Port Stephens

September last year, we went for an anniversary trip to Port Stephens. We stayed at Oaks Pacific Blue Port Stephens. It was a very nice getaway, considering that we were mostly working from home last year because of the pandemic. We planned on going for the camel rides and also shark and ray adventure. I think this is one of a handful of times that we went for a long drive since Caleb came. It took us 4 hours to get there inclulding the stopover for lunch. The resort was very nice. They had the pool that went around the whole building. We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment on the second floor. But if you stayed in the first floor, you can get what they call swim out units, meaning your unit has direct access to the pool. Anyway, on our first day, we unpacked and tried to put Caleb for his nap first but he couldn't sleep, probably really excited. So we just went downstairs to try the pool. The water was very cold. And it was also late in the afternoon. So we just stayed around 10 minutes and went back up. We just continued on the bath tub instead.

On the second day, we went to Anna Bay to try the Camel rides. It was like a scene from the desert. It was mostly sand all around and the wind was really strong. There was a long queue so we had to wait for an hour for our turn. I think we paid $100 for the three of us. It was a different and exciting experience as it was the first time for the three of us. No need to book ahead of time. We just paid when we got there.

After the camel rides, we went back to the resort to have lunch then we went to the pool afterwards. In the late afternoon, we decided to go to nelson bay. We had crepes for snacks and just walked around a little bit. Then we bought take away dinner from the asian restaurant there.

On our third day, it was time to check out. But before heading home, we went to Irukandji Shark and ray adventure. There, you can feed the sharks and rays. You can also go swimming with them if you like. We just opted for the shark and ray feeding. I had to prebook the tickets here because they were limiting people coming in per timeslot. Anyway,I was a little afraid at first but they assure you that the sharks there won't bite. After an informational talk, they provide you with little bite sized food for the sharks and rays that consisted mainly of prawns and little fish. Some of the rays were relly big. It was exciting as they go really near you so they can feed.

After the Shark and Ray encounter, we went to Nelson Bay again to have lunch and ice cream. And then we headed home. Caleb was really tired. He fell asleep on the drive home. It was really refreshing to have that trip. I was glad we were able to make it. Here's the link for our youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MASdUWO6hAM