Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you might like to know before staying at Fifty Five

Planning a stay, celebration, photoshoot or retreat at Fifty Five? We have gathered the most common questions here so you can get a feel for the house, the location and the little details that make staying on Sunrise Beach so special.

If there is anything you are unsure about, please get in touch. We are always happy to help.

Staying at Fifty Five

  • Fifty Five is set on Sunrise Beach in Soldiers Point, Port Stephens, with waterfront views across the bay and a sandy little beach right on the doorstep.

    We are tucked into the quieter end of Nelson Bay, where life moves a little more slowly. It is an easy drive from Sydney, around 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport, and close to local restaurants, beaches, walks, seafood, dolphin cruises and all the natural beauty Port Stephens is known for.

  • Fifty Five sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms, with the option of a sofa bed in the library for an additional adult or one to two children when needed.

    The house is best suited to couples, families, extended families, small groups and guests who want space to slow down and spend proper time together.

  • The house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

    The upstairs master bedroom has a king bed, ensuite, bay views and a little nursery room for babies. Downstairs, there are two king rooms that can be converted into king singles if needed, plus a queen bedroom. There is also a sofa bed in the library, best suited to children or a single adult.

    Each room has its own personality, collected over time through family travels, antique finds, coastal curios and pieces that tell a story.

  • Yes. Fifty Five is a much-loved family holiday house and is especially suited to slow, easy stays with children, grandparents, cousins and close friends.

    There is space to spread out, a sandy beach on the doorstep, low-tide exploring, kayaks, SUPs, beach gear, books, board games, a fully equipped kitchen and plenty of room for long lunches, movie nights and relaxed mornings on the deck.

    Families love that the house gives everyone room to do their own thing, while still feeling connected.

  • Yes, Fifty Five welcomes up to two well-behaved dogs.

    The yard is fully fenced, and there are beautiful beach walks and pet-friendly dining options nearby. We ask guests to be considerate of the home, garden, neighbours and local wildlife, and to include their pets in the booking details so we can prepare properly for their stay.

  • Yes. Although the main house sleeps larger groups, couples are very welcome, and discounted couples stays may be available.

    For two people, Fifty Five becomes a peaceful waterfront escape with sunrise views, slow mornings, beach walks, long baths, home-cooked dinners and quiet evenings on the deck.

    The Boat Shed is also coming soon as a smaller waterfront stay designed especially for couples.

The House

  • The kitchen is one of the heart spaces of the house, designed for guests who love to cook, gather and make the most of local produce.

    It includes a large Ilve gas stove, electric oven, French-door fridge and freezer with water and ice maker, microwave, espresso machine, dishwasher, pots, pans, utensils and a well-stocked pantry.

    There is also a kitchen garden with herbs and seasonal greens that guests are welcome to use during their stay.

  • Yes. Outside, there is an outdoor kitchen area with a BBQ, preparation space and a large rustic dining table in the covered alfresco area.

    It is a beautiful spot for summer dinners, seafood lunches, long breakfasts, grazing boards and relaxed evenings after a day on the water.

  • Yes. Fifty Five provides two kayaks, two stand-up paddle boards and a selection of life jackets in various sizes.

    There is also a picnic set, beach cart, beach umbrella and esky for beach days. Guests must read the terms and conditions in the guidebook before using water equipment and supervise children near the waterfront at all times.

  • Yes, depending on the season and your fishing luck, you may be able to fish from the beach right out the front.

    Guests have the chance to catch species such as whiting, flathead, squid, blue swimmer crab and more. Please bring your own fishing gear, follow all NSW recreational fishing rules, hold a current fishing licence where required, and only keep what you can eat fresh that day.

  • Yes. The house has a laundry with washing machine and dryer, plus a drying room for wet swimmers, wetsuits, raincoats and beach towels.

    There is also a small bar fridge, handy for drinks and extra supplies.

  • Yes. There is parking for up to four cars, including a lock-up garage and secure driveway.

    A small boat trailer may be possible in place of one car, but please confirm this before arriving. Jet skis are not suitable, as Fifty Five is all about keeping the waterfront peaceful and respectful for guests, neighbours and the local environment.

Location & Things To Do

  • There is plenty to enjoy in and around Soldiers Point, Nelson Bay and Port Stephens.

    Guests can swim, paddle, fish, walk, beachcomb, watch dolphins from the deck, take a sunset picnic to Sunset Beach, explore nearby walking tracks, book a dolphin or whale watching cruise, visit the local oyster farm, enjoy fresh seafood, take a ferry to Tea Gardens, try the Tomaree coastal walk or head out for sand dune adventures.

    You can do a lot, or very little. Both are encouraged.

  • Yes. Fifty Five sits right on Sunrise Beach, with sand and water just in front of the house.

    The beach changes with the tides and the weather, which is part of the magic. Some mornings are perfect for a swim or paddle, some are made for walking, and some are best enjoyed with a coffee on the deck while watching the bay.

  • Fifty Five is positioned in Soldiers Point, close to local dining, cafes, seafood, essentials and nearby Nelson Bay.

    You can keep things simple with home-cooked meals and local produce, or head out for relaxed dining, sunset drinks, seafood, coffee and day trips around Port Stephens.

Gatherings & Occasions

  • Yes. Fifty Five can be a beautiful setting for intimate elopements, proposals, small wedding moments and wedding stays.

    The waterfront, deck, garden and soft morning light make it especially suited to romantic, low-key celebrations. The property may suit small celebrant-led ceremonies and intimate gatherings, depending on guest numbers and the style of event.

    Please enquire with your plans so we can confirm what is possible.

  • Yes. With sunrise over the bay, full moons over the water, quiet beach walks and private waterfront spaces, Fifty Five is a beautiful place for a proposal.

    We can help point you towards the best spots around the property and nearby beaches, depending on the moment you have in mind.

  • Yes. Fifty Five can be a special place to get ready with your bridal party, spend your wedding night, or gather the next morning for a relaxed recovery breakfast.

    The house has plenty of natural light, beautiful corners for photos and space for those slower, meaningful moments around the main celebration.

  • Yes. Fifty Five is available for select photoshoots, brand campaigns, editorial shoots, film projects and creative content days.

    The property offers a mix of indoor and outdoor settings, including the beachfront, deck, garden, open-plan living spaces, bedrooms, kitchen and collected interiors. It may be well suited to lifestyle brands, homewares, bedding, fashion, swimwear, wellness, food, family-focused campaigns and editorial storytelling.

    Please send through your brief, preferred dates, crew size and intended use so we can confirm suitability.

  • Yes. Fifty Five is available for small creative workshops, wellness retreats, food-focused gatherings, art days, book clubs, writing retreats, yoga, Pilates and other intimate group experiences.

    The setting is peaceful, inspiring and naturally suited to connection, creativity and slowing down. Please enquire with the style of gathering, guest numbers, dates and any special requirements.

  • Fifty Five may suit small, relaxed team retreats, planning days or leadership getaways, especially for groups wanting a more personal and restorative setting than a standard conference space.

    There is Wi-Fi, space to gather, quiet corners to work, and plenty of opportunities to reset between conversations. For larger or more formal corporate requirements, please enquire first so we can advise honestly.

Booking

  • Accommodation bookings can be made through Airbnb.

    If you are enquiring about a couples stay, family holiday, longer stay, wedding, photoshoot, workshop or retreat, you are also welcome to contact us with the details so we can point you in the right direction.

  • Yes, discounted couples stays may be available when only two guests are staying in the main house.

    The Boat Shed is also coming soon and will offer a smaller waterfront stay designed especially for couples.

  • Fifty Five is not a polished hotel or a generic luxury rental. It is a family-owned waterfront home, loved for more than 25 years, filled with stories, collected pieces, books, sea air and the kind of details that make a house feel lived in and loved.

    Guests come for the view, the beach, the comfort and the location, but they often leave talking about something quieter: the sunrise from bed, the dolphins crossing the bay, the kids chasing soldier crabs, the moonlight on the water, the meals shared around the table, and the feeling of being able to properly switch off.

    That is what Fifty Five is really about.