Port Stephens Council trials free Tomaree holiday shuttle to ease summer congestion

newy.com.au – Port Stephens Council will trial a free holiday shuttle bus loop between Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Tomaree Headland and Fingal Bay from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Tuesday 6 January 2026 to help ease peak-season traffic and parking pressures.

Tomaree Headland and the Shoal Bay area attract large visitor numbers over summer, supporting the local economy but creating congestion and longer travel times, with Council saying last summer Shoal Bay welcomed more than 29,000 visitors and an estimated $3.7 million was spent in Port Stephens.

The Tomaree Shuttle will run daily from 9am to 4pm, excluding Christmas Day, operating a continuous loop about every 30 minutes as an alternative to driving and searching for limited parking near popular beaches.

Mayor Leah Anderson said the trial was a response to community calls for better management during high-demand periods. “We know how popular these areas are and how limited the parking can be. This free shuttle makes it easier for families and visitors to enjoy their day without the stress of traffic delays or trying to find a parking spot,” Anderson said.

Port Stephens Councillor Mark Watson, who put forward the Notice of Motion, said residents had been calling for practical solutions for years. “We know our local community are frustrated by traffic delays and that’s why I recommended Council trial a holiday shuttle, to give people a simple, reliable and cost-effective way to get around,” Watson said.

He said the trial could cut the number of vehicles on the road during the busiest period. “This new free service has the potential to reduce congestion, ease parking pressure and decrease the number of cars on the road during peak season. It’s a safe and convenient way to reach popular destinations without the parking hassle,” Watson said.

Destination Port Stephens chief executive officer Jo Thomas said the service would improve the visitor experience and safety during the summer rush. “Destination Port Stephens welcomes the introduction of the free holiday shuttle and applauds Port Stephens Council for this proactive initiative to enhance both visitor experience and safety during one of our busiest times of the year,” Thomas said.

“Shoal Bay and the Tomaree Headland are among the most breathtaking parts of our region. This is a fantastic step toward improving accessibility, protecting our environment, and ensuring everyone can experience the very best of Port Stephens this summer,” she said.

Council said the trial would be funded from Shoal Bay smart parking revenue and aligned with actions in the Shoal Bay Place Plan, including carpark improvements and new shared pathways, with insights from the shuttle to be used to assess the service and inform future planning for the Tomaree Headland.