Raymond Terrace is situated north of Newcastle on the junctionof the Williams and Hunter Rivers. An important wool-shipping centre in the mid 1800's, the grand old sandstone buildings in towndistinctively portray the once prosperous era. Close by, Fighter Town isan exhibit at the RAAF Williamtown base displaying the history of RAAFfighter squadrons. There's also the Hunter Region Botanical Gardenswhich features over 2000 native plants and several theme gardens.
Thirty kilometres east of Raymond Terrace is the white sand and aquamarine waters of the magnificent Port Stephens. One of the most unspoilt and attractive holiday areas on the New South Wales coast, the deep, calm waters of the huge harbour are protectedby two large volcanic headlands and fringed by superb white beaches.The harbour which is over two and a half times larger than Sydney's,attracts dolphins, whales and most of the action with a plethora of water sports on offerHowever, there are many land-based activities and attractions as well catering for a wide range of holiday makers.
Development around Port Stephens is confined essentially to the southern side of the harbour on the Tomaree Peninsula. Nelson Bayis the main anchorage of the port and between it andthe nearby townships of Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Anna Bay, and SoldiersPoint there plenty of different kinds of accommodation, places to eat (unsurprisingly seafood is the speciality), wineries, and a variety of artgalleries and craft markets. This side of the harbouris also gives the best access to the large koala colony at Lemon TreePassage, Tomaree National Park and StocktonBeach.
Tomaree National Park is a 900 hectare area of golden beaches,forest and coastal heath popular with surfers, swimmers and sunbathers.In Spring the park bursts into colour with incredible numbers of blooming wildflowers. Further south-west, Stockton Beach is a spectacular sand-dune expanse (the largest in the Southern Hemisphere)where you can view Aboriginal shell middens, the wreck of the Sygna, and abandoned World War II lines of defence.4WD tours are available into the dunes as well as horse and camel safaris.
The northern head of Port Stephens is home to the twin towns of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. A less developed version of thesouthern head, the region enjoys abundant wildlife and marks the beginning of a forty kilometre stretch of wild, secluded and pristinebeaches.
