Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

PORT STEPHENS: DOLPHIN- & WHALE-WATCHING 187
Four-hour whale-watching tours cost the same and leave at 11am from June
1 to November 15. You are most likely to spot humpback whales, but there’s also
a chance to see minke and southern right whales.
A morning dolphin-watching cruise runs from 10:30am to 12:30pm daily
during summer and costs A$20 (US$13) for adults, A$13 (US$8.45) for children,
and A$53(US$34) for families. If you happen to be around on the weekend
nearest a full moon, ask about overnight “Full Moon Tours.”
The Port Stephens Ferry Service (& 02/4981 3798) operates a 2 1 ⁄2-hour
“Early Bird Dolphin Watch” daily at 8:30am with a stop off at Tea Gardens.
A similar 3 1 ⁄2-hour cruise departs at noon (you can eat lunch at Tea Gardens),
and a 2-hour dolphin-watching cruise departs at 3:30pm. All cruises cost
A$17 (US$11) for adults, A$9 (US$5.85) for children, and A$40 (US$26) for
families.
Wonderbus (1800/669 800 in Australia, or 02/9555 9800; www.wonderbus.
com.au) transfers passengers from Sydney and back for A$55 (US$36) one-way.
Otherwise it offers wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, a 2-hour dolphin watch
cruise, a visit to Oakdale wildlife farm, and lunch for A$168 (US$109).
ACCOMMODATIONS YOU CAN AFFORD
Port Stephens is very popular with Sydneysiders, especially during the Christmas
holidays, January, and Easter, so you’ll need to book well in advance then.
Port Stephens Motor Lodge Surrounded by tall trees and gardens, this
motor lodge is a peaceful place to stay and a short stroll from the main township.
The standard rooms are quite plain with raw-brick walls, a comfy double
(and an extra single bed in most rooms), a private balcony, and an attached
shower with half-tub. Adjacent to the lodge is a self-contained family unit with
two bedrooms, a laundry, and water views. There’s a barbecue area on the grounds.
44 Mangus St., Nelson Bay, NSW 2315. & 02/4981 3366. Fax 02/4984 1655. psmlodge@aol.com. 17 units.
A$60–A$120 (US$39–US$78) standard double (Christmas holiday period most expensive); weekdays A$88
(US$57) family unit; weekends A$120 (US$78). Extra adult A$10 (US$6.50); extra person under 15 A$5
(US$3.25). AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Outdoor pool; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV,
coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Salamander Shores Salamander Shores looks like a beached, ramshackle
paddle steamer—it’s all white-painted bricks and rails and stairs, fixed to the bay
by a jetty. Set in a well-tended, sloping garden, this five-story hotel retains a certain
1960s charm, despite undergoing selective modernization. Standard rooms
are similar to most motel rooms, but you really should throw caution to the
wind and get a seaview room—you won’t regret it. These rooms have spas and
large balconies with extensive views of the bay. When the sun rises over the water
and the garden is full of lorikeets and corellas, it couldn’t be more picture-book
perfect. There’s a pub and bottle shop down below.
147 Soldiers Point Rd., Soldiers Point, NSW 2317. & 1800/655 029 in Australia, or 02/4982 7210. Fax 02/
4982 7890. www.salamander-shores.com. 90 units. A$109 (US$80) standard double; A$142 (US$92) gardenview
double; A$161 (US$105) seaview double; A$229 (US$149) family suite; $264 (US$172) penthouse. A$18
(US$12) extra person. Ask about packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; small outdoor pool;
sauna; tour desk; babysitting; laundry service; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker, hair
dryer, iron.
WHERE TO DINE
Most people head down to Nelson Bay for meals because of the great views
across the bay. You’ll also find a host of cheap takeout joints here, including The