Winter here in Port Stephens is pure magic. Crisp air, hot chocolates by the water, and spectacular humpback whale migrations. Join us for a 10-day celebration of community, food, and family-friendly fun. Dive into our interactive guide below to plan your perfect winter escape!
Festival Highlights
Family Fun Night
Live music, roving entertainment, and an incredible community atmosphere down by the Nelson Bay foreshore.
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Winter Family Fishing Competition
Proudly hosted by Bronze Sponsor Nelson Bay Boat Hire & Watersports! Meet on Nelson Bay Beach for a briefing before heading out. Compete for the Biggest Fish, Most Fish Caught, Most Unusual Catch, and Youngest Angler. Prizes include bait, tackle & fishing gear! Spots are limited.
Book Your BoatPort Stephens Car Show
Epic classic cars plus a LIVE air show and meet & greet with Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall!
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Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt
Port Stephens Council & Newy With Kids present a free scavenger hunt! Collect your activity form from the Visitor Information Centre (or download it online), explore the area, and solve the mystery phrase for a certificate of completion.
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Historical Cruise with John 'Stinker' Clarke
A 2-hour meander across the bay on the MV Tea Gardens. Hear fascinating tales of the local lobster industry, Worimi culture, and suburb histories from a true local legend. Includes morning tea. Bookings essential.
Book Historical Cruise
High Tea at Essence Cafe
Pause and indulge in the heart of Nelson Bay. Enjoy a relaxed, elegant high tea experience featuring a curated selection of sweet and savoury treats, perfectly paired with tea and coffee. Bookings essential.
Book High Tea
High Tea at Saltwater Fingal Bay
Celebrate winter by the coast! Enjoy a refined selection of sweet and savoury delights showcasing fresh local flavours with Saltwater's signature coastal flair. Bookings essential.
Book High Tea
Sunset Cruise
Grab brilliant family photos and wind down your evening with a relaxing Sunset Cruise on the beautiful waters of the bay.
Book Sunset CruiseThe Human Whale
Join hundreds of locals on the sand at Fingal Bay Beach to physically form the shape of a giant humpback whale. A massive free community event to close out the festival!
Learn MoreThe Taster's Trails
A progressive dining adventure around Nelson Bay. Enjoy an appetiser, entree, main, and dessert (with a complimentary drink at every stop). Tickets on sale 22/4/26!
Purple Trail | Friday 10th July [SOLD OUT]
- Appetiser Nigronis Restaurant
- Entree The Only Place Indian
- Main Sandpiper's Restaurant
- Dessert Essence Cafe
- Last Venue Seabreeze Hotel
Orange Trail | Friday 10th July
- Appetiser Hogs Breath Nelson Bay
- Entree Sunan 9 Thai Restaurant
- Main Jumbo Palace Chinese
- Dessert & Last Venue Mavericks on the Bay
Blue Trail | Friday 17th July [SOLD OUT]
- Appetiser Sirena Seaside
- Entree The Wood Oven
- Main Sandpiper's Restaurant
- Dessert Hawker's Inn
- Last Venue Seabreeze Hotel
Red Trail | Friday 17th July [SOLD OUT]
- Appetiser Good Kravings
- Entree The Buoys at the Bay
- Main Cafe KIN
- Dessert & Last Venue Sirena Seaside
Yellow Trail | Saturday 18th July [SOLD OUT]
- Appetiser Mod Thai Nelson Bay
- Entree Good Kravings
- Main Sandpiper's Restaurant
- Dessert & Last Venue Mavericks on the Bay
Green Trail | Saturday 18th July [SOLD OUT]
- Appetiser Game Fishing Club
- Entree Gianni's Restaurant
- Main Zenith Cafe
- Dessert & Last Venue Scoop & Roll
