Crows Nest is well set up for a family or two couples,and sleeps five – the master bedroom has a king-size bed and the second bedroom has a queen-size bed and one king single. Parking is provided in the marina car park. Crows Nest is well equipped and comfortable rather than luxurious,with microwave,dishwasher,large flat screen TV,Foxtel,DVD,Wi-Fi,ducted air-conditioning,internal laundry and more. The decor is nautical inspired,but a tad outdated. There's a spa bath in the ensuite off the main bedroom. The most inviting feature of the apartment is unquestionably the deck – the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine,watch the bustling marina and catch a sunset.
COMFORT FACTOR
You will need to hire linen for Crows Nest (a family pack costs $75 for three nights). Supplies such as toiletries,washing up liquid and washing powder err on the basic and limited side,but are more than adequate if you're just staying for the weekend. Plastic wrapped soap and sanitary seals across the toilets cheapen the feel of the penthouse apartment. Crows Nest is self-catering so be sure and bring everything with you or stock up on supplies at the supermarket and bottle shop nearby.
THE FOOD
Port Stephen's food scene is undergoing a resurgence. Head to L'il Buddha for its traditional Asian menu;the Buddha Lamb and Shantung chicken are popular dishes. Crest at Birubi Beach offers knockout breakfasts (try the smashed avocado with feta on sourdough),excellent coffee and uninterrupted views of Stockton Beach. The Galley Kitchen meanwhile at the Anchorage Port Stephens offers relaxed waterfront dining. Dishes on offer include Port Stephens oysters,crispy leg of duck pancakes,miso-glazed ocean trout brouchettes and heavenly sticky date pudding. If you want to eat in at Crows Nest,there's a fully equipped kitchen and gas BBQ on the outdoor deck.
STEPPING OUT
Everything is right on your doorstep. Take a walk along the break wall to admire the boats and see if the fishermen have caught anything. Directly behind the marina is the main town of Nelson Bay itself. The Little Nell Cafe just up the hill is a terrific spot to have breakfast and coffee. Also check out The Home Interior,a stylish homewares store cum cafe. Walk the foreshore and explore the picturesque beaches of Shoal Bay,Fingal Bay,Wreck and Box Beach. The Inner Light Tearooms overlooking Nelson and Shoal Bay is a terrific spot for afternoon tea. Also don't miss the iconic Bub's Fish and Chips next door to the marina,with seafood delivered straight from the trawler to their door daily.
THE VERDICT
Ideally suited for a family,or extended family,Crows Nest offers a terrific base for exploring Port Stephens,while also offering a comfortable well-equipped pad to return to at the end of the day.
ESSENTIALS
Crows Nest costs $525 for two nights,or pay $545 for three nights until September (including school holidays) for up to five guests. Teramby Rd,d'Albora Marina,Nelson Bay. (02) 4981 1577. Seewww.portstephensaccommodation.com/accommodation/1767
Highlight:Taking in the views from the deck.
Lowlight:The restaurant extraction fans outside the apartment were noisy.
Sheriden Rhodes was a guest of Destination Port Stephens.