Shoal Bay would undoubtedly be one of the prettiest coastal towns Australia has to offer on the east coast. Shoal Bay is unique as it offers 3 surf beaches: Box Beach, Wreck Beach and Zenith Beach (all unpatrolled) as well as the calm waters of BIG beach which runs from the Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands to Nelson Head, Little Beach. Renowned for its fishing heritage Shoal Bay is the home of the Port Stephens and Newcastle Game Fishing Club which hosts the annual Game Fishing Tournament in February each year. The Shoal Bay wharf is no longer used for the game fishing weigh-ins but is still a great place to throw a line with the kids. There is a 2 lane all tide boat ramp with trailer parking for your vessels which is located at the Zenith Beach end of Shoal Bay. Enjoy a great day splashing around in the crystal clear waters, lying on the white sandy beaches and a BBQ picnic with friends and family, you won’t want to leave!
There is a range of activities to choose from when you stay in Shoal Bay including: paddle boat rides, sea kayaking, fishing, surfing, fine dining, bike hire and tennis not too mention the infamous walk to the top of Tomaree Headland past the gun emplacement used in defence against the Japanese during WW2. There are several offshore islands namely; Boondelbah, Cabbage Tree Island (the only island with a rainforest ecosystem in Southern Australia) and further north is Broughton Island which offers an abundance of flora and native wildlife. There are cruise boat tours to these destinations which depart from Nelson Bay daily, book through Winning Holidays. There is a grassed area that runs along the foreshore that offers picnic tables, BBQ and toilet facilities not to mention 2 cycleways for safe riding to either Fingal Bay or Nelson Bay.
Established over 50 years ago, the Shoal Bay Country Club Hotel is still available for a quiet ale or visit the Port Stephens and Newcastle Game Fishing Club to see the game fishing memorabilia and history of the area.
Once in Shoal Bay you will find everything you will need for a comfortable stay including; IGA Shopping Centre, newsagent, bakery, hairdresser, café, chemist, public phone, bus stop, ATM, bike hire and some of the finest restaurants in the area ranging from seafood, to Italian, bistro meals and the famous Promenade Buffet. The Shoal Bay Aqua Spa encompasses 3 thalassotherapy spa pools, 9 treatment rooms, 3 aqua therapy rooms, a relaxation room, 25m heated lap pool and a cardio fitness centre (must be over 16 years).
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