Beach Archives - Destination's Journey

20 February 20248 February 2024

Anchorage Marina Port Stephens

Located at Corlette in Port Stephens NSW Australia the Anchorage Marina and its associated luxury hotel overlook the beautiful Karuah River while only being a short walk or drive to Nelson Bay.

We stopped here to look at the sculptures on display and see the views over the river.

Public parking is available next to the hotel and adjacent to a playground. If you have young children this is a great place to let them burn off some energy after a car ride.

Although access to the hotel is restricted to guests, the water front and break walls are open to the public.

The first sculpture is an amazing sail fish, which is next to the playground. Scattered along the marina five sculptures by Gillie and Marc, featuring their Rabbit Woman and Dog Man can be found. Two are interactive, allowing you to sit on the bike or bench for a photo.

People were fishing on both break walls during our visit and seemed to be doing well. Several young families were enjoying themselves on Corlette Beach which is next to the marina.

This was a quick stop for us to see the artwork, but families could make a day of it fishing and relaxing on the beach.

Looking over the Karuah River Anchorage Marina Port Stephens — Boats in the marina

Sailfish sculpture Anchorage Marina Port Stephens — Sailfish sculpture

Tandem Lovers by Gillie and Marc — Sailfish sculpture

Children's playground — Children’s playground

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

8 February 202430 January 2024

Gan Gan Lookout Port Stephens

View towards the Stockton Sand Dunes Gan Gan Lookout

Gan Gan Lookout Port Stephens

Located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Gan Gan Lookout gives amazing views over Nelson Bay, Tomaree National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. There are also great views over the Katich River and out to both Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.

Getting there is only a five- minute drive from Nelson Bay where a narrow track takes you to the lookout. At the top of the track, is a small car park. To the right of the car park, a small viewing platform gives views towards Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are visible in the distance surrounded by Australian coastal forest.

To the left of the car park, a track leads to the main viewing area with excellent views over the surrounding area. Binoculars mounted at both platforms (which need to be paid for to use), let you get a better view of distant objects.

Because of its elevation, several large communication towers are also here. Although not most people’s idea of an attraction, there are still interesting because of the numerous transmitters and receivers covering them.

Looking towards Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

4 January 202423 December 2023

Oatley Park and Castle Australia

Oatley Park, Sydney Australia

Overlooking the Georges River, Oatley Park is a sprawling 112-acre reserve offering activities from swimming and walking to picnics and a children’s playground.

Dating back to the early European settlement of Australia the land was granted to Thomas Oatley in 1831, who established an extensive vineyard and orchard. However, it wasn’t until 1887 that the area was dedicated for public recreation, and transformed into a park.

The Great Depression, from 1929 to 1939, left a significant mark on Oatley Park. To provide relief and employment during this challenging period, the NSW Government undertook several projects, including the construction of the sandstone kiosk and lookout now known as the “Castle.” This iconic landmark, with its crenellations and towers, has become a defining feature of the park and a symbol of resilience.

Getting There

Located throughout the park, dedicated parking bays make it easy to access the reserve. We were interested in the kiosk “castle”, so parked near it. Be careful when driving through the park as most roadways are shared with pedestrians.

The Castle

Built during the Great Depression, the Castle kiosk is an interesting structure, with crenellations making it look like a real castle. It not only provides great views over the river, but provides shelter from the weather with a barbeque area and seating underneath.

Swimming Baths

Not far from the castle is a small sandy beach on the river bank. this is one of the few suspended netted baths in Sydney. The 320m net keeps the sharks out and the swimmers safe. Changeroom and showers are conveniently located next to the baths.

Picnic and Barbeque Areas

Scattered throughout the park, barbecue and picnic areas offered great places to relax. The area we saw near the castle looked like a great place to relax near the river.

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Category: Beach

Anchorage Marina Port Stephens

Anchorage Marina Port Stephens

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Gan Gan Lookout Port Stephens

Gan Gan Lookout Port Stephens

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Oatley Park and Castle Australia

Oatley Park, Sydney Australia

Getting There

Swimming Baths

Picnic and Barbeque Areas

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Anchorage Marina Port Stephens

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Gan Gan Lookout Port Stephens

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Oatley Park, Sydney Australia

Getting There

Swimming Baths

Picnic and Barbeque Areas

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