From scenic walking trails to koalas, and local art, there’s so much to discover in the Lemon Tree Passage area. Whether the kids are enjoying a different playground or searching for soldier crabs on the sand flats, it’s the perfect destination for a memorable family day out.
Start at Salt Ash
Don’t forget the kids’ bikes! Start your adventure at the Salt Ash Pump Track, located just after the Lemon Tree Passage turnoff from Nelson Bay Road. Right next door is a fully fenced toddler playground, perfect for keeping big kids and little ones happy at the same time. Find it at 1 Michael Drive, Salt Ash.
Spot a Koala at Tilligerry Habitat
Next stop: Tilligerry Habitat. This 9-hectare reserve is your best bet for spotting wild koalas. Before you arrive, download the Kids’ Activity Sheet and Bird Spotter Sheet or Sensory Walk Guide and Map to turn the walk into a scavenger hunt.
Following the trail left along the waterfront boardwalk you’ll come across a whimsical timber swing, a great photo opportunity. If you time your visit with low tide, the kids will love watching hundreds of soldier crabs take over the sand flats. There’s also a fabulous viewing platform with spectacular sweeping views across Tanilba Bay to Snapper Island and North Arm Cove. Read more about Tilligerry Habitat here.
Play and Picnic at Tanilba Bay
Refuel with a packed morning tea or lunch at Caswell Reserve, located just past the viewing platform at the end of the Foreshore track. Let the kids burn off energy on the climbing structures and monkey bars while you prep a picnic at the undercover picnic tables or BBQs. There’s toilet amenities here as well, if required.
There are some other lovely spots to visit while you’re in Tanilba Bay. Check them out, or add them to your ‘must see’ list for your next visit.
Tanilba Park, also known as Foreshore Park, located on Tanilba Avenue, is a large, modern playground packed with equipment to keep the kids busy, featuring a flying fox, a roundabout, swings, and plenty of climbing structures.
While the kids burn off energy, parents can make use of the outdoor exercise equipment or grab a seat at one of the many undercover picnic tables scattered throughout the beautiful waterfront area.
If you’re looking to explore a bit further, the shared paths leading east and west from the park are ideal for a family stroll or a scooter ride. Heading west along the Tanilba Bay Walk will lead you straight to Sunset Park.
As the name suggests, this is the ultimate place to be at dusk, offering stunning 180-degree views across the water. In this park, you can still see historic stone fireplaces and seating built by convicts in the 1830s.
Take a drive by Tanilba House. Built in 1831, is one of the oldest heritage-listed houses in Australia, renowned for its convict-built stone walls and stunning views over the Bay. Nowadays it is a wedding and corporate hire venue that also serves a Mother’s Day High Tea each May.
Make a Splash at Tilligerry Aquatic Centre
If it’s a hot day, make a stop at Tilligerry Aquatic Centre on Mallabula Road. It features a heated 25-metre lap pool and a dedicated shaded toddlers’ pool that is perfect for little ones. It’s a great spot to cool down before you head into the heart of Lemon Tree Passage.
Just be sure to check the Tilligerry Aquatic Centre website first, as they do close for a couple of months during winter for maintenance.
Right next to the pool you’ll find another great playground, a skate park and a half basketball court.
Discover the Lemon Tree Passage Waterfront
Keep heading along Lemon Tree Passage Road and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Lemon Tree Passage waterfront and Henderson Park on Cook Parade. There’s everything here you’ll need for a full day out, including a netted tidal pool, a great playground, picnic amenities, and public toilets and showers. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local dolphins that frequently cruise past the channel.
Henderson Park is also an ideal destination for a family lunch. You can cook up a storm on one of the free public barbecues or keep things easy by grabbing some fish and chips from nearby John Dory’s Takeaway.
With plenty of covered picnic tables available, you can enjoy lunch in the shade while soaking up the views. If you’re after a barista-made coffee or a full lunch menu, there’s a great cafe, Lemon Tree’s Kitchen, just across the road and well worth a visit.
Play, Swim and Fish at Henderson Park
The playground is perfectly shaded by large sails, making it a great spot to escape the midday sun while the kids play. The equipment is best suited for primary school-aged kids, with a woodchip base and plenty of variety to keep them moving.
For little ones there’s a baby/toddler swing, while bigger kids can take their pick from a regular swing or group swing. There’s also two small slides and a range of climbing and balancing equipment.
Hot tip: Visit Henderson Park for the monthly Lemon Jam (music in the park), or the annual Tilligerry Festival held in November.
The netted tidal pool, right near the playground, is calm and protected, perfect for little ones. There’s a small sandy beach area within the net where kids can splash around, build sandcastles, or practice their paddling in relatively shallow water.
Hot tip: Because it’s a tidal enclosure, the swimming is much better at high tide. At low tide, the water can get quite shallow and a bit muddy or seagrass-heavy.
If the kids like to fish, don’t forget to pack the rods, reels, and tackle! The Lemon Tree Passage Public Wharf is a prime spot for little anglers to drop a line, with plenty of Bream and Luderick known to hang around the pylons.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a ‘keeper,’ Henderson Park even has handy fish cleaning stations so you can prep your catch of the day right then and there.
Walk the Mangrove Boardwalk
If you still have time, enjoy a walk or bike ride along the shared pathway along the waterfront.
If you head past the toilets towards Rudd Reserve, the path takes you through an off-leash dog area, so just be mindful of the free-roaming pooches. This is the best way to head for a short bike ride.
If you head in the opposite direction, you’ll hit the Mangrove Boardwalk in Koala Reserve. It’s a peaceful, 5.4km return stroll that’s mostly flat and well-maintained, with just one small section of steps to navigate.
This area is a vital habitat for local koalas, so keep your eyes peeled for them! Even if the koalas are playing hide-and-seek, there’s heaps of other wildlife to spot, including birdlife, sugar gliders and crabs scuttling in the mud below the boardwalk.
Hot tip: This walk can get a little “mozzie-heavy” near the mangroves, so it’s a good idea to pack some insect repellent.
A Dose of Local Culture
For a real local treat, you can’t go past a visit to the Tilligerry Arts Group Gallery at 13 Meredith Avenue. It is a lovely spot to show the kids some local creativity, featuring a huge range of unique, handmade pieces for sale from talented artists in the Port Stephens and Newcastle area.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and on weekends and public holidays from 11am to 3pm (closed Christmas Day). It’s a lovely, quiet addition to your day out to Lemon Tree Passage and a great backup option if the clouds roll in or if you need a little break from the sun!
Lemon Tree Passage is one of those rare spots that offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back coastal relaxation, with plenty of space for the kids to play and explore while you soak up the stunning bay views. Pack the scooters or bikes, swimmers, sunscreen and mozzie repellent and enjoy this hidden pocket of Port Stephens!
Want more things to do around the Port Stephens area? Here’s some inspiration: