Dutchmans Beach, situated around the headland from Nelson Bay, is just one of the countless stunning bays in beaches in Port Stephens. The beach at Dutchmans, or “Dutchies” as the residents name it, is frequented all year, with visitors and locals swimming in the pristine sea, families cooking out near the park, and travelers enjoying the coastal walkway behind the beach.

Each summer, the little bay is flanked by a colorful display of beach umbrellas, providing tourists to dodge the sun and spend the entire day in this exquisite wonderland.

Dutchmans Beach Port Stephens

If you want to go swimming, go on at low tide when there is more sand towards the back of the beach; however, there will still be a stretch of white sand at the Nelson Bay end of the beach, even at high tide.

Swim or SUP in the deep blue water, which has shallow bottoms that are easy to paddle in and suitable for children to soak in. If you want to get above the sea, rent a SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) at Port Stephens Surf School for around $30 an hour and float around the flat waters while enjoying the scenery.

Where to Eat

Relax for a while with a BBQ or picnic at any of the tables in reserve behind the beach. The electric BBQs are free and accessible and are hugely popular with large crowds and families holding kids’ birthday parties due to the large number of shady, grassy spots to play around in and a lively playground.

Where to play

Experience the playground at Dutchmans Beach Reserve, accessible by vehicle from Burbong Street and is stationed at the far end of the beach. There are several car parking spaces near the playground, but you may have to park farther away and walk back if it is too congested.

This playground comprises three slides, a pair of swings, spinning gear, and a metal “flying fox” to hold on to from one side to the other, which visitors can appreciate. There are also plenty of benches and sandstone blocks around the park’s perimeter for caretakers to rest and admire the view.

Suppose you feel like wandering aimlessly on foot after your meal or swim, head to Nelson Bay or Bagnalls Beach. Behind Dutchmans Beach is a coastal route that extends from Nelson Bay to Bagnalls Beach.

If you have kids who want to ride their bicycles or scooters, or if you want to explore the other bays in the vicinity, this path is perfect. If you’re looking for a quick walk, take the route past the playground to Bagnalls Beach and feel refreshed by the swans eating on the seagrass meadow beneath the ocean.

Where to Stay

You may want to spend the night at the 5-star Amarna Luxury Beach Resort and loosen up by the pool, which overlooks Dutchmans Beach. The viewpoints from the leaf-shaped loungers at this boutique facility are phenomenal, and guests could fully immerse themselves in the Port Stephens style of living.

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