Experience the tranquility of Australia’s coastal paradise.
Have you ever imagined paddling with dolphins in pristine waters?
The best places to paddle board in Nelson Bay are waiting for you.
Embark on a memorable adventure through this picturesque Australian haven. Are you ready to glide?
Map
Planning Your Paddle in Nelson Bay
Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.
- Season: average daily highs stay above 15 °C right through the year, so there is no closed season. January is the warmest month, averaging 27 °C.
- Rules and licences: Australia regulates paddling state by state. In New South Wales a lifejacket on a stand-up paddleboard is recommended rather than legally required, and so is a leg rope. The mandatory-wear rules that do exist for paddle craft are written for canoes and kayaks.
Where to Paddle Board in Nelson Bay
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Little Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Little Beach car park and boat ramp (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered waters, light sea breezes
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, turtles, fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tomaree National Park, Shoal Bay
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay clear of boat traffic, observe swimming area boundaries
Little Beach is known for its calm, clear waters, making it an ideal spot for paddleboarding in Nelson Bay.
The sheltered bay is lined with picturesque trees and offers stunning views of the surrounding Tomaree National Park and Shoal Bay. Perfect for beginners and experienced paddle boarders alike, this serene location is both inviting and relaxing.
#2 Dutchmans Beach
- 🏖️ ️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Dutchmans Beach Reserve (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Sea birds, fish
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tomaree Head, Corlette beaches
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Look out for sailboats and other watercraft, be cautious of local regulations
Dutchmans Beach, also known as Dutchies Beach, offers a picturesque and peaceful environment for paddleboarding with its smooth waters and pleasant surroundings.
The beach offers easy access and ample parking, making it a popular choice for families and paddle boarders of all skill levels. Enjoy the view of Tomaree Head and Corlette beaches as you paddle in this tranquil bay.
#3 Fly Point
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: Fly Point Park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, may have mild currents
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, octopus, sea urchins
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Nelson Bay shoreline, Garden Island
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Observe marine reserve rules, stay aware of diving activity
Fly Point is a popular spot for paddleboarding and other water activities in Nelson Bay, thanks to its calm waters and beautiful underwater environment.
It’s a marine reserve, and exploring above the water gives you a chance to witness the vibrant marine life below. With a view of the Nelson Bay shoreline and Garden Island, this location is perfect for a scenic paddleboarding experience.
#4 Shoal Bay Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Shoal Bay car park (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light to moderate sea breeze
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, fish, sea birds
- 🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Tomaree Head, stunning beach scenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Stay aware of swimmers and boat traffic, follow local regulations
Shoal Bay Beach is an iconic destination in Nelson Bay, with its striking sandy beach and idyllic views of Tomaree Head.
The calm, clear waters make for fantastic paddleboarding conditions, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life as you cruise along this beautiful stretch of coastline.
#5 Salamander Bay Beach
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Bob Cairns Reserve (Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, protected from strong winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Tomaree National Park, distant view of Tomaree Head
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow local rules and regulations
Salamander Bay Beach, located at the Salamander Bay Reserve, offers paddleboarders a unique and sheltered environment to explore. The waters here are incredibly calm and protected from strong winds, making it an ideal spot for all skill levels.
From the water, you can enjoy sweeping views of Tomaree National Park and the distant Tomaree Head, making it a serene paddleboarding destination.
Nelson Bay lies inside Port Stephens, sheltered enough for a first paddle. Manly is the Sydney version of that, Mooloolaba the Queensland one, and Melbourne the southern one.
What to Take With You
Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.
- Typefoam, paddle cut
- ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada
Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding
- Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
- Swivelstwo in-line
- RatingIP68 certified, 1 m for 30 minutes
- Floatsyes
- Capacity20 L, range from 10 to 55 L
- Material500D PVC tarpaulin
Every model we tested: The 9 Best Dry Bags for Paddle Boarding
- Typetall neoprene boot
- Thickness3 mm
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Nelson Bay?
Popular spots for paddle boarding in Nelson Bay include Shoal Bay, Little Beach, Dutchies Beach, and Bagnalls Beach.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Nelson Bay?
No, there is no need to register paddle boards in Nelson Bay.
When is the best time to paddle board in Nelson Bay?
The best time for paddle boarding in Nelson Bay is during the summer months when the weather is warm and water conditions are calm.
Paddle Boarding Near Nelson Bay
Looking for another spot on the same trip? These guides cover the closest paddling waters we have mapped around Nelson Bay.
- Newcastle, AUS (47 km southwest)
- Central Coast (106 km southwest)
- Palm Beach, AUS (128 km southwest)
- Narrabeen Lakes (139 km southwest)
