If your family is in Australia and happen to be in a place called Port Stephens, you should consider visiting the Champange Spa in Boat Harbour. This greenish-blue rock pool sits at the edge of Anna Bay which is part of Tasman Sea (which is part of the South Pacific Ocean), and is quite the hidden gem.

I first learned about the rock pool from an Instagram post showing someone swimming in this gorgeous pool on a sunny day. It looked incredibly refreshing, remote, adventurous and I just had to go check it out. Once again, curiosity led me to a place less traveled.

I found some directions online to find the trailhead to the rock pool, but they weren’t very clear on exactly how to reach the Champagne Spa once you made it to Boat Harbour. Therefore, I decided to write the best article I could about how to get to the Champange Spa in Port Stephens so others might find it easier to reach the pool than I did.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s worth visiting Australia even if you’re just coming to see the Champagne Spa! Yes, it’s that epic. I love finding natural treasures like this that are right under everyone’s nose, but some people have never heard of.

How to Get to the Champagne Spa and What to Expect

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 other top things to do in Port Stephens. 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.

Note: If you attempt to go to this rock pool, do so at your own risk.

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 rather short hike, but everyone’s at different skill levels so know your limits.

Recommended Lodging and Food Nearby

I found about this place when I was searching on Instragram on what to do in Port Stephens. I saw someone with an incredible reel that showed them swimming in this clear rock pool next to the ocean.

It was at the moment I started searching how to get there. I couldn’t find clear directions so I decided to write my own. See what Raymond Bonner has to say about his love for rock pools:

Then I discovered the rock pools. I could have the sensation of swimming in salt water — that churning surf — but there was always the wall to touch at each end, where I’d flip and start back. I’ve gradually gained more confidence swimming for distance in the open sea, but I still return to the rock pools.

How to get to the Champagne Spa

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.

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!

Consider Taking public transportation to Get There

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 costs 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!

Do a Google Search for 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.”

Address to the Champagne Spa in Boat Harbour

Address: Boat Harbour Whale Watching Lookout, NSW 2316, Australia

Map

Step 2: Take a short hike to Reach 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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.

What it feels like

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 water 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 of the Champagne Spa

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.

Must-have gear for the Champagne Spa at Boat Harbor

• 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.

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.

Kayaking

There are not kayak rentals in Boat Harbour so you’d have to bring your own. Additionally, there’s not much at Boat Harbour, not even restaurants. The closest kayak rentals are at Shoal Bay.

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 Finding and Swimming in the Champagne Spa in Port Stephens 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 great natural resource, let me know.