Glad to be here, now

Just over two hours north of Sydney, and just under 5 hours from where I live now. Port Stephens is one of the best places to be in the Australian summer and some where I’ve spent a lot of time.

The Worimi are the traditional owners for the area, something that should never be forgotten. The area got its name from Captain James Cook, who sighted the bay in 1770 and named it after his friend, Secretary to the Admiralty Sir Philip Stephens, who had recommended Cook for the command. Most features of the area were named from these early connections — the Salamander was the first European ship to enter the Port, so Salamander Bay. and after escaped convicts found the place to their liking, a garrison of troops was placed at what is now Soldiers Point. Captain James Corlette started a timber shipping business in the area, so a suburb bears his name. I’m thinking Nelson Bay is named after Lord Nelson, but no details in the links above!

As the soil wasn’t good for agriculture, the Port stayed remote and sparsely populated for some time. This was seen as a bonus during WWII, so a naval training centre was setup in the area. You can still see various battlements to this day.

But after road access improved. it became a more popular area for tourists and retirees and by now it is positively booming!