Dolphins and sandboarding: There's a new reason to visit this classic NSW haunt
Oaks Port Stephens Resort has just completed a refurb.
Just over two hours' drive from Sydney, Port Stephens is home to some of Australia's most exciting outdoor experiences - from dolphin cruises to sandboarding on evershifting dunes.
But now there's another reason to head there this summer: one of the region's most popular coastal havens, Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, has just emerged from a significant refurb. There's a fresh lick of paint and spanking-new furniture in the rooms, and the resort's lagoon-style pool, at 485 metres, is one of the longest in the southern hemisphere.
Even the most economical entry-level rooms (from just $197 a night) boast 33 square metres of space, feature kitchenettes and outdoor sitting areas, and accommodate up to three guests. But if you're travelling with the whole brood and want more space, there are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to choose from, too.
Our heart is, however, set on the swim-out studio, which (from $268 a night) offers direct access to the pool. oakshotels.com
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Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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