Port Stephens Summer Package: Accommodation, Breakfast and Dolphin Cruise from only $175 a night per couple

As summer approaches, couples and families can escape to Port Stephens, just 2½ hours north of Sydney, for an affordable coastal getaway, thanks to a new discounted package.

The summer package – valid until next autumn – includes two nights’ cabin accommodation at the Retreat Port Stephens, a 1½ hour dolphin-spotting cruise with Tamboi Queen Cruises and breakfast vouchers at Crest Café which boasts spectacular ocean vistas.

One of the most stunningly-positioned cafes in NSW, Crest is a popular restaurant which overlooks Birubi Beach and offers sunny outdoor areas and a modern menu focussed on simple fresh food. The breakfast vouchers included as part of the package are for $30 per couple (ie $15 per person).

A family owned and operated company, Tamboi Queen Cruises offers a variety of departure times for dolphin watching cruises, allowing guests to spot the bottlenose dolphins as they enjoy the blue waters of Port Stephens. Almost 200 bottlenose dolphins live permanently in Port Stephens’ waters, making it one of the most popular places in Australia for dolphin watching.

Ideal for families or groups, and nestled in natural bushland 10 minutes from Nelson Bay, The Retreat Port Stephens features self-catering cabins, as well as covered barbecue areas, camp fires, a pool, a games room, DVD library and a playground area. The property also backs onto the biggest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

The package costs $175 per night for couples and $245 per night for families (two adults and two children under 14). Extra guests cost $40 per person, per night. The package is available until April 24, 2016, and is not valid for long weekends or public holidays.