It doesn’t have to be the weekend to make the most of Port Stephens. A Monday-to- Thursday visit will still see you greeted by white sandy beaches, an expansive national park and piles of fresh seafood. Just north of Newcastle and less than a three-hour drive from Sydney, expect nature watching, outdoor adventure activities and plenty of time on the beach.

If you only have a day or two to spend in Port Stephens, we’ve put together a guide with everything you’ll want to knock off, including places to eat, drink and stay, as well as things to do.

STAY

The Anchorage Port Stephens, Corlette
Capturing the spirit of seaside retreats in The Hamptons, The Anchorage showcases the best of what Port Stephens has to offer. The resort is set against the beaches of Corlette, with luxury seaside accommodation and a long list of natural treatments available at the in-house Spa Lucca. A variety of packages are available, and a wide range of room options makes The Anchorage as appealing for families as it is for couples. It’s the kind of retreat you’ll love coming home to at the end of the day, no matter what activities you have planned.

EAT

The Galley Kitchen, Corlette
The house restaurant at The Anchorage, The Galley Kitchen specialises in local and seasonal produce, with a particular focus on seafood. The signature seafood platter – available for one person or to share between two – is a stacked feast of scallops, king prawns, salmon, oysters, Moreton Bay bugs and Cajun-style blackened fish fillets. Beyond that, The Galley Kitchen also offers steaks, salads and fresh sashimi platters. The lunch menu features burgers and a range of pizzas that include pork belly and roasted veggies, among other toppings. There’s also a high tea available, with bottomless bubbles, and a signature sparkling wine buffet breakfast available for Anchorage guests.

Atmos, Shoal Bay
This beautifully appointed Greek spot is located within the Shoal Bay Country Club and has plenty of outdoor and window seating overlooking the bay. The share-plate-focused menu showcases classic Greek dishes such as whole-baked snapper, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and the paella-esque kritharaki with squid, prawn and mussels. There are also set menus available for groups of four or larger. For drinks, a handful of Greek wines sit next to a diverse list of Aussie vino, and the cocktail list features Greek takes on the Martini and Margarita.

DRINK

Moby’s Bar, Corlette
Inspired by the classic nautical saga Moby Dick, The Anchorage’s in-house bar is a cosy spot decked out in blue VJ-board walls, and sumptuous leather couches and club chairs. The bar features a lively cross-section of wine, cocktails, craft beers and spirits, with a small selection of snacks including freshly shucked oysters, house-cured salami and other grazing plates. Still, whisky is the biggest drawcard here, with several dozen Scotches opening the door to assorted treasures spanning the globe – from Japanese single malts all the way to American ryes. There’s also a daily happy hour (4pm to 6pm), making Moby’s a good pitstop before you head off to explore the town.

Murray’s Beer Garden, Bobs Farm
As you head towards The Anchorage, make a stop at Murray’s Beer Garden, part of the B Farm by Murray's in Bobs Farm. It’s where you’ll want to stop for a laidback afternoon with weekend music sessions on offer. Take a seat on the deck and order some woodfire pizza or smokehouse barbeque for some fuel before continuing your drive. For the non-drivers, there’s an extensive drinks menu ranging from easy-drinking lagers and ales to more adventurous drops such as a tropical hazy IPA and a new world IPA bursting with fruity layers.

DO

Blue Water Sailing tours
Explore a day on the water with a range of luxury yacht tours from local company Blue Water. The trips leave directly from The Anchorage’s marina in Corlette. Options include whale-watching, and a four-hour lunch package complete with swimming, snorkelling and a fresh seafood platter. You can also opt for a sunset sail along the port, or learn how to sail the yacht yourself. Whatever you choose, you’ll be bowled over by the landscape, from sandy beaches and mangrove clusters to scattered islands and dunes.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
Nestled in the nearby suburb of One Mile, this preservation-minded sanctuary is a joint initiative between the local council and Port Stephens Koala Hospital that offers care for koalas in need. Visitors get to observe the koalas up close as they munch on gum leaves and nap between climbs. There’s also an educational story walk, a viewing window for the on-site koala hospital and an elevated treetop platform that overlooks the cuddly creatures. It’s a rewarding way to support these fragile Aussie icons.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with The Anchorage Port Stephens.