Nelson Bay, New South Wales

Nelson Bay
Looking south from Tomaree Headland
Nelson Bay
Interactive map of Nelson Bay
Coordinates: 32°42′54″S 152°9′4″E / 32.71500°S 152.15111°E / -32.71500; 152.15111
CountryAustralia
StateNew South Wales
RegionHunter
LGA
Location
Government
 • State electorate
 • Federal division
Area
 • Total
15.6 km2 (6.0 sq mi)
Population
 • Total6,141 (2021 census)
 • Density393.65/km2 (1,019.5/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+10 (AEST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+11 (AEDT)
Postcode
2315
CountyGloucester
ParishTomaree
Mean max temp27.3 °C (81.1 °F)
Mean min temp8.4 °C (47.1 °F)
Annual rainfall1,348.9 mm (53.11 in)
Suburbs around Nelson Bay
Port Stephens Port Stephens Port Stephens
Corlette, Salamander Bay Nelson Bay Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay
Anna Bay, One Mile One Mile, Fingal Bay Fingal Bay

Nelson Bay is a significant township of the Port Stephens local government area in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It is located on a bay of the same name on the southern shore of Port Stephens about 60 kilometres (37 mi) by road north-east of Newcastle, its nearest rail link. At the 2021 census, Nelson Bay had a population of 6,141.

It is a major tourism centre, particularly for dolphin and whale watching, surfing, diving, fishing and other recreational aquatic activities. The eastern boundaries of Nelson Bay lie within the Tomaree National Park while the southeastern section is almost entirely within the park. Nelson Head Light, an unusual lighthouse built in 1875, is positioned on the northeast corner.