Port Stephens is easily one of the best family-friendly spots on the map, and how lucky are we to have it just up the road?
Whether you’re heading up for a long weekend or just planning a day trip, be sure to pack the bikes. There are plenty of awesome tracks and paths waiting to be explored!
We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family bike rides in Port Stephens, suitable for all ages.
Whether you’re looking for an easy cruise or a longer adventure, explore our top picks below. Each ride includes a brief description and a handy regional map to help you locate it.
Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay
The Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay ride is a scenic, family-friendly route. You can even hire bikes along the Shoal Bay foreshore if you don’t have your own.
Start from Shoal Bay waterfront, turn from Government Road onto Messinines Street, then follow Horace Street to connect with the dedicated Marine Drive cycleway. This flat, well-maintained path winds through tranquil eucalypt bushland and is accessible for all skill levels.
Once you’ve reached Fingal Bay, you can enjoy the beach, public showers, and nearby Longboat Café. Takeaway is a great option, as the kids can play at the nearby Fingal Bay Foreshore Reserve Playground, which features a flying fox and a mini-bike track. An ideal place to stop, relax, and refuel before making the return trip.
Distance: Approximately 2.9km, one way
Type: Flat
Shoal Bay to Nelson Bay Marina
The ride between Shoal Bay and the Nelson Bay Marina is a scenic, flat, and family-friendly route. Starting behind the Shoal Bay caravan park on Government Road, the path runs along concrete trails, cutting through near Norburn Avenue to reach Little Beach. This spot is perfect for a break, offering a playground, a café, and beautiful waterfront views.
From Little Beach, follow the cycle path past Neil Carroll Park, home to the local skate bowl, and continue along the foreshore to d’Albora Marina. With a number of dining options, a playground, toilets and stunning bay views, the marina is a top destination.
Distance: Approximately 3.5km, one way
Type: Flat
Nelson Bay to Salamander Bay
The 5–6km coastal path from Nelson Bay to Salamander Bay is a great choice for families looking for a longer, scenic adventure. This relaxing route follows the stunning foreshore and connects to well-maintained shared paths, offering beautiful water views as you pedal through Dutchies Beach, Bagnalls Beach, and Corlette.
It’s mostly flat terrain, making it accessible for kids, though it is a longer ride than our other picks, so be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. With easy access to several beaches and local parks along the way, it is simple to plan a stop for a quick swim, a coffee, or an ice cream as you explore the coastline.
Distance: Approximately 5-6km, one way
Type: Mostly Flat
Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay
For families feeling extra energetic or looking for a longer adventure, the full ride from Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay is a fantastic way to soak up the coastal views. You can easily break up the distance by stopping at Shoal Bay to refuel and recharge, with plenty of spots along the foreshore to grab an ice cream or cool drink before continuing your adventure.
While most of the ride is on dedicated paths, there are short, flat sections on quiet residential streets where extra awareness is required. It’s a great choice if you want to make the most of a full day of family riding.
Find the Cycleway Map for this ride on the Port Stephens Council website.
Distance: Approximately 8km, one way
Type: Flat
Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest
For a relaxed ride that’s perfectly suited to families, a day trip to Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest is hard to beat. Kick off your adventure along the charming Tea Gardens foreshore, where there are plenty of coffee options to fuel up before hitting the flat path along the river’s edge. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Myall River as you cross the iconic “Singing Bridge” over to Hawks Nest.
Once across, the terrain in Hawks Nest is relatively flat and easy to navigate, with wide paths and quiet streets that make it feel safe and stress-free for even beginner riders. It’s easy to spend the whole day here, with two great playgrounds to check out at Lioness Park and Providence Bay Park, plus heaps of local bakeries and cafes to choose from when it’s time for a treat.
When the weather is warm, pack the swimmers and take a dip in the calm waters of Jimmy’s Beach, where you can enjoy the view of Mount Tomaree in the distance and Shoal Bay across the water.The perfect spot for children, there are no waves, so it’s a great spot to throw the kayak in, try your hand at stand up paddle boarding or set up a long lazy game of beach cricket.
Distance: If you ride between the two town centres and include a bit of exploring around the shops or the riverfront, you are looking at roughly 4–6km return.
Type: Mostly Flat
Raymond Terrace to Medowie
The bike path connecting Raymond Terrace to Medowie is entirely off-road with minimal crossings, making it an accessible and stress-free ride for all ages. Starting at the Lakeside Leisure Centre carpark, the path winds past the Finnan Park Picnic Area before following the shoreline of Grahamstown Dam.
The ride continues toward the Grahamstown Aquatic Centre, where you can make use of the picnic facilities, before heading through the peaceful and rural landscape toward the main shopping hub of Medowie.
Find the Cycleway Map for this ride on the Port Stephens Council website.
Distance: Approximately 11km if you ride the whole length of the path.
Type: Mostly Flat
Lemon Tree Passage Waterfront
For a slower-paced coastal adventure, head over to the Lemon Tree Passage area. The shared waterfront paths here are ideal for a leisurely bike ride or scooter session, offering wide, flat stretches that are easy for little ones to navigate.
A highlight of the area is the peaceful Mangrove Boardwalk in the Koala Reserve. Besides one small section of steps to navigate, the path is mostly flat and well-maintained and provides a fantastic opportunity to spot local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the trees and crabs scuttling in the mud below!
Read more about Lemon Tree Passage
Want more ideas for family bike rides? Check out our list of bike trails around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.