Discover Port Stephens:

Australia’s Coastal Playground for Trail Runners

Golden beaches, towering sand dunes, rugged coastal headlands, native wildlife and some of New South Wales’ most spectacular coastal trails—Port Stephens is much more than just another race destination. It’s a place where adventure continues long after you cross the finish line.

Whether you’re travelling for the Trail Run Australia – Port Stephens event or simply looking for your next outdoor escape, Port Stephens offers the perfect mix of world-class trail running, unforgettable wildlife encounters and relaxed coastal charm.

Located just over two hours north of Sydney, this stunning region boasts more than 26 beautiful beaches, a pristine marine park and the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, making it one of Australia’s premier outdoor adventure destinations.

Run Where Coast Meets Wilderness

The Port Stephens courses are among the most scenic on the Trail Run Australia calendar.

Flowing through the spectacular Tomaree National Park, runners experience everything from shaded coastal bushland and technical singletrack to breath-taking ocean lookouts overlooking Fingal Bay, Zenith Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

The constantly changing landscape means every kilometre offers something different—from towering eucalypts alive with birdsong to dramatic granite headlands where migrating whales can often be spotted during the season. It’s trail running exactly as nature intended.

Delivered by In2Adventure, the Trail Run Australia experience combines professionally managed events with unforgettable locations that encourage participants to explore beyond race day.

Meet One of Australia’s Most Iconic Residents

One destination every visitor should place at the top of their itinerary is the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

Unlike a traditional wildlife park, the sanctuary combines conservation, education and tourism to create a truly unique experience. Visitors walk through peaceful native bushland along the Sanctuary Story Walk before climbing the elevated SKYwalk, offering eye-level views into the eucalyptus canopy where recovering koalas rest naturally among the trees.

The sanctuary also overlooks the working Koala Hospital, where injured and orphaned koalas receive specialist veterinary care before returning to the wild whenever possible. Every visit helps support ongoing koala conservation across the region.

For those wanting an unforgettable overnight experience, luxury glamping tents and modern accommodation allow guests to wake surrounded by native bushland—and perhaps the sound of a nearby koala calling from the trees.

You can learn more or book your visit via Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary.

More Adventures Beyond the Finish Line

Port Stephens rewards visitors who stay an extra day or two.

Some of the region’s highlights include:

Tomaree Head Summit Walk – One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal lookouts with panoramic views across Port Stephens and the Pacific Ocean.
Stockton Sand Dunes (Worimi Conservation Lands) – Ride a sandboard, explore by 4WD or simply marvel at the largest coastal dune system in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dolphin and whale watching cruises – Port Stephens is home to one of Australia’s largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, while humpback whales migrate past the coastline each winter.
Beautiful beaches – Relax at Fingal Bay, Zenith Beach, One Mile Beach or Shoal Bay after your run.
Water adventures – Paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and fishing are all popular ways to experience the crystal-clear waters of the bay.

A Destination Worth Staying For

One of the best things about racing in Port Stephens is that your event becomes the centrepiece of a memorable holiday.

Start your morning on spectacular coastal trails, enjoy fresh local seafood overlooking the marina, visit the Koala Sanctuary in the afternoon and finish the day watching the sun set over the water.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, introducing your family to trail running or simply exploring somewhere new, Port Stephens delivers an experience that extends far beyond race day.

Join us at the next Trail Run Australia – Port Stephens event and discover why this remarkable coastal destination has become one of Australia’s favourite places to run.

To plan your stay, explore accommodation and discover even more experiences, visit Destination Port Stephens or Visit NSW – Port Stephens

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