Little Beach Reserve

Little Beach Reserve sits on Beach Road at Nelson Bay, in the beautiful Port Stephens area north of Newcastle. A picturesque foreshore reserve beside a sheltered, family-friendly beach, it's a much-loved spot — combining calm bay waters and soft sand with grassy picnic areas, shade and lovely views across the water.

The appeal is that combination of a gorgeous, protected beach and a relaxed reserve setting: calm, clear water that's ideal for swimming and paddling, room to picnic and relax, and the easygoing charm of Port Stephens. It's a perfect spot for a family beach day, a swim or simply soaking up one of the prettiest stretches of the bay.

With a 4.6 rating from more than 1,100 reviews, it's a firm favourite. The reserve and beach are free and open, but conditions, parking and facilities vary, and it gets busier over weekends and holidays, so it's worth checking before you go — and taking sun protection and swimming safely — while enjoying the calm waters and lovely outlook that make Little Beach such a beloved Port Stephens spot.