The sky’s the limit for Port Stephens visitor economy
February 26, 2025
Port Stephens has capped off a winning 12 months for its visitor economy by being named Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year.
The NSW coastal destination has claimed the top spot for its beaches, sand dunes, sea life, national parks and dining, with the travel app reporting an over 75 per cent increase in accommodation searches for Port Stephens during 2024.
The accolade for Port Stephens follows the region taking out four silver medals at the 2024 NSW Tourism Awards, with Moonshadow – TQC Cruises winning Silver in the Major Tour & Transport Operators category, 4WD Tours R Us winning Silver in the Transport Operator category and Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary winning Silver in the Tourism Attraction category.
The Poyer’s Restaurant at Lemon Tree Passage also took out Seafood Restaurant of the Year at Sydney Fish Market’s 2024 Seafood Excellence Awards.
The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows Port Stephens welcomed 800,000 domestic overnight visitors in the year ending September 2024, up 2.4 per cent year on year. Visitor expenditure in Port Stephens rose 11.5 per cent year on year to $700 million.
There were 27,500 international visitors to Port Stephens during the period, who spent $13.4 million.
Thousands of people will flock to the region from 31 March to 4 May 2025 for Sail Port Stephens, which is proudly supported by Destination NSW and is expected to generate more than $2 million in visitor expenditure.
Visitation to Port Stephens is set to surge following Newcastle Airport’s international terminal opening on 1 August 2025. Destination NSW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Newcastle Airport in September 2024, which includes airline incentives for two years from when new routes commence and strategic marketing assistance.
Minister for Tourism John Graham said: “Port Stephens is home to the world-class experiences that are key to future growth in the NSW visitor economy. From its natural beauty to its heritage, culture and fine dining, the destination encapsulates the authenticity and adventure that visitors are seeking.
“The next decade of growth in the visitor economy will be underpinned by infrastructure milestones such as the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport, which is located just minutes from Port Stephens and will put this spectacular region on the runway to even greater success.”
Nelson Bay-based Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and 17 other NSW visitor economy businesses will join a Destination NSW trade mission to the United States next month to leverage surging visitation to the region from one of the world’s biggest tourism markets.
The North America Roadshow will take place from 9-13 March 2025 and will include full-day workshops and networking events in Los Angeles and New York City with wholesalers, product managers and retail travel advisors.
The initiative will provide NSW visitor economy businesses with the opportunity to engage directly with influential travel buyers and strengthen consideration of NSW experiences and destinations on itineraries.
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises Business Development Manager and International Sales Janene Rees said: “We’re on a high following Port Stephens’ Wotif Aussie Town of the Year win and can’t wait to join Destination NSW on the North America Roadshow to share the magic of exploring the region on a Moonshadow-TQC Cruise.
“We are welcoming increasing numbers of international visitors on our cruises who are drawn to the nature-based experiences and pristine waters that make Port Stephens so unique. We expect the opening of the new international terminal at Newcastle Airport to bring even more opportunities for business growth.”
Kingscliff and Yamba also secured spots in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year top 10, putting regional NSW front of mind with travellers across Australia and around the globe.
Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones said: “With three NSW towns featured in Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year awards – more than any other state – this recognition highlights regional NSW as the premier destination for Australian travellers.
“From Port Stephens’ beautiful beaches and marine adventures to Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm and Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers an unrivalled mix of experiences that continue to captivate visitors year after year.
“Thank you to the hard-working visitor experience operators in these winning towns and throughout the state for delivering the superior customer service and unforgettable moments that make a holiday in NSW so exceptional.”
New research from Wotif also reveals that 78 per cent of Australians plan to travel domestically this year, a nine per cent increase from last year.
Learn more about the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards here.
