I’ve been in desperate need of a break away from the city for yonks, and when Mr LML finally agreed to take a weekend off rugby (note – this never happens!) I eagerly jumped into planning mode for our weekend of freedom!
I wanted relaxation, sun, indulgence, views, luxury and wine and Port Stephens, around two hours north of Sydney, ticked all the boxes.
Dropping anchor for the weekend
We arrive on Friday night at our temporary home for the weekend; ‘The Anchorage’. Located in Corlette Bay, a couple bays down from Port Stephens, on its own private marina, the setting is absolutely stunning!
After a pretty full on week, the bottle of wine and meze plate waiting for us are very well received.
As are the robes which I (a little too quickly perhaps in Mr LML’s view) run for, getting set for our night of relaxation, wine and a movie. After a mere couple of minutes, memories of the week that was, disappear fast… Ahhhh bliss!
The next morning I have good intentions to wake us up early and head up Mt Tomaree for the sunrise, but when you can roll over, pull up the blind and watch the sunrise over the bay then snuggle back down in bed – well, I can’t really see the point!
Sunrise shot taken – from our room window (not from Mt Tomaree)
Breakfast is a dream – dining in Merretts Restaurant overlooking the hotels swimming pool and marina, it would be easy to sit and eat the morning away. A highlight for me – being a little bit health freak (until dinner time anyway!) is definitely the bircher muesli, amazingly creamy and yum! Mr LML on the other hand goes straight for the cooked buffet which is endless (as all good buffets should be) and perfect I am told.
Spa time
It doesn’t get much better than an onsite spa and the Shayna Day Spa is the goods. I opt for a facial and eyelash tint and Mr LML (after some convincing) decides on his first ever facial and a massage too. After an hour of complete relaxation bliss we both walk out feeling like we have been away for a week already. Thanks ladies!
With such a nice morning we decide to take that earlier rain-check and go up the famous Mt Tomaree to check out the views. See we didn’t even need the early start for a view like this! It’s about a 30 minute walk to the top and not too steep – it’s a definite must for every visit.
Shop, eat, drink. Repeat.
Next up is a little retail therapy. With a quick browse around the cute wee boutiquey style shops and a couple of cheeky purchases we make our way, coffee in hand, out to Murrays Brewery.
This place makes delicious coffee btw!
Murray’s has specialty beers, wines, food plus lots of little gifts, chutneys and little treasures you’d find in a winery gift shop – plus they do a $5 brewery tour at 2pm each day. Bonus!
You could easily sit in the grounds and just relax the afternoon away in the sun, sipping on their tasty beers (best tried in a beer wheel), we clearly decide to take this option. And if you need something to help with the absorption factor (which I highly recommend) you have got to have the salt & pepper squid. Delishimo!
Making our way back to the hotel feeling far too content, we take a wee stroll around the marina again and stop for a few sunset snaps… a mere 20 metres from our room!! Aaahhmazing…
Dinner time
The only thing better than an onsite spa? An onsite bar and restaurant, of course. With a dinner reservation back at Merretts Restaurant at the hotel and a little bit of time to fill, we opt for a quick pre-dinner cocktail in the Captains Bar.
It’s hard to go past the three course option and with a complimentary trout soufflé and freshly made bread buns (so yum!) for pre-entree by the end of the third course we are well and truly satisfied. The scallops, the barramundi – done with satay spices, something I wouldn’t normally pick but oh so very glad I did – are the highlights. And then of course the sticky date pudding which is lick your plate good (I’m sure I caught Mr LML do this at one point!).
We wake Sunday morning feeling well rested, still full and string together a plan for the day.
Here’s my list of other things to do in Port Stephens:
• A trip to the local markets – there are around 8 markets that alternate weekends during the month. They are super cute and have lots of fresh produce, handmade gifts, homemade foods, antiques and second hand goods. Perfect for a casual Saturday or Sunday morning retail fix. http://www.portstephens.org.au/whats-on/ps-markets
• A visit to Birubi Point to try and spot the whales passing – this is a locals tip and if you’re not up for a whale watching cruise or don’t have the time then this is the second best option. To get there drive out towards Anna Bay and follow the signs towards the beach from there.
• A sand dunes adventure – located out past Anna Bay too the sand dunes are definitely worth a visit. We just took a quick visit, but you can go quad biking, camel riding or sand-boarding and spend half the day out here!
• A ferry trip over to the Tea Gardens – perfect for a chilled lunch trip jump on the ferry and head across to Tea Gardens. It’s around a 45 minute ferry ride across and once over you can either opt for a picnic on the side of the water or head to one of the cafes or restaurants for a long lunch before jumping on the ferry back across.
Port Stephens – this place seems to get better every time I visit and I know for sure we’ll definitely be back sooner rather than later!
Comment below if you have any Port Stephen tips!
Nicola and Mr LML stayed as guests of The Anchorage.