Enjoying our beaches

With the weather heating up, remember to swim between the flags at patrolled beaches over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Please don’t leave gazebos and sun shelters unattended on the beaches – if you do, they might be impounded by our rangers

If you’re taking your dogs to the beach, follow signs for dog access and off-leash times, keep a distance of at least 100 metres from flagged areas, and remember to clean up after your pets. Learn more about our dog parks at pscouncil.info/dog-parks.

BBQs and open flames

If you’re planning on using BBQ facilities at our parks, please use the ones provided and not your own cooking appliances and remember to check the fire danger rating at rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans.

Staying safe on our roads

Double demerits are in place from Friday 20 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025. Make sure you follow road rules during the busy holiday period.

With many visitors to our beaches, be mindful of the extra trafficand changes to traffic conditions in certain areas, like Birubi Headland. Learn more at pscouncil.info/birubi-traffic-changes

We’re once again joining the ‘Holiday Time; Slow Down, Kids Around’ signage campaign to ensure the safety of children on our roads over the school holidays. Parents and carers are encouraged to always hold your child’s hand when near roadways, car parks and driveways. Drivers are also urged to slow down and be watchful.

Make sure you’ve got your resident Smart Parking permit to ensure you can park for free across Port Stephens, following time restrictions. Learn more at pscouncil.info/smartparking.

Fireworks and furry friends

Make sure your pets are  kept inside during the 31 December McGrath Port Stephens New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Nelson Bay foreshore. Many animals are scared by fireworks and loud noises, which can indirectly threaten their safety by causing them to try to escape.