[qak]

We are going to Nelson Bay in the holidays and I would like some recommendations about what to do/see etc.

We would be very interested in doing a dolphin watch cruise so if anyone can recommend some that would be great. I have seen one which is pretty widely promoted but there may be others.

We have 2 kids aged 4.5 and 6 so activities have to be able to be done by them

[Autumnal]

There are heaps of beaches as you probably know but with such young children stick to the bays as they have no waves.

You could go on camel rides. Bush walking. If the kids are up to it walk up mt Tomaree - the view is AMAZING.

There is always bowling, the local pool, markets on the weekends, movies, go karts, shell museum, toboggin hill park (indoor roack climbing ïce skating, toboggin run, ) shark and ray centre, fighter world, nelson bay light house - tea rooms, oakvale farm and fauna world and dizzy land.

I recommend Soilders Point Bowling club for a feed. There is an outdoor play area for the kids (shaded).

[Carnival kid]

quk pretty much summed it up.

90% of people go for the BEACH BEACH and more BEACH people get their spot early and make a full day of picnics, swimming and sand fun.


I have been over christmas every year for about 8 years now due to work. It is a ver ylaid back and relaxed place. Most people stay up late and sleep in later.

There are heaps of small surrounding towns to explore and it is geared to tourists so there are some special things around.

There is a tourist information centre right in the centre of town which is really useful.

Where exactly are you staying??

[qak]

We are staying at the Mantra Aqua - a bit nervous, the reviews are 'mixed'. I gather it is a bit of a walk to the beach though, so I am not sure what the parking situation close to the beach will be.

Carnival kid - we will be there for public holidays, not expecting anything on Christmas Day, but will anything be open on Boxing Day?

Any suggestions for dolphin cruises? I have seen Moonshadow cruises which looks very nice but just checking?

Is there a fishermans wharf there with good fish & chips?

[Carnival kid]

i cannot give opinion on your accomodation but it is pretty far away from the beach. not in walking distance.

Parking is very busy near the beaches/bays and alot of it now is paid parking.

Alot of things are still open on public holidays because it is so touristy. Small clothes shops etc no but resteraunts and food shops most yes.

Moonshadow have the nicest looking boats and are great to go out with. I have not heard bad reports about any of them actually.

There are some good fish and chips but we like the one at shoal bay best. just a 10 minute drive away. It is up a side street just off the beach. Really good pizza/pasta resteraunts in shoal bay as well.

There is a great carnival in a park in nelson bay each night which is great fun for the kids

[*Lena*]

I am planning a nelsons bay holiday and found this site. Its Port stephens but close enough. http://www.bookportstephensaccommodation.com.au/things-to-do

[mards]

Best beach bar none is FINGAL Bay - it is a drive from your hotel - We have stayed at the Mantra - it is really nice.. you can walk into town which is good -but not to the beaches.