When looking at possible roadtrip destinations for a journey from Sydney to Brisbane, Port Stephens stands out as a very pretty coastal/marina setting. The only problem being that it doesn't progress you much further north if you're previously stopped off at Hunter Valley (2 hours away near Cessnock).

If boats, pelicans, seafood and clinking halyards are your thing, then you'll be right at home here. I love these kind of places from a photography point of view. So many interesting nooks and crannies to point your camera into. We had hoped to drive down to Fingal Bay on the south-east of the peninsula to check out the intersting beach and spit, but relaxing at Peppers Anchorage got the better of us.

We did manage a trip to the restaurants and marina at Nelson Bay. The Victoria Parade area is a popular place for people to eat and socialise with many seafood restaurants to choose from.

All in all, a nice stopover, bit of a sleepy town, perfect for some rest and relaxation.