The Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards are back for their eighth legendary year, celebrating the must-visit spots for 2025 – and Port Stephens tops the list.
Written by Sheree Strange, Travel Without Limits, March 26, 2025
Wondering where to go on your next Australian road trip? Wotif recommends Port Stephens, the coastal town in New South Wales recently named Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year 2025.
Each year, Wotif compiles data on traveller interest, affordability, and accommodation options to determine their Aussie Town of the Year. Over the past twelve months, they noticed a 75% increase in traveller interest in Port Stephens, a big contributor to their position at the top of the list.
Wotif Travel Expert, Rebecca Hurley, says: “Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year Awards is about celebrating the destinations and world class travel experiences in our own backyard.”
“Aussies are spoilt for choice and by all accounts, 2025 promises to be a positive year for domestic travel.”
About Port Stephens
Just over a two-hour drive from Sydney or a quick 30 min drive from Newcastle Airport, Port Stephens is home to pristine beaches, Tomaree National Park, and the breathtaking Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.
It’s “the perfect place to switch off”, Rebecca Hurley says, with endless beaches, laid-back coastal charm, and touches of luxury for travellers who like the finer things. “Whether it’s a relaxing beach escape, or an adventure packed getaway, Port Stephens has something for everyone.”
Port Stephens welcomes nearly 900,000 travellers each year, and that number is set to soar with the Newcastle Airport’s international terminal opening in August 2025.
NSW Minister for Tourism, John Graham, says: “From its natural beauty to its heritage, culture and fine dining, Port Stephens encapsulates the authenticity and adventure that visitors are seeking,”.
Accessibility in Port Stephens
The Port Stephens community has worked hard to make the region accessible for residents and visitors alike. There’s ample designated parking throughout the town, and public bathrooms accessible with an MLAK. For travellers who enjoy a casual walk or wheel outdoors, Port Stephens has wide flat paths with views of the spectacular bay and coast.
Port Stephens offers a range of accessible accommodation options to suit all budgets, from family-friendly holiday parks with accessible cabins to self-contained accessible holiday resort apartments. There are also plenty of accessible dining options, including a number of charming sidewalk and waterfront cafes with level street access.
For beach access, head to Little Beach (Nelson Bay), where there’s a Jetty Wheelchair and a Sandcruiser available to loan year-round from the Amenities Block (accessible with MLAK). Nearby, you’ll find inclusive play equipment for kids with energy to burn, and the Inner Light Tea Rooms / Heritage Museum, accessible via ramp, for an al fresco morning or afternoon tea. Accessibility is also excellent at Fingal Beach, with a Mobi-chair and DaVinci beach wheelchair available during Lifeguard season (September-April) and Mobi-mat beach matting year-round.
Companion Card holders are offered free access to a number of Port Stephens attractions, including the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, and discounted tickets on a number of tours and cruises with varying levels of accessibility.
Wotif’s Top 10 Aussie Towns of 2025
- Port Stephens, New South Wales
- Cairns, Queensland
- Mandurah, Western Australia
- Denmark, Western Australia
- Beechworth, Victoria
- Port Campbell, Victoria
- Murray Bridge, South Australia
- Kingscliff, New South Wales
- Yamba, New South Wales
- Mackay, Queensland