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Tag: Port Stephens

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Shark and Ray Rescue Centre

Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens

Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens

Based at Bobs Farm near Port Stephens, the Shark and Ray Rescue Centre is dedicated to the rehabilitation and rehousing of sharks and rays. An association with local Professional Fishermen allows injured sharks, rays, and other marine creatures caught as a by-catch to be saved.

Getting There

Interior of the Shark and Ray Rescue Centre
Interior of the Centre

Housed undercover, the centre operates in all weathers, so is great to visit on a rainy day when other activities in Port Stephens close. With only a 40-minute drive from Newcastle, or 20 minutes from Port Stephens it’s easy to get to. Parking is on site with plenty of room available.

What to See When You Arrive

On arrival, a staff member takes you around the centre, so that you are familiar with what’s on display and how to interact with them.

We chose to walk around the tanks and enclosures to view the displays, but for a small fee you can also get in the tanks and feed the sharks. Several people were doing this, mostly young families. They seemed to be having a great time in the water and the sharks they were with were not dangerous.

Leopard Shark
Leopard Shark
Port Jackson Shark Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
Port Jackson Shark
Port Jackson Shark Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
Port Jackson Shark
Fiddler Ray
Fiddler Ray
Fiddler Ray Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
Fiddler Ray
Shovelnose Ray
Shovelnose Ray
Stingray
Stingray
Stingray
Stingray

Birds

The Centre has expanded its operations to include other animals in need, including birds. We were pleased to be able to enter the parrot aviary where a staff member explained about them. Even better, they perched on our shoulders and arms, which was something we were not expecting to do when we arrived.

Eclectus parrot Shark and Ray Rescue Centre Port Stephens
Eclectus parrot
Chestnut Fronted Macaw
Chestnut Fronted Macaw
Gold Macaw

Other Displays

Housed in large enclosures and several glass cages, the centre has a collection of lizards on display.

A butterfly house has now opened giving visitors the opportunity to see them up close. Our visit did not match its open times, so we will have to go back to see it.

At times, octopus and other marine creatures may be housed here. This is variable, depending on the need to rehabilitate the.

Pygmy Bearded Dragon
Pygmy Bearded Dragon
Blue Tongue Lizards
Blue Tongue Lizards
Blue Tongue Lizards
Blue Tongue Lizards

What Did We Think?

This was a fun and interesting place to visit. A great way to see sharks and rays up close, something you don’t often get to do. The experience with the parrots was also great as was seeing the lizards. It’s wonderful that someone is helping rehabilitate injured marine life and rehousing them.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Fingal Bay and Port Stephens Lighthouse

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia

Fingal Bay

Located in Port Stephens near Newcastle Fingal Bay is a quiet town catering to the tourists interested in the beach and surroundings. Our reason for visiting was to walk across the sand spit from the mainland to Shark Island. This spit is submerged at high tide, so we chose two hours before low tide for the walk. There are warning signs stating the dangers of crossing if the spit is submerged. We started the morning with a snack at the Longboat Cafe before walking down the beach and across to the island. This was a very relaxing walk, with great scenery.

Sand Spit Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Sand Spit
Rock Formations Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Rock Formations on Shark Island
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Mount Tamaree From Shark Island

Port Stephens Lighthouse and Shark Island

Once on the island, we followed the marked trail to the Port Stephens Lighthouse, which was an easy walk. Well maintained, the lighthouse is still operational and therefore cannot be entered. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is being restored by National Parks and Wildlife, but still looks nice, with its old sandstone walls. Before returning to across the spit, we explored the sand cove on the island. Here, we found some interesting rock formations as well as views out to Tomaree Headland.

Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Walking Track to Port Stephens Lighthouse
Port Stephens Lighthouse Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Port Stephens Lighthouse
Light House Keeper's Cottage Shark Island Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Light House Keeper’s Cottage

Barry Park Lookout

While in the area, we also visited Barry Park Lookout. There are beautiful views out over Fingal Bay towards Shark Island, making this a great stop while here. The gardens and short walks are well put together and maintained and the seating makes it a great place for a picnic.

Barry Point Lookout Fingal Bay Port Stephens Australia
Barry Point Lookout

We have previously walked to the summit of Mount Tomaree and visited Nelson Bay and these are two other great options if you are in the area.

Remember to check the tide times for Fingal Bay before you go as people have drowned in the area, while trying to cross the spit.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.