcony. For groceries, Woolworths Nelson Bay became our go-to. It had a solid range of plant-based products, and it was just a short drive from where we stayed. Super convenient for stocking up without overthinking meals.
When we did feel like eating out, we found a few nice options nearby. Just five minutes from Woolies is Authentic Thai Restaurant, which offered several vegan-friendly dishes. The portions were good, the food was fresh, and the prices were really fair – definitely one of those simple local gems.
For breakfast or a snack out, we can recommend The Little Nel. It’s located right at the front of a hotel in town, has a really lovely vibe, and serves up fresh, beautifully presented dishes with plant-based options. A good spot if you’re after a slow morning coffee and something light before heading to the beach or going exploring.
Is Nelson Bay Expensive? Our Cost Breakdown
Accomodation
AirBnb Port Loft Corlette 3nights = €750
Food & Dining
Mainly self-catering €120
Mobility
Rental Car (Toyota Prado) €120 per day = €360
Petrol & Parking €80
Activities
all for free
Total Spent
€1.310 / 2.270AUD
Planning a Trip to Nelson Bay? Read This First
Yes, 100%. Some of the best spots (like Anna Bay or Zenith Beach) aren’t easily walkable from the town center. You’ll also want the flexibility to explore nearby areas like Shoal Bay or Fingal Bay. Parking was easy pretty much everywhere we went.
We went during the Australian spring, and while it was warm, it wasn’t unbearably hot thanks to the sea breeze. That said, we believe pricing and availability – especially for Airbnbs – can change a lot depending on school holidays. Try to aim for shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) if you want to avoid crowds and higher prices.
It’s about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive north of Sydney, depending on traffic. That makes it doable as a long weekend escape, or a stop on a longer NSW road trip like ours.
Not really – but at popular spots like Fingal Bay or Shoal Bay, the parking lots can fill up late morning, especially on weekends. We learned to go early or park a bit further out and enjoy a short walk in.
Some spots like Tomaree Head or near the marina fall under drone-restricted zones. We used the “OpenSky” app to check before flying — very helpful to avoid any trouble.
In the early morning or around sunset, we saw kangaroos just outside the residential areas near Corlette. They were right on the grassy fields — so no need to go far or to a park.
Head up to the Gan Gan Lookout. It’s a short drive and not too busy. From there, you’ll get panoramic views over the bay, the dunes, and even out to the islands. Totally worth it on a clear evening.
Yes – several beaches have small playgrounds right next to the sand. We especially liked the one near Little Beach Reserve – good for a quick play stop without needing to move the car.
Check for the Nelson Bay Legacy Markets – they run on certain weekends near the marina and are great for picking up local crafts, snacks, and just wandering around.
Check out Wreck Beach near Shoal Bay – it’s a short walk through the bush and a bit of a hidden gem. No facilities, but it’s quiet, raw, and feels far away from the more polished spots.s.
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