Port Stephens is a pocket of paradise that stirs the soul. Whether you’re flying in from across the globe or only travelling an hour to get to this magical location, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped into a dream. 

Maybe it’s the elegant light, pristine beaches, or picturesque blue skies and tree-lined parks that make it such a beautiful place. Or maybe it’s all of these things and more! Because Port Stephens really does have it all, making it an incredibly ideal location for a surprise proposal. 

Not only will you be able to enjoy the serene surroundings, but you’ll have some amazing things to explore once your partner says, “Yes!” 

So, if you have the big question on your mind and need an unforgettable place to ask it, here are 3 reasons you should consider Port Stephens. 

Luxury Accommodations

If you’re proposing in Port Stephens, you might as well make a thing of it and book a stay at one of the many luxury accommodation options. Port Stephens has some of the top holiday resorts and homes in Australia!

Where beach style and aesthetics meet luxury, Bianco On Shoal Bay is A brand new 3 bedroom Villa escape just steps to Shoal Bay shoreline. It’s not just a place to stay it’s a vibe.

There’s also the Loft Corlette, a beautiful boutique rental only 100m from Bangalls Beach. This home boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open living space, a fully-equipped kitchen, multiple dining spaces, a sun deck, and a cactus courtyard where you can enjoy your morning coffee.

And I must include Bannisters Port Stephens for its pure perfection. It has everything you could want in a resort hotel. Penthouse rooms with panoramic ocean views, an infinity pool with bar, a tranquil spa, and excellent dining. 

If it’s a resort feel you’re going for, consider The Anchorage where you can experience effortless luxury accommodation and exclusive dining. This Hamptons-style accommodation host an adults-only pool area where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail or two for celebrations the day after.

There’s the Reef Anna Bay, a modern coastal beach house located within walking distance from the Worimi Conservation Lands. The home becomes like your own private resort with three bedrooms, a large balcony, dining, kitchen, and lounge areas, a saltwater pool, a heated spa, and an outdoor deck with a BBQ area. 

This brings me to my next reason you must propose in Port Stephens…

Fine Dining

You can find some of the finest dining experiences in Port Stephens. Including Rick Steins at Bannisters. 

This restaurant was created by one of the world’s most renowned chefs, famous for creating simply elegant seafood dishes. Rick Steins offers everything from local seafood favourites like oysters, sashimi, and crab linguini to black Angus striploin and ribeye. And don’t forget the mouthwatering desserts and select wines. 

If you’re craving something unique and fresh, put Atmos at Shoal Bay on your list of places to try. Here you’ll enjoy Greek cuisine (lamb, eggplant, fig and nut salad) over a Santorini Spritz (French sparkling, watermelon, lime) or one of their many Greek-inspired cocktails.  

Epic Photo Locations

One of the best parts about proposing in Port Stephens is that you have no shortage of gorgeous spots to pop the question. And after your now-fiancé has said yes, you’ll have plenty of places to venture out to for some beautiful photos. 

Some of my favourite ideas:

• Booking a cute AirBnB or penthouse suite, just in case we have some crazy, unpredictable coastal weather. The home can act as our backup plan, so nothing has to change, and your day will still go swimmingly. 
• If it’s a stunning day, any of our most beautiful beaches provide the ideal backdrop for proposal photos. Think Zenith Beach, Boat Harbour, Clifftops, Shoal Bay, and Fingal Bay.

I’m sharing Alex’s story with you today to give you an idea of what a proposal in Port Stephens can look like. 

Alex contacted me four months prior to proposing. I gave him location options for the perfect spot to pop the question along with local suppliers to bring in for all the little details like flowers, a nibble platter, and champagne to create a special setting for his fiancé.

We ended up choosing the penthouse at Bannisters as a backup option in case of wet weather so we wouldn’t have to reschedule and add stress to the moment. The whole schedule went as planned, despite the torrential rain we had on one of the days! 

Here is what Alex had to say:

“My experience with Sheri has been incredible. She has been so welcoming and has already gone above and beyond to make my special day possible. Warm, friendly, motivated and provided a lot of needed advice and guidance. I was happy with her immediately and did not look for anyone else.”

Thank you, Alex! 

I enjoy being a part of these special times in people’s lives. Not only taking the photos but helping them plan the details, too! Let me know if you’re interested in proposing in Port Stephens and would like a helping hand! I would love to hear what you have in mind.