Originally from Sydney, my husband and I spent many a weekend with our 2 children on Boat Harbour beach and exploring Port Stephens. It is one of the worlds almost hidden secrets places with so many natural wonders. We now live on the Gold Coast hinterland on acreage which we are creating into a sustainable permaculture site. Being over 1000 kms away we regrettably only visit occasionally.

The Outlook on the Beach is our special 'beach getaway'. Boat Harbour is a hidden oasis with a beautiful protected beach, wonderful fishing spots that the locals know about, beautiful bays to explore and a rugged, rocky headland that protects Boat Harbour from the ocean beyond. It is a great place for young kids to play on the beach and explore. And for those a little older to just get away from it all. One Mile Retreat is built on the top of One Mile Ridge and has the most spectacular coastal views all the way to Final Bay lighthouse. Taking in the stunning view from the deck after a day on One Mile Beach (a short bush track leads to the beach from behind the house) one is transformed to an entirely different space.

Boat Harbour is also a place you can launch your boat, jetski or kayak and go exploring the bays and coastline. It is also known for snorkelling in the shallow waters and scuba diving. One Mile Beach and Birubi beach are both patrolled beaches, both very different and both worth visiting. Stockton Beach is a spectacular sand dune that stretches for 30 kms all the way to Stockton, just north of Newcastle. One of our favourite places to sit is the Birubi Blu cafe/restaurant which has the most spectacular view down Stockton beach. The sunsets are second to none as you look down the coastline which travels towards the west. Bush walks, goannas, koalas, fish, dolphins and whales plus much more abounds. We love the dolphin and whale watching tours and especially scuba diving trips to Broughton Island where the sea life is magnificent. Learning to surf on One Mile Beach is special. The surf lifesaving hut is one of the most unique. The Marina at Nelson Bay is alive day and night and offers a wide selection of places to eat. The walk to the top of Tomaree Peninsular is well worth it. First stop should be Nelson Bay Visitors information centre to know everything that is on offer.