If you’re trying to find directions to the Champagne Spa in Port Stephens, this outdoor how-to guide should give you a jump start. The Champagne Spa is a rock pool located in Port Stephens, Australia, in a small town called Boat Harbour. The blueish-green Champagne Spa sits at the edge of Anna Bay, which is part of the Tasman Sea of the South Pacific Ocean.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the best directions to the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour so that you can save time to do other fun things in Port Stephen, like riding camels at Stockton Beach, surfing One Mile Beach, and sand boarding Stockton Sand Dunes.
Come with me as I show you how to get to the Champagne Spa in Port Stephens and what gear to bring to this incredibly stunning rock pool.
Note: Use caution getting to the Port Stephens Champagne Spa. There are annual drownings in Port Stephens each year, and the risks of falling or drowning are real if you’re not careful or go when the weather is bad. If you’re not experienced, take a guide or don’t go. While the rock pool is impressive, it’s not worth getting hurt. Visit the Champagne Spa at your own risk.
Quick Directions
• Google Boat Harbour, Port Stephens, Australia and go there.
• Got to the whale watch tower which is not there anymore, but the remnants are four concrete pillars on the ground.
• You’ll see a trail leading to a bench, with a life ring fixed to a post.
• Scroll down our page to find the aerial image with the arrow to locate the Champagne Spa. When facing South the rock spa will be to the left.
Are you planning a Trip to Port Stephens?
If you are planning trip soon to Boat Harbour, make plans as quick as you can. Below are some recommendations.
Here’s the best restaurant I ate at near the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour (there’s only one, but it’s amazing):
• Crest Birubi Beach: 73 James Paterson St, Anna Bay NSW 2316 (exceptional seafood; make reservations ahead of time; closed Sundays)
Best lodging we stayed at near the Champagne Spa near Boat Harbour:
• Middle Rock Ingenia: 554 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile NSW 2316, Australia. This is a well-kept place to stay right near One Mile Beach, friendly managers and they even have a pool. Make sure to read until the end of this travel guide to hear my interesting, “only in Australia” experience at the pool.
Map & Address
Address: Boat Harbour Whale Watching Lookout, NSW 2316, Australia
Located in Port Stephens, Australia
Port Stephens is one of my favorite places in Australia that I’ve visited so far. It really seemed to be the “adventure capital” of the region, as there was so much to do here for anyone that loves the outdoors like I do.
Just up the street from the Champagne Spa, are these radical looking concrete objects. They were actually used during World War II to help safe guard Australia in case of an attack. They add to the mystique of the region and are the starting point for other adventure activities like Stockton Beach sand boarding and camel riding.
How to Use This Guide
In this travel guide, I’ll explain not only how to get to this rock pool but also what to expect when visiting the Champagne Spa. Then, we’ll review some of the other top things to do in Port Stephens.
Recommended food & Accommodations
If you are planning a trip soon to Boat Harbour, make plans as quickly as you can. Below are some recommendations.
Here’s the best restaurant I ate at near the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour (there’s only one, but it’s fantastic):
Crest Birubi Beach: 73 James Paterson St, Anna Bay NSW 2316 (exceptional seafood; make reservations ahead of time; closed Sundays)
The best lodging we stayed at near the Champagne Spa near Boat Harbour:
Middle Rock Ingenia: 554 Gan Gan Rd, One Mile NSW 2316, Australia. This is a well-kept place to stay right near One Mile Beach, there are friendly managers, and they even have a pool. Read until the end of this travel guide to hear my interesting, “only in Australia” experience at the pool.
Hopefully, after reading this article, it will not only tell you how to get there with ease but prepare you for what to expect and what gear to bring.
If you attempt to go to this rock pool, do so at your own risk.
What to Expect
The pool is deep, can contain dangerous marine life, and can be treacherous to reach depending on your skill level with hiking over large boulders and swimming.
Bring a professional guide with you if you are not capable of reaching or diving and snorkeling at this rock pool, or simply don’t go. The boulders aren’t too hard to pass, and it’s a relatively short hike, but everyone’s at different skill levels, so know your limits.
What is a Rock Pool?
First off, do you know what a rock pool is? I didn’t when I first heard the term. A rock pool is sometimes called a tidal pool. It’s basically an area of water that fills in the intertidal region with salt water. It’s a unique ecosystem for various marine life that favors the protection offered by these pools of water.
Detailed Directions to the Rock Spa
Below are detailed instructions on how to reach this special place in Port Stephens. This inviting rock pool with champagne-like water is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and photography. Below you’ll find four steps to reach the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour, Port Stephens.
Step 1: Go to the Boat Harbour whale watch lookout
The first tip to find the Champagne Spa at Boat Harbour in Port Stephens is to get to the Boat Harbour whale watch lookout. Our family took public transportation to Boat Harbour from where we stayed at Middle Rock (Ingenia lodging). That itself was an experience!
Step 2: Take public transportation
We took the Port Stephens public bus transportation from where we were staying at Ingenia Middle Rock. It went all the way to Boat Harbour which only took about 10 minutes. The ride was punctual and only cost us a few dollars for our family of four. However, the hard part was getting back since it ran the return route less.
The bus doesn’t run often, and we ended up having to wait about an hour until the next one came through on our way back. But I’m not complaining and was thankful for the low-cost transportation Port Stephens offered!
Step 3: Google Search “Boat Harbour Whale Watch Lookout”
Do a google search for “Boat Harbour whale watch lookout.” Use these directions to get to Boat Harbour. Go to the whale watch lookout.
Finding the whale watch lookout is straightforward. As you come into Boat Harbour on Blanch Drive, you will follow it down until you hit Noamunga Street. Here, you’ll encounter a gravel parking lot at the head of the “whale watch platform.”
Step 4: hike to the Champagne Spa
Finding the Champagne Spa at Boat Harbour can be challenging if you aren’t careful. It was for my family. The boulders are big and the terrain is more expansive than I thought. The place the rock pool is situated below the boulders really disguises it until you walk right up on it.
First thing’s first. When you arrive at the Boat Harbour whale watch lookout area, there will be a small parking lot.
Here, there’s a trail leading to the whale watch lookout. The whale watch lookout is on a bluff at Boat Harbour. There are three concrete pillars at whale watch tower area. These pillars are to sit on to view whales during whale migration season (read below for more about observing whales in Boat Harbour).
I wish I had paid more attention to the whale watch tower when I got there. It’s quite impressive that there’s a specific spot, that year after year, local Australians must have noticed that whales migrate past this specific spot. So much so that they made the effort to install seating to observe migrating whales. Pretty cool.
We didn’t see any whales while we there but it would really be amazing to be present during whale watching season and get the chance to see pod of whales. Swimming, fishing and whale watching are all popular sports in Boat Harbour, due to their shallow, protected waters.
Use our directional map below to help you get to the Champagne Spa. The blue arrow points to the rock pool. Use these directions and swim at your own risk.
Step 5: Find the bench at Boat Harbour whale watch lookout
You’ll find a 2 to 3 person bench on the bluff overlooking Anna Bay. From here you still cannot see the Champagne Spa. For reference (and in case of emergency), there’s an orange life ring near the bench.
You’ll have to follow the well worn trail to the rocks at which point the trail disappears. If you aren’t comfortable hiking on rocks or being around water do not proceed. Always take a professional with you if you don’t feel comfortable exploring.
Step 6: Hike over massive rock formations to reach the Champagne spa
As you proceed walking forward you’ll come to a rock face that steps down pretty gradually as you get closer to the ocean. You’ll want to bear to the left (see the image above with the blue arrow which points to the Champagne Spa). As long as you bear to the left you shouldn’t have trouble finding the rock pool.
If you go to the right, you’ll find a couple of other rock pools, but not the largest rock pool known as the Champagne Spa. As you hang a left, you’ll notice the giant rock pool in all it’s glory.
Its crystal clear, turquoise waters are quite impressive. If you enjoy swimming, it might be difficult for you to resist jumping in this rock pool as it was for me.
Related post: If you’re a swimmer, don’t miss a swim at Bondi Icebergs near Bondi Beach
Step 7: take a dip in the Champagne spa (if you can swim)
Now that you’ve reached the Champagne Spa, it’s time to take a dip. After I put on my snorkel, I immediately jumped in the water. It was a warm day and the water was cool, but not cold, so it felt refreshing. It was a really neat experience. Let me paint a picture for you.
Step 8: Have Fun
You jump in this pristine rock pool with no one else around while giant waves are crashing on the shore around you. When we went we were safe from the waves as they were very far away from the rock pool.
However, always be cautious since tides and current weather patterns can change hourly. You could smell the salt water, but the salinity of the rock pool seemed to be both fresh and salt water mixed together.
Beware of Underwater creatures
While unlikely, it’s always possible that there is marine wildlife that could be harmful to humans. These animals could include octopus, crustaceans, and jelly fish.
I saw crabs and small fish when I was in the rock Champagne Spa. The blue ringed octopus carries enough venom to kill 26 adults and there is no anti-venom. Swim at your own risk.
Check the water temperature
The water temperature in November was not too cold. The temperature will be whatever the ocean water is currently. Before you go use this site to check the water temperature. Remember, the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in the United States.
The coldest months of the year in Australia and of the Champagne rock pool would be May through September. The water temperatures do warm up some during the day since the rock pool is in full sun.
Bring your snorkel gear
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the rock pool with snorkel gear and a GoPro like I did. I was impressed with the colorful tiny fish and various marine crustaceans. I brought my GoPro, a rash guard, flippers, a mask, and a snorkel. I could have left my flippers, but the rock pool is big enough to cruise around and doesn’t leave your feet exposed.
Essential Equipment
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Bathing suit (it’s probably best to wear it to the rock pool since there’s no changing rooms, but then again there’s probably no one around if you need to change behind a towel)
- Tennis shoes, water shoes, or hiking boots (you’ll definitely need some sort of foot protection while hiking on the rocks)
- Flippers (helpful, but not required)
- Rash guard
- GoPro or waterproof camera
To enjoy the Champagne Pools, bring a GoPro or other waterproof camera or smartphone with a waterproof case. This way, you can capture the underwater world in the pools. If you need snorkel gear, you can rent it in Nelson Bay.
For more hiking, go to Tomaree National Park. The park has many walking trails, like the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which offers a beautiful harbor view. You should hire a car or join a guided tour; in either case, we highly recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and proper footwear.
Other Things to do near the Champagne Spa
Looking for more to do in Port Stephens? Read our travel guide for the best things to do in Port Stephens.
Sandboarding Stockton Beach
Another activity that you can add to your itinerary when visiting the Champagne Spa is sandboarding. The enormous sand dunes at Stockton Beach are just a few minutes away.
You can rent a sandboard and ride the dunes like we did, or bring your own gear and try it yourself. Just remember to get the appropriate permitting to go on the Worimi Conservation Land. Sandboarding is a great activity for any family that loves playing in the sand.
Go surfing at One Mile Beach
Port Stephens is home to many breathtaking beaches, and One Mile Beach is a popular spot for both swimming and surfing. During the summer months, lifeguards patrol the beaches. If you’d like to go surfing, you can read about our experience taking surf lessons in Port Stephens.
Watch whales from the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour
Nelson Bay is home to a huge migration of whales. The Champagne Spa at Boat Harbour has been known for years to be an excellent spot to view whales migrating. It’s such an important spot to watch whales, that the community has a whale watching area near the rock pool with concrete seats.
If you become the first person to get a photo in the rock pool with a whale swimming in the background please let us know in the comments below. That would be one epic photo!
Pro tip: Whales pass by the lookout area a mere 300 to 450 yards from shore. If you go during whale migration season, don’t forget your binoculars!
Type of whales
- Southern right whale
- Humpback whale
Migration season
- May through November
Don’t get stuck in Boat Harbour
Keep in mind that if you’re taking public transportation, you need to keep an eye on the clock and the bus schedule. The public transport system doesn’t travel as frequently in Boat Harbour.
Cellular reception isn’t great at Boat Harbour and Ubers are hit or miss in Port Stephens. Therefore, plan ahead if you’re not driving to the whale watch area in your own vehicle, so you don’t get stuck at the Champagne spa. We almost got stuck ourselves.
Is the Champagne Spa Worth it?
Going to the Champagne Spa in Port Stephens was absolutely worth it. The Champagne Spa fulfilled my expectations and was a great half-day trip for my family. I loved that it taught my kids, whom we’re raising to be GLOBAL citizens, both time management in coordinating public transportation and patience in having to wait for the not so frequent bus.
I’m on the search for another great adventure that can outdo this one. But, it will be tough. This rock pool had it all: Great scenery, wildlife, timing of schedules, adventure, hiking, swimming, wow!
Have you been to the Champagne Spa? Tell me your experience below and if you have any other tips I can provide the world with on visiting this tremendous natural resource, let me know.
