Port Stephens, an open youthful tide-dominated drowned-valley estuary,[1] is a large natural harbour of approximately 134 square kilometres (52 sq mi)[2] located in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia.

[5] Port Stephens is formed through the confluence of the Myall and Karuah rivers, Tilligerry Creek, and the Tasman Sea of the South Pacific Ocean.

[6] A narrow entrance between two striking hills of volcanic origin marks the opening of Port Stephens to the sea.

[7] With an area of approximately 134 square kilometres (52 sq mi),[2] Port Stephens is larger than Sydney Harbour.

These are separated by Tilligerry Creek, a watercourse covering approximately 7.7 km2 (3.0 sq mi), which drains the land in the low-lying areas of Salt Ash, Bobs Farm, Tanilba Bay and Mallabula.

[10] The port was named by Captain Cook when he passed by on 11 May 1770, honouring Sir Philip Stephens, who was Secretary to the Admiralty.

Despite this, in 1920 there was a push for Port Stephens to be the capital city of a new state in a proposal originating from the country newspaper The Daily Observer.

Since the 1970s, with improved road access from Sydney, and the increasing popularity of coastal retirement lifestyles, there has been major expansion of these towns.

[20] The park comprises approximately 97,200 hectares (240,000 acres) and includes all of Port Stephens, the Karuah and Myall rivers and all their creeks and tributaries under tidal influence.

The main industry in the area is oyster farming, however a small tourist resort is located near the mouth of Twelve Mile Creek.

East of the Karuah River, in the Mid-Coast Council local government area there are 3,584 people living in Bundabah, Carrington, Hawks Nest, North Arm Cove, Pindimar, Tahlee and Tea Gardens.

Port Stephens is a popular tourism destination with a strong focus on aquatic activities such as whale and dolphin watching,[22] fishing and recreational boating and swimming.