If you are heading into Port Stephens, take a left at the Salt Ash roundabout and you’re in the Tilligerry Peninsula neighbourhood leading to the historic Tanilba Bay, Lemon Tree Passage and Mallabula – all relaxed waterfront hamlets in nature’s playground.

Don’t miss the Tilligerry Habitat Reserve – nine hectares of flora and fauna reserve along the sandy foreshore between Tanilba Bay and Mallabula. Pick up a guide and it’s an easy 200 metre flat, level walk where you can even hire a wheelchair.

Visit the favourite feeding and resting spot for the local Koala population or take a walk through the native flora reserve at Lemon Tree Passage on Helen Avenue. There’s plenty of boat ramps for fishing, water skiing, sailing and kayaking and a quaint shopping village, golf course, holiday park and several clubs.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and chill out in these sleepy bayside beauties.