Yellow Door Apartment Guide Book
Execllent Adventure - See Port Stephens from through the eyes of a local
We (at Yellow Door Apartment) offer an additional and exclusive service only available to our guests - which is highly dependent on the weather and tides, which is a private charter on our beautiful 7 metre fibreglass vessel - SEA PRO and can put together a range of trips from short exploratory tours to full day or even overnight trips staying on one of the local islands. You may wish to cruise the Karuah River or the Myall River to the Myall Lakes, just have a look around the bay, visit the largest Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Port Stephens on Snapper island, or even take a trip out to Broughton Island.
Some of our guests have opted for a romantic 3 hour sunset stopover on the isolated Snapper Island and even for an overnight stay. Others have preferred river cruises, port hopping, fishing, and a speciality we offer in excellent conditions only is spearfishing tours to Broughton island.
Trips must be booked in advance, are highly weather dependent and location and activity is subject to approval by the Captain depending on the weather conditions predicted. Noting that our weather forecast is only considered accurate 3 days ahead of plan, please talk with us early about the adventure, or idyllic sunset or night time cruise you would like to undertake. This can be a fully catered experience or a simple step on step off cruise - we are willing to entertain any suggestions. Captain Cooper is very strict about safety and engaging with the weather and tides is critical to this... this could even mean a 3am start for some adventures - we are game if you are! Please talk to us about your preferences and we will advise the pricing which is to be paid upfront. An example of a typical cruise trip would be as follows - 1. Board at Lemon Tree Passage Boat ramp and have boat induction. 2. Travel through Lemon Tree Passage, around Taylors Beach and to Soldiers Point. 3. Disembark Soldiers Point for 1 hour for a walk around the local shops and beach front. 4. Re-embark vessel and travel to Fame Cove (famous sailing respite) and North Arm Cove (seaside village formerly to have been location of Australia's Capital City before it was decided to be at Canberra. 5. Travel to Tea Gardens past Pindimar and disembark at Tea Gardens for 30 mins (Coffee and a sandwich break). 6. Travel the length of the Myall River (22kms) and cross the southern lake of the three lake Myall Lake System, and stop at the Bombah Point Ferry and tavern for lunch. 7. Return home to Lemon Tree Passage.
Note, prices start at $350 for 3 hours and up to $1,250 for a full day including open ocean time. Our vessel can take up to 5 persons. Prices will be provided up front and highly dependent upon the itinerary chosen and time on the water. We will be very transparent and up front with costings. We require 25% deposit to be paid up front, with the final amount payable no later than 24 hours before boarding. If we have to cancel due to weather or any other reason the deposit is fully refundable up until 12 hours before designated departure time. No amounts are refundable after 12 hours prior to departure. We will confirm weather forecast with you 3 days and 1 days prior to departure. We offer a highly flexible service and if the weather changes, there are most often alternative itineraries that can be developed to suit your every desire.
Note that we cater for all persons, including those that are predictably motion sick. Highly experienced catering for those that experience motion sickness, please talk to us in advance of your trip about your motion sickness. We can even provide a 3 day diet plan leading up to the trip so that you enjoy it to the maximum!
11 locals recommend
Lemon Tree Passage
We (at Yellow Door Apartment) offer an additional and exclusive service only available to our guests - which is highly dependent on the weather and tides, which is a private charter on our beautiful 7 metre fibreglass vessel - SEA PRO and can put together a range of trips from short exploratory tours to full day or even overnight trips staying on one of the local islands. You may wish to cruise the Karuah River or the Myall River to the Myall Lakes, just have a look around the bay, visit the largest Moreton Bay Fig Tree in Port Stephens on Snapper island, or even take a trip out to Broughton Island.
Some of our guests have opted for a romantic 3 hour sunset stopover on the isolated Snapper Island and even for an overnight stay. Others have preferred river cruises, port hopping, fishing, and a speciality we offer in excellent conditions only is spearfishing tours to Broughton island.
Trips must be booked in advance, are highly weather dependent and location and activity is subject to approval by the Captain depending on the weather conditions predicted. Noting that our weather forecast is only considered accurate 3 days ahead of plan, please talk with us early about the adventure, or idyllic sunset or night time cruise you would like to undertake. This can be a fully catered experience or a simple step on step off cruise - we are willing to entertain any suggestions. Captain Cooper is very strict about safety and engaging with the weather and tides is critical to this... this could even mean a 3am start for some adventures - we are game if you are! Please talk to us about your preferences and we will advise the pricing which is to be paid upfront. An example of a typical cruise trip would be as follows - 1. Board at Lemon Tree Passage Boat ramp and have boat induction. 2. Travel through Lemon Tree Passage, around Taylors Beach and to Soldiers Point. 3. Disembark Soldiers Point for 1 hour for a walk around the local shops and beach front. 4. Re-embark vessel and travel to Fame Cove (famous sailing respite) and North Arm Cove (seaside village formerly to have been location of Australia's Capital City before it was decided to be at Canberra. 5. Travel to Tea Gardens past Pindimar and disembark at Tea Gardens for 30 mins (Coffee and a sandwich break). 6. Travel the length of the Myall River (22kms) and cross the southern lake of the three lake Myall Lake System, and stop at the Bombah Point Ferry and tavern for lunch. 7. Return home to Lemon Tree Passage.
Note, prices start at $350 for 3 hours and up to $1,250 for a full day including open ocean time. Our vessel can take up to 5 persons. Prices will be provided up front and highly dependent upon the itinerary chosen and time on the water. We will be very transparent and up front with costings. We require 25% deposit to be paid up front, with the final amount payable no later than 24 hours before boarding. If we have to cancel due to weather or any other reason the deposit is fully refundable up until 12 hours before designated departure time. No amounts are refundable after 12 hours prior to departure. We will confirm weather forecast with you 3 days and 1 days prior to departure. We offer a highly flexible service and if the weather changes, there are most often alternative itineraries that can be developed to suit your every desire.
Note that we cater for all persons, including those that are predictably motion sick. Highly experienced catering for those that experience motion sickness, please talk to us in advance of your trip about your motion sickness. We can even provide a 3 day diet plan leading up to the trip so that you enjoy it to the maximum!
There is so much to do on foot at Lemon Tree Passage. Take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the Lemon Tree Passage waterway and with views to Bull Island to Lillie Pillie Park and return (short walk 30 mins return), or take the more adventurous walk by contuing from Lillie Pillie park to Gibbers, along the Tilligery Creek (about an hour and 10 mins return from the town centre). Before the road to Nelson Bay, a ferry used to operate from Salt Ash and take people to Nelson Bay by Ferry up the Tilligery Creek which was the only means of transport - relive history!
You can walk to Tanilba Bay along the waterfront to the West in low tide only, noting there are some rough patches that are not paved and are rock only, but if you're patient you will make it (allow 2 hours, but it'll probably take only 1). Note there's no return transport from the Tanilba Bay end however.
There are a significant number of walking tracks and exceptional mountain bike tracks through an abandoned quarry which can take you from Lemon Tree Passage to Tanilba Bay - speak to us as they're local info only and you'll probably need a map.
Visit the marine rescue station at the end of Whitebread Drive for the best views from town itself.
Koala watching all throughout the above mentioned walks.
Boat, Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak hire are available seasonally from the Marina, but phone ahead to avoid dissapointment.
Best Coffee: Heather's Cafe
Best food: The Poyers (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) - booking essential.
Best food without needing a booking - Suggest you go to Coles and buy some groceries and make your own at Yellow Door.
Best thing about Lemon Tree Passage - Piece and quiet, beautiful walks, waterfront, the view and all modern conveniences within reach.
Worst thing about Lemon Tree Passage - it'd be nice to have a larger selection of cafe's, eateries etc of quality.
11 locals recommend
Lemon Tree Passage
There is so much to do on foot at Lemon Tree Passage. Take a walk along the boardwalk adjacent to the Lemon Tree Passage waterway and with views to Bull Island to Lillie Pillie Park and return (short walk 30 mins return), or take the more adventurous walk by contuing from Lillie Pillie park to Gibbers, along the Tilligery Creek (about an hour and 10 mins return from the town centre). Before the road to Nelson Bay, a ferry used to operate from Salt Ash and take people to Nelson Bay by Ferry up the Tilligery Creek which was the only means of transport - relive history!
You can walk to Tanilba Bay along the waterfront to the West in low tide only, noting there are some rough patches that are not paved and are rock only, but if you're patient you will make it (allow 2 hours, but it'll probably take only 1). Note there's no return transport from the Tanilba Bay end however.
There are a significant number of walking tracks and exceptional mountain bike tracks through an abandoned quarry which can take you from Lemon Tree Passage to Tanilba Bay - speak to us as they're local info only and you'll probably need a map.
Visit the marine rescue station at the end of Whitebread Drive for the best views from town itself.
Koala watching all throughout the above mentioned walks.
Boat, Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak hire are available seasonally from the Marina, but phone ahead to avoid dissapointment.
Best Coffee: Heather's Cafe
Best food: The Poyers (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) - booking essential.
Best food without needing a booking - Suggest you go to Coles and buy some groceries and make your own at Yellow Door.
Best thing about Lemon Tree Passage - Piece and quiet, beautiful walks, waterfront, the view and all modern conveniences within reach.
Worst thing about Lemon Tree Passage - it'd be nice to have a larger selection of cafe's, eateries etc of quality.
City/town information
Just over the bridge from Tea Gardens, the best thing about Hawks Nest is that it's the start point for walking to Yacabba Headland, the headland opposing the more famous Tomaree headland at Shoal Bay. Finding a park near Jimmy's beach, it's a several km walk to the headland, then sign posted (bush tracks only) to the trig station at the top of the headland. Much less populated than Tomaree but more of an adventure followed by a swim in Jimmy's beach on the return.
Winda Woppa is an area of Hawks Nest where a lot of people like to walk. You can walk down Jimmy's beach, then along the frontage of some lovely local residences, then return up the side of the Myall River.
Nice Golf Course at Hawks Nest, and some small shops, pharmacy and a surf house.
Hawks Nest is quite spread out. It's a great area for the family to cycle around!
Best thing about Hawks Nest - walking or cycling about.
Worst thing about Harks Nest - don't underestimate it's size. You can walk from one end to the other without realising it'll take 3 hours to return. Also, because it juts out into the ocean the weather can change to storm suddenly and with very little notice.
20 locals recommend
Hawks Nest
Just over the bridge from Tea Gardens, the best thing about Hawks Nest is that it's the start point for walking to Yacabba Headland, the headland opposing the more famous Tomaree headland at Shoal Bay. Finding a park near Jimmy's beach, it's a several km walk to the headland, then sign posted (bush tracks only) to the trig station at the top of the headland. Much less populated than Tomaree but more of an adventure followed by a swim in Jimmy's beach on the return.
Winda Woppa is an area of Hawks Nest where a lot of people like to walk. You can walk down Jimmy's beach, then along the frontage of some lovely local residences, then return up the side of the Myall River.
Nice Golf Course at Hawks Nest, and some small shops, pharmacy and a surf house.
Hawks Nest is quite spread out. It's a great area for the family to cycle around!
Best thing about Hawks Nest - walking or cycling about.
Worst thing about Harks Nest - don't underestimate it's size. You can walk from one end to the other without realising it'll take 3 hours to return. Also, because it juts out into the ocean the weather can change to storm suddenly and with very little notice.
Small town beside the southernmost reaches of the Myall River. Mixed colours in the water as the Amber coloured water of the Myall drains into Port Stephens. Several little shops line the waterway with a few cafes. Nice walk along the waterfront. Oyster shack - buy fresh oysters. Few options for fish and chips. Businesses tend to change hand along the strip regularly so we suggest you keep a watch on Trip Advisor for recomendations. Singing Bridge that connects Tea Gardens to Hawks Nest is a well known landmark. Catch the ferry from the wharf / jetty to Nelson Bay when it is operating. Bookings on the Ferry are essential. Book at https://portstephensferryservice.com.au/. Warning: if you miss the ferry return, you could literally be stuck on the wrong side of the bay with no transport back until the ferry next runs.
Note that whilst the water at Tea Gardens looks very calm and a wonder to swim and kayak, note that the current are extremely strong. It's often not noticable, but many boats have accidents due to the current. Suggest care if you're not experienced in the water, and not recommended for kids.
Notes: Be careful of the water
Best thing about Tea Gardens: The waterfront, excellent fish and chips.
Worst thing about Tea Gardens: Very out of the way, and the main shops are not walking distance to the main area of town.
27 locals recommend
Tea Gardens
Small town beside the southernmost reaches of the Myall River. Mixed colours in the water as the Amber coloured water of the Myall drains into Port Stephens. Several little shops line the waterway with a few cafes. Nice walk along the waterfront. Oyster shack - buy fresh oysters. Few options for fish and chips. Businesses tend to change hand along the strip regularly so we suggest you keep a watch on Trip Advisor for recomendations. Singing Bridge that connects Tea Gardens to Hawks Nest is a well known landmark. Catch the ferry from the wharf / jetty to Nelson Bay when it is operating. Bookings on the Ferry are essential. Book at https://portstephensferryservice.com.au/. Warning: if you miss the ferry return, you could literally be stuck on the wrong side of the bay with no transport back until the ferry next runs.
Note that whilst the water at Tea Gardens looks very calm and a wonder to swim and kayak, note that the current are extremely strong. It's often not noticable, but many boats have accidents due to the current. Suggest care if you're not experienced in the water, and not recommended for kids.
Notes: Be careful of the water
Best thing about Tea Gardens: The waterfront, excellent fish and chips.
Worst thing about Tea Gardens: Very out of the way, and the main shops are not walking distance to the main area of town.
Sightseeing
Small lovely residential villiage on the shores of Port Stephens. Great place for a picnic by the water front with a few tables and chairs available. Good place to cycle about the residences and enjoy the view and laid back pace of Pindimar.
Pindimar is a little out of the way and there's not much activity there. If you're looking for action packed this is not the place. If you'd rather take photos or read a book, this is it.
Pindimar
Small lovely residential villiage on the shores of Port Stephens. Great place for a picnic by the water front with a few tables and chairs available. Good place to cycle about the residences and enjoy the view and laid back pace of Pindimar.
Pindimar is a little out of the way and there's not much activity there. If you're looking for action packed this is not the place. If you'd rather take photos or read a book, this is it.
Small out of the way villiage with an Oyster Farming heritage. Not an overly comfortable place to stop as there are not really any parks etc, but a place that can be enjoyed as you drive through. Quite out of the way, the main features are the convict constructed church. Carrington was also the first site of a school constructed at Port Stephens. Some gravel road to access Carrington. Good views of the port from a different perspective.
Carrington
Small out of the way villiage with an Oyster Farming heritage. Not an overly comfortable place to stop as there are not really any parks etc, but a place that can be enjoyed as you drive through. Quite out of the way, the main features are the convict constructed church. Carrington was also the first site of a school constructed at Port Stephens. Some gravel road to access Carrington. Good views of the port from a different perspective.
Neighbourhoods
Quiet and small residential area. Features long shallow tides. Great place to take photos from, have a picnic or cycle or walk around the residences. No shops and very little ammenity. Quite out of the way, not for people wanting something action packed.
Bundabah
Quiet and small residential area. Features long shallow tides. Great place to take photos from, have a picnic or cycle or walk around the residences. No shops and very little ammenity. Quite out of the way, not for people wanting something action packed.
Tahlee is just down the road from Carrington. An established Bible College and spiritual area, and also a NSW heritage area Tahlee is a retreat predominantly focussed on Christians and spirituality. Quite a private place, unless you are very interested in attending the college or have acquaintences it is suggested that you don't travel into Tahlee. Turning around to leave your path can be blocked by persons in prayer or other activities. Recommended only for those with an acquaintence with what Tahlee has to offer.
Tahlee
Tahlee is just down the road from Carrington. An established Bible College and spiritual area, and also a NSW heritage area Tahlee is a retreat predominantly focussed on Christians and spirituality. Quite a private place, unless you are very interested in attending the college or have acquaintences it is suggested that you don't travel into Tahlee. Turning around to leave your path can be blocked by persons in prayer or other activities. Recommended only for those with an acquaintence with what Tahlee has to offer.
Local residential area on the eastern end of the Karuah River, one of the key tributaries of the Barrington Tops. Oyster farming area and residential area. Oyster shack to buy fresh oysters, small row of shops in main street. Less appealing than other areas in the port, with some lower socio economic areas than found elswhere in the port. Several small parks and gardens and a large football field. Good boat ramp to access the Karuah River or the western end of Port Stephens.
8 locals recommend
Karuah
Local residential area on the eastern end of the Karuah River, one of the key tributaries of the Barrington Tops. Oyster farming area and residential area. Oyster shack to buy fresh oysters, small row of shops in main street. Less appealing than other areas in the port, with some lower socio economic areas than found elswhere in the port. Several small parks and gardens and a large football field. Good boat ramp to access the Karuah River or the western end of Port Stephens.
Very small residential area and quite out of the way. Simply a single row of houses along the waterfront, but with a purely easterly aspect and therefore the best views in the bay. Nice foreshore area to stop and have a picnic. Closer to the Pacific Highway than all the other seaside localities (excepting Karuah). Gravel road to Swan Bay. Best place in the bay to sit and watch or photograph a storm that might be rolling in from the East, perfect views to Tomaree and Yacabba Heads. Views also to Snapper Island.
Swan Bay
Very small residential area and quite out of the way. Simply a single row of houses along the waterfront, but with a purely easterly aspect and therefore the best views in the bay. Nice foreshore area to stop and have a picnic. Closer to the Pacific Highway than all the other seaside localities (excepting Karuah). Gravel road to Swan Bay. Best place in the bay to sit and watch or photograph a storm that might be rolling in from the East, perfect views to Tomaree and Yacabba Heads. Views also to Snapper Island.
Medowie is quite unlike most of the other towns in our guidebook, and the only one which isn't immediately adjacent to the water. A growing rural / residential area with large acerages and clipped lawns servicing mostly the local defence force population due to the proximity to RAAF Williamtown. Great facilities, woolworths, coles, several small shops, 1 small cafe and no public toilet. Well, that's not quite correct. There is a public toilet (1 servicing the entire town) across the road from Woolworths. It's a space aged toilet that self cleans, plays you music whilst you sit and portion controls your soap, water and toilet paper. It's also filthy most of the time, so not recommended. Fantastic Golf Course at Medowie with beautiful eatery, and also has a great hardware store (for a country town) and the Macadamia Nut Farm. Mixed reviews on the Macadamia Nut farm so we recommend that you use Trip Advisor before attending. It is not uncommon to attend the farm around lunch time and find a line up of 30 or more defence force workers. Medowie is a great town to pass through and fuel up, grocery up etc, but there's not much to do once you're actually there.
Medowie
Medowie is quite unlike most of the other towns in our guidebook, and the only one which isn't immediately adjacent to the water. A growing rural / residential area with large acerages and clipped lawns servicing mostly the local defence force population due to the proximity to RAAF Williamtown. Great facilities, woolworths, coles, several small shops, 1 small cafe and no public toilet. Well, that's not quite correct. There is a public toilet (1 servicing the entire town) across the road from Woolworths. It's a space aged toilet that self cleans, plays you music whilst you sit and portion controls your soap, water and toilet paper. It's also filthy most of the time, so not recommended. Fantastic Golf Course at Medowie with beautiful eatery, and also has a great hardware store (for a country town) and the Macadamia Nut Farm. Mixed reviews on the Macadamia Nut farm so we recommend that you use Trip Advisor before attending. It is not uncommon to attend the farm around lunch time and find a line up of 30 or more defence force workers. Medowie is a great town to pass through and fuel up, grocery up etc, but there's not much to do once you're actually there.
Beautiful little neighbourhood great for walks or dinner on the small marine. Great views east to Tomaree or West to the back end of the Bay. Excellent fishing off the point. Lovely houses along the beach facing Tomaree - great for a pleasent walk. Can be challenging to find a park. Best way to experience Soldiers point is to do it on foot. Read up on the history of the area whilst you're there, quite fascinating.
13 locals recommend
Soldiers Point
Beautiful little neighbourhood great for walks or dinner on the small marine. Great views east to Tomaree or West to the back end of the Bay. Excellent fishing off the point. Lovely houses along the beach facing Tomaree - great for a pleasent walk. Can be challenging to find a park. Best way to experience Soldiers point is to do it on foot. Read up on the history of the area whilst you're there, quite fascinating.
Salamander Bay covers a large area including Old Salamander and Corlette. Great bay excellent for water sports such as jet skiing and water skiing. Some history available - suggest reading up on the vessel Salamander the area was named area. There is a history walk available, as well as several opportunities for self guided walks along the bay, and several parks available for picnics etc. A walk known only by locals is along the rock encrusted foreshore from Scott's Drive or Randall Drive at Old Salamander. Old Salamander has a good cafe and some small facilities. Also has a commercial / industrial mixed area with some more robust facilities. Largest shopping centre (Westfields) in the port is at Salamander.
11 locals recommend
Salamander Bay
Salamander Bay covers a large area including Old Salamander and Corlette. Great bay excellent for water sports such as jet skiing and water skiing. Some history available - suggest reading up on the vessel Salamander the area was named area. There is a history walk available, as well as several opportunities for self guided walks along the bay, and several parks available for picnics etc. A walk known only by locals is along the rock encrusted foreshore from Scott's Drive or Randall Drive at Old Salamander. Old Salamander has a good cafe and some small facilities. Also has a commercial / industrial mixed area with some more robust facilities. Largest shopping centre (Westfields) in the port is at Salamander.
The beating heart of the Port, Nelson Bay is where it all happens or all get's planned. Hosts a beautiful marine, beautiful views, wonderful parks and foreshore, many eating oppotunities from fish and chips through to the gourmet. Certainly don't miss a visit even if town's aren't your thing. Parking can be quite difficult. Town centre dominated by one way streets and extremely difficult to nearly impossible to move about during school holiday periods.
94 locals recommend
Nelson Bay
The beating heart of the Port, Nelson Bay is where it all happens or all get's planned. Hosts a beautiful marine, beautiful views, wonderful parks and foreshore, many eating oppotunities from fish and chips through to the gourmet. Certainly don't miss a visit even if town's aren't your thing. Parking can be quite difficult. Town centre dominated by one way streets and extremely difficult to nearly impossible to move about during school holiday periods.
Picnic Place
Perfect picnic area with views to the west and south of Port Stephens. Area that is only well known to locals so usually quite quiet. Nice grassed areas by the waterfront. Take a picnic blanket. Plenty of shade.
A great place if you're looking for a romantic sunrise / sunset. Don't forget the wine, cheese and biscuits.
Tanilba Point
Perfect picnic area with views to the west and south of Port Stephens. Area that is only well known to locals so usually quite quiet. Nice grassed areas by the waterfront. Take a picnic blanket. Plenty of shade.
A great place if you're looking for a romantic sunrise / sunset. Don't forget the wine, cheese and biscuits.
A bit out of the way and only frequented by locals, Mallabula Point is a small picnic area with a jetty. Good place to sit and have a fish, particularly if you don't want to really catch anything. Great views out to Snapper island. Typically very private.
Mallabula Point
A bit out of the way and only frequented by locals, Mallabula Point is a small picnic area with a jetty. Good place to sit and have a fish, particularly if you don't want to really catch anything. Great views out to Snapper island. Typically very private.
Great for kids
Great park with the best playground in the area adjacent to the waterfront. Kids love the flying fox. Great picnic area. Toilets and BBQ area nearby. On warm days a great spot for kids to swim as the water is very shallow for a long ways out.
Tanilba Park
Great park with the best playground in the area adjacent to the waterfront. Kids love the flying fox. Great picnic area. Toilets and BBQ area nearby. On warm days a great spot for kids to swim as the water is very shallow for a long ways out.
Beautiful boardwalk along Tanilba Bay waterfront and amongst the mangroves and native flora of the Tilligery Habitat. A few spaces to stop and rest and have a picnic along the way.
Opportunity to divert and attend the Tilligery habitat / nursery when open. Great playground at the Malabulla end. Look out for Koalas.
Tanilba Bay Boardwalk
74 Peace ParadeBeautiful boardwalk along Tanilba Bay waterfront and amongst the mangroves and native flora of the Tilligery Habitat. A few spaces to stop and rest and have a picnic along the way.
Opportunity to divert and attend the Tilligery habitat / nursery when open. Great playground at the Malabulla end. Look out for Koalas.
Best boat ramp in Port Stephens - three lanes and less traffic than Little Beach or Shoal Bay. Great playground for the kids and plenty of the local shops etc available for coffee, lunch etc. Can be a bit too busy during school holidays or public holidays.
Henderson Park
71 Cook ParadeBest boat ramp in Port Stephens - three lanes and less traffic than Little Beach or Shoal Bay. Great playground for the kids and plenty of the local shops etc available for coffee, lunch etc. Can be a bit too busy during school holidays or public holidays.
City advice
Don't miss
Dining at the local French Restaurant - The Poyers
The Poyers Restaurant is the local gourmet food experience and is a small business that the locals are very proud off. Only a 200 metre walk from Yellow Door Apartment. Bookings are essential at The Poyers - note that this restaurant commonly caters bookings including buses from Sydney so seats are limited!
Check out the website https://www.thepoyers.com.au/ for opening hours, the menu and other details. Note that this restaurant does not open some days of the week - details on their website.
If you're on a budget, lunch is their cheapest meal of the day.
Rated 4.5 stars on trip advisor
Don't miss
Heathers Cafe
If coffee is your thing, Heather's Cafe in the heart of Lemon Tree Passage should be where you walk to. It's only 200 metres from Yellow Door Apartment and the friendly service and excellent coffee make this the only local coffee shop that we will recommend.
4.5 stars on Trip Advisor, please see the link below
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g3502140-d19971716-Reviews-Heather_s_Place-Lemon_Tree_Passage_Port_Stephens_Greater_Newcastle_New_South_Wa.html
Book before you go
Local Pharmacies
There are two pharmacies close to Yellow Door Apartment. The first is in the heart of Lemon Tree Passage which is the smaller of the two. Opening hours vary - check the website:
https://lemon-tree-passage-pharmacy.business.site/
The second is next to Coles at the Tanilba Bay Shopping Centre. This is the largest pharmacy in the area. Opening hours vary - please check the website: .
https://www.terrywhitechemmart.com.au/stores/nsw/terrywhite-chemmart-tanilba-bay/
Note that neither of these pharmacies, nor any pharmacy in Port Stephens offers a 24 hour service.
Don't miss
Club Lemon Tree
Club Lemon Tree is the best local place for a beer or a simple feed. Food quality seems to vary wildly from fantastic to very not fantastic. It's a bit hit and miss unfortunately, but the club itself and grounds are spacious and clean. Children may like to play on the playground in the enclosed beer garden whilst parents eat a meal outdoors.
https://www.clublemontree.com.au/
Book before you go
Food Delivery to Yellow Door Apartment
There are only two local businesses that provide delivery to Yellow Door apartments which are Dominos Pizza - Tanilba Bay - website provided below, and the Jade Court Chinese Restaurant - Tanilba Bay - no website. We advise guests that the quality of food from both of these restaurants varies considerably delivery to delivery and sometimes cannot be relied upon. Both offer to the door delivery however which can be a life save if you return late!
https://www.dominos.com.au/
Don't miss
Lemon Tree Passage Boardwalk is a must - High Tide is better
Adjacent to the Lemon Tree Passage village is Koala Reserve, which also has the Mangrove Boardwalk. You can meander the boardwalk only (600 metre return trip from the shops) and enjoy the Mangroves and Lemon Tree Passage Marina, or continue on to the locally known beach at the end of Beach Road, a 1.5km return trip to the village. Beautiful sunrises can be observed from this beach, which is also the intersection of the Tilligery River and Lemon Tree Passage. If you listen you will be able to hear the waves breaking on Stockton Beach, only 2km away.
Walk starts 300m from Yellow Door apartment
Don't miss
Koala Spotting - Walk is nicer during high tide.
In Spring and Autumn months the longer walk from Koala Park (accessible next to the LTP Police Station) along the foreshore of Lemon Tree Passage and Tilligery Creek is the best route to take if you are interested in Koala Spotting. This 5km return route has one of the higest concentrations of Koala's in NSW, however despite this they remain incredibly hard to spot - only easier in the spring time. Look at the base of large Y trunks of trees and see if you can spot any. The walk ends at the intersection of Gibbers Drive and Daniel Crescent.
Also keep an eye out for Dolphins!
Don't miss
Barramundi Farm - Cookaburra Restaraunt
The Salt Ash Barramundi Farm and Restaurant is about a 15 minute drive from Yellow Door apartment and offers superb freshly farmed Barramundi meals, and farm tours. Set in a spacious environment with alfresco dining if desired, allow the kids to feed the barramundi or go on a farm tour whilst you enjoy the superb table fare!
Restaurant is called the Cookaburra Restaurant. Note that the restaurant is poorly signed from the south, and you are likely to drive past the entrance (on Marsh Road) before you see it if not careful.
https://www.cookabarra.com/tourist-centre.php
Don't miss
Buskwalks
There are a number of bushwalks around this area or around Port Stephens that cater to most interests. We can provide details of bushwalks, beach walks, bushwalks and beach walks (pun intented), locals only (secret) access to the Stockton Beach sand dunes, picnic locations (the more private ones known by the locals but not advertised). Let us know your tastes and we will inform you. For reference, the longest bushwalk we recommend is about 16.5kms one way, however most are shorter than this. Maps can be provided to our guests on request.
Don't miss
Kayaking
Lemon Tree Passage is a perfect location for setting off for a Kayak adventure. We can provide details of local sight seeing or an itinerary based on your experience or fitness levels. Bring your own kayak, or hire our single seat outside expedition sea kayak to complete your adventures.
Getting around
Best Sandwiches and Milkshakes
Anaitis at Tanilba Bay is a small cafe. Not the most pleasant place to sit and eat, however quite clean and serve fantastic sandwiches made to order and the best milkshakes / thickshakes in the area. Can be quite busy and slow service, but the sandwiches are worth the wait! Right next to a busy road and alfresco area abutts a busy carpark. Lots of noise, heat and glare. Our suggestion is order takeaway and relocate to a nice park nearby. Sunset Park at Tanilba Point is best, and really only known to locals.