Incredible By Nature is aimed at inspiring young and active couples to the region.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said now is an ideal time to launch a new destination travel campaign to help restart the local economy.

“Our local community, like many others across Australia, is still dealing with the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This exciting new campaign will put Port Stephens top-of-mind for domestic travellers at a crucial time — when we need to restart the visitor economy that our community thrives on.

“We have been working closely with our tourism and business operators to make sure Port Stephens is ready to reopen, with a focus on keeping our community and visitors as safe as possible.

“With international borders still closed and the recent easing of travel restrictions across the country, now is the perfect time to encourage Aussies to explore their own backyard,” he said.

“I want to thank Destination NSW for their funding support — this campaign perfectly captures what locals love about Port Stephens,” Mayor Palmer added.

Destination Port Stephens successfully applied for matched dollar-for-dollar funding from Destination NSW under the Regional Tourism Fund (RTF) Marketing Program to be able to create and implement the new destination brand and marketing campaign.

Destination Port Stephens Chairman Andrew Macdonald said the Incredible By Nature campaign puts the natural wonders of Port Stephens front and centre.

“The seascapes and landscapes here are an idyllic backdrop for the many amazing experiences that feature in our campaign — from quad biking and sandboarding down the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, to swimming with wild dolphins and hiking through bushland to the top of Mount Tomaree,” Mr Macdonald said.

In support of the joint campaign with Destination NSW, Council will be investing in outdoor, print and TV advertising to encourage more people to visit and spend in the region, ultimately driving economic growth and supporting local jobs.