A Slow Weekend in Soldiers Point
Soldiers Point is the quieter side of Port Stephens, which is exactly why we love it.
It is close enough to Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, restaurants, cruises and local adventures, but calm enough to feel like you have stepped out of the rush. At Fifty Five, the best weekends are often the simple ones: a swim, a good meal, a beach walk, a sunset, a sleep-in and a view you keep coming back to.
Psst, before you arrive…
On your way into Soldiers Point - if you're an oyster lover you must stop at Holbert's Oyster Farm and buy the Best Oysters in the World direct from the farm. Take them to 55 with a cold bottle of something and enjoy!
Friday
Arrive and settle in
Arrive at Fifty Five, unpack properly and let the week fall away.
Open the doors, step onto the deck and take in the view across the bay. If the tide is right, wander down to the sand or dip your feet in before dinner. Keep things easy with takeaway from somewhere local like Sunan Thai, pizza from Blue Moon Pizza, or a simple meal at home.
This is not the night to over-plan. Pour a drink, watch the water and let yourself arrive.
Saturday morning
Wake with the bay
Set your alarm for sunrise at least once during your stay.
Grab a cuppa, step outside and watch the first light move across the water. It does not have to take long, and if you are not an early riser, you can always climb back under the covers afterwards. If you get the right morning, you will not regret it.
Depending on the weather and tide, you might stay up for a swim, paddle, beach walk or slow breakfast on the deck.
For a local morning ritual, walk out the beachside gate and turn right, following Joe’s Track towards The Bay Sailing Centre. It is a short waterfront walk with beautiful bay views, coffee at the other end and a good chance of dolphin spotting on a high tide.
Saturday afternoon
Choose your pace
For an easy afternoon, stay close to the house. Read in the library, take the kayaks or SUPs out, wander the shoreline, fish from the beach or prep something for dinner using herbs from the garden.
If you want to explore further, head towards Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach or the Tomaree area. The Tomaree Coastal Walk is one of the standout walking experiences in the region, and you can choose a smaller section rather than committing to the whole route.
Saturday evening
Sunset and seafood
For sunset, take a picnic to Sunset Beach or find a waterfront table nearby at The Deck, Rest 2317 (for sunset cocktail hour!), or another local favourite.
Soldiers Point is made for this part of the day – the light softens, the water changes colour, and everyone seems to slow down a little.
You can eat out, or come back to Fifty Five for seafood, salad, wine and a long dinner around the table.
Sunday
Do very little
Sunday mornings are for sleeping in, swimming again, finishing the last of the coffee and taking your time.
If you can, leave a little space before checkout. One more look at the water, one more wander down to the beach, one more reminder that slow weekends are often the ones you remember most.
