Fans of chef Rick Stein, seafood lovers and those seeking solace by the water’s edge: it’s time to pack your bags. Stein’s latest Australian holiday destination is here in the form of a four-star luxury hotel, now open for bookings, and it’s bringing with it an enticing new restaurant offering.

The setting is tranquil Port Stephens, where the multi-million overhaul of the Salamander Shores Hotel is now complete. Sister venue to its celebrated Bannisters Mollymook site, Port Stephens’ guests can expect to discover a coastal-inspired retreat with eighty rooms – including six luxury suites and one spacious penthouse.

The view from fifty of the rooms will look over the peaceful Karuah River, while the other thirty will offer the privacy of forest and bushland views.

Bannisters Port Stephens sits at Bannisters, 147 Soldiers Point Road, Soldiers Point.

Guests can also opt to relax in the infinity pool that offers treetop and bay views, enjoy cocktails and light dishes at the Terrace Bar, or have a casual drink and bite to eat to the backdrop of live music at the Bannisters Tavern.

And, naturally, the hotel’s signature Rick Stein restaurant will be serving up seafood plucked fresh from the 98,000-hectare marine park. In true Stein style, the menu – prepared by innovative Head Chef Mitchell Turner – shines a spotlight on the best of the region’s seafood.

To start, there’s a selection of oysters, Moreton Bay bugs, prawns on ice, the ‘fruits de mer’ and lobster. For entrees, try the warm shellfish, sashimi, fish and shellfish soup, black cuttlefish risotto, marinated tuna with passionfruit, lime and coriander, steamed spring bay mussels, and a veggie-friendly ravioli with porcini mushrooms, smoked sun-dried tomatoes and hazelnuts.

Mains are hearty and flavoursome. The stars of the show include, steamed whole sand whiting, battered ling, Basque country style snapper fillet a la plancha, Madras fish curry, a classic fish pie, Sri Lankan stew, chargrilled black Angus rib-eye steak, chargrilled quail and Singapore chilli blue swimmer crab. There’s also lobster served two ways and a number of enticing sides.

Once you’ve had your seafood fill and lingered in the comfortable navy lounges, head up to the terrace for a refreshing beverage. We suggest sampling the desserts too – try the cinnamon brioche doughnuts, the Archie Rose gin and tonic cheesecake, or perhaps the chocolate and hazelnut affogato for a sweet pick-me-up.

Make your way to Bannisters Hotels homepage to experience Stein’s new space for yourself. You can also learn more about the coastal retreat and our upcoming Reader Dinner in the restaurant here.