NELSON BAY Nelson Bay is the recognised town and ‘capitol’ of the Port Stephens region. Nelson Bay and the area is a popular tourist and waterway recreational area. Nelson Bay is a new town, and to that end there are no heritage factors. Since the opening of the Stockton Bridge over the Hunter River Nelson Bay has increasingly become an outer suburb of Newcastle. There is no ready accessible reason why Nelson Bay has this name.  Nelson Bay 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. The Nelson Bay Hotels is a modern large tavern type hotel, motel and resort. The hotel is party central for Nelson Bay. The congregational churches are all modern and uninteresting. The Nelson Bay War Memorial is located in the scenic parkland waterside region. and the Diggers Club. The Nelson Bay Museum is represented by the Williamtown National Museum. There is many a spot to stay in Port Stephens, Nelson Bay is but one of a number. Heritage diary