Going walkabout with Erik Thompson

Editor Editor
hero media

Perhaps best known for his role in Packed To The Rafters, Erik Thompson recalls his travels to medical conventions and toxic New Zealand volcanoes.

1. As a child, our family holidays were always to…

Dad’s annual medical conference. We got to stay in a hotel, stay up late and drink soft drink.

One year we went to Hastings, New Zealand, and visited a dodgy park called ‘Fantasyland’, a cheap rip-off of Disneyland.

2. The last place I visited was…

Samoa and the next place I am booked to go is… Queenstown for a spot of skiing.

3. I’ll never forget the time…

I went to school in Scalloway on the Shetland Islands, Scotland. My mother was born in Shetland and I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years, but to actually go to school and sink into the community was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

4. If money was no barrier, send me off to…

The Mentawai Islands in Indonesia, a remote surfing mecca. I went there four years ago with some old mates to celebrate our 45ths; next year we all turn 50 so we’re heading up again.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

5. My favourite travel companion is…

My wife Caitlin, of course. The problem is she doesn’t like to visit the same place twice. There is one exception though – she has no problem returning to Kangaroo Island again and again, which I support wholeheartedly. It’s a fantastic, uniquely Australian place full of wonder.

6. My carry-on is usually filled with…

My noise-cancelling headphones, computer and a large bottle of water.

On long flights I change into flight pyjamas once we’ve taken off. It’s a tip I picked up when I was hosting on Getaway.

7. My last holiday read was…

Island Home by Tim Winton. I’ve always been a Winton fan, from Cloudstreet to Dirt Music and Eyrie.

This book is his meditation on how the unique geography and position of Australia on the planet, shapes us as a people.

8. The best bed I’ve ever slept in was…

At the Park Hyatt Melbourne. Egyptian cotton sheets and excellent pillows (pillows are everything).

It’s all topped off with really good blinds to keep the room dark and support that rare sleep-in.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

9. My local’s tip for hometown McLaren Vale is…

To make a visit to the family winery Penny’s Hill, one of the Vale’s best cellar doors and restaurants.

Pop in and the people are very friendly, and I’m probably related to them…

10. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done on holiday is…

Taking a helicopter out to White Island, an active volcano in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, and landing in the crater.

Plumes of toxic gas rose from lakes of acid forcing us to wear gas masks.

It felt like it could blow at any moment. Quite amazing and a tad scary!

 

Come on a walkabout with other Australians of note… Jesinta Campbell – Joel Creasey – Sally Fiztgibbons

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Editor

Editor

View profile and articles
the pool at Alex Beach Cabins & Tourist Park, Mooloolaba
Australia

Something in the future.

Read more
Coffee being poured with latte art
Australia

Australia’s best coffee revealed – and it isn’t where you think it is

The judges have spoken, and the flavours taking top honours are ones you’ll want to try.

Read more
The converted bakery and off-grid cabin crowned in best Airbnb stays
Australia

This off-grid Blue Mountains cabin was just crowned Airbnb’s best nature escape

Airbnb just unveiled the winners of its 2025 Australian Host Awards, and the lineup will have you booking your next getaway.

Read more
Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations in South Australia
Australia

What’s on around Australia in October 2025

October is serving culture, colour and creativity.

Read more
hero media

8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    Walkabout with Erik Thompson | Australian Traveller