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Beaches, sand dunes, sea life, national parks and dining have seen the NSW coastal destination of Port Stephens named Wotif’s 2025 ‘Aussie Town of the Year’.   

The Wotif travel app reported an over 75% increase in accommodation searches for Port Stephens during 2024.   

The accolade for Port Stephens follows the region taking out four silver medals at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards, with Moonshadow - TQC Cruises winning Silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operators category, 4WD Tours R Us winning Silver in the Transport Operator category and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary winning Silver in the Tourism Attraction category.  

The Poyer’s Restaurant at Lemon Tree Passage also took out Seafood Restaurant of the Year at Sydney Fish Market’s 2024 Seafood Excellence Awards.

The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows Port Stephens welcomed 800,000 domestic overnight visitors in the year ending September 2024, up 2.4% year on year. Visitor expenditure in Port Stephens surged 11.5% year on year to $700 million.

There were 27,500 international visitors to Port Stephens during the period, who spent $13.4 million.

Thousands of people will flock to the region from 31st March to 4th May 2025 for Sail Port Stephens, which is supported by Destination NSW and is expected to generate more than $2 million in visitor expenditure. 

Visitation to Port Stephens is set to surge following Newcastle Airport’s international terminal opening on 1st August 2025. Destination NSW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Newcastle Airport in September 2024, which includes airline incentives for two years from when new routes commence and strategic marketing assistance.  

NSW Minister for Tourism John Graham noted “Port Stephens is home to the world-class experiences that are key to future growth in the NSW visitor economy. From its natural beauty to its heritage, culture and fine dining, the destination encapsulates the authenticity and adventure that visitors are seeking.    

“The next decade of growth in the visitor economy will be underpinned by infrastructure milestones such as the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport, which is located just minutes from Port Stephens and will put this spectacular region on the runway to even greater success.”  

Nelson Bay-based Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and 17 other NSW visitor economy businesses will join a Destination NSW trade mission to the United States next month to leverage surging visitation to the region from one of the world’s biggest tourism markets.  

The North America Roadshow will take place from 9th-13th March 2025 and will include full-day workshops and networking events in Los Angeles and New York City with wholesalers, product managers and retail travel advisors.  

The initiative will provide NSW visitor economy businesses with the opportunity to engage directly with influential travel buyers and strengthen consideration of NSW experiences and destinations on itineraries.  

Kingscliff and Yamba also secured spots in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year top 10, putting regional NSW front of mind with travellers across Australia and around the globe.  

Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones advised “with three NSW towns featured in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year awards – more than any other state – this recognition highlights regional NSW as the premier destination for Australian travellers.  

“From Port Stephens’ beautiful beaches and marine adventures to Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm and Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers an unrivalled mix of experiences that continue to captivate visitors year after year.    

“Thank you to the hard-working visitor experience operators in these winning towns and throughout the state for delivering the superior customer service and unforgettable moments that make a holiday in NSW so exceptional.” 

New research from Wotif also reveals that 78% of Australians plan to travel domestically this year, a 9% increase from last year. 

Learn more about the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards here.

Image top. Tomaree Head Summit Walk Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW; Image below:Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary One Mile Credit: Destination NSW 

Related Articles

27th February 2025 - Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary welcomes European cruise ship passengers

5th September 2023 - $6.7 million Tomaree Coastal Walk to enhance Port Stephens tourism opportunities

25th July 2023 - Inclusion, accessibility, safety and resilience prioritised for Port Stephens community

2nd June 2023 - Port Stephens Aquatic Centres to undergo essential winter maintenance

11th May 2023 - SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium collaborates in first Port Stephens’ seahorse ocean release

15th September 2021 - Port Stephens secures government funding for sport complex upgrades

5th August 2021 - Port Stephens Council saves 71 Olympic swimming pools of water in one year

16th July 2021 - New café and upgrades underway at Port Stephens’ Lakeside Leisure Centre

7th January 2021 - Port Stephens Council announces plan for Australia Day pool parties

10th January 2017 - Port Stephens attraction opens new aquatic playground

20th May 2016 - New Manager appointed at Port Stephens resort

4th September 2015 - Belgravia Leisure to manage Port Stephens aquatic facilities

18th August 2014 - Port Stephens to welcome Australian Regional Tourism Convention

12th June 2014 - Port Stephens aims to double visitor revenue by 2020

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