This May, however, will be an entirely different story as the Port plays host to a wide range of events throughout the month, which is set to inject $800,000 into the economy.

The Colour Ya World fun run, Port to Port Mountain Bike Challenge, Guns and Hoses Surfing Competition, Karuah Lost Highway Bluegrass Music Festival and the King Street Heritage Festival are just some of the events that will be happening in the area throughout May.

It will all start on Sunday, May 1, when some of NSW’s rising rugby league stars appear in the Knights Cup at Salamander Bay.

The Knights Cup carnival will see the best 13 to 15 year old rugby league talent from Newcastle, Maitland, Upper Hunter, North and Far North Coast play at Salamander Bay Sports Complex. 

It will be the sixth year the competition, preparing for the June CRL Country Championships, is help in the Port.

Matt Lantry from the Newcastle Knights said the rugby league organisation has hosted the competition in Port Stephens due to the quality of the sports complex and the Nelson Bay rugby club.

“The venue is what we are are after, which is four fields that can hold a number of teams throughout the one day,” Mr Lantry said.

“It’s also ideal for spectators.

“But as well as that the Nelson Bay club has been great to work with in the past six years. We’re really looking forward to working with them again.”

Mr Lantry added that Port Stephens benefited from holding sporting events such as the Knights Cup as other organisations, such as Country Rugby League, took note of quality venues and would consider hosting its events in the area, too.

Additionally in May, the Port will host the NSW AFL and NSW Soccer State Combined High School Championships.

“Events provide valuable social and economic benefits to the greater Port Stephens community, particularly during low and shoulder seasons when tourism numbers traditionally start to drop along with the temperatures,” Janelle Gardner, Port Stephens Council’s tourism and events coordinator, said.

“But what we're seeing more and more is that event organisers are looking to Port Stephens outside of the summer season as a venue for sports events.

“High quality sports facilities, particularly at Lakeside and Tomaree, have made Port Stephens an obvious choice for winter sports events such as rugby league, soccer and AFL, and action sports such as the Port to Port Mountain Bike Challenge in addition to surfing, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding.

“As well as a range of sports events taking advantage of high standard grounds and amenities, we have an event showcasing the historical importance of Raymond Terrace in the colonisation of New South Wales and the pristine riverside location of Karuah sings out to music lovers.

“There really is something for everyone and the best part is that the whole community benefits.”

May 1

Knights Cup

The carnival brings the best 13 to 15 year old rugby league players from Newcastle, Maitland, Upper Hunter, North and Far North Coast together at Salamander Bay Sports Complex. Players will compete in preparation for the CRL Country Championships in June. Games start at 10am with each team playing four games throughout the day, which end at 4pm.

May 3-5

Guns and Hoses Surfing Competition

150 NSW police, ambulance and Fire Rescue NSW personnel are expected to compete.

May 6-8

Karuah Lost Highway Bluegrass Music Festival

The Lost Highway Bluegrass Festival has built up a reputation as an ideal place for bluegrass players and enthusiasts to gather. For more, go to losthighwaybluegrass.com.au.

May 17-19

NSW AFL State CHS Championships

May 21

King Street Heritage Festival

The King Street Heritage Festival is a chance to step back in time, celebrate its history and take part in old fashioned activities which would have taken place at a fair 100 years ago. For more, go to kingstreetraymondterrace.org.au.

May 20-21

Port Stephens Triathlon

Marked as the most fun event on the Triathlon calendar and for many the end of the triathlon season, the Port Stephens Triathlon Festival has events for all shapes, sizes, ages and ability. For more, go to eliteenergy.com.au/event/port-stephens-triathlon-festival/.

May 22 

Colour Ya World fun run

The Colour Ya World 5k will be held in Raymond Terrace. Volunteers will coat participants with liquids, powders and gels of blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow until their faces, shirt and body come out silk screened like a tie-dyed hippie on the other side. For more go to colouryaworld.com.au.

May 24-26 

NSW Soccer State CHS Championships

May 26-27

Port to Port Mountain Bike Challenge

Is an annual four-day MTB stage race held in Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Designed to be fun and challenging for riders of all levels, from recreational to competitive. For more, go to porttoportmtb.com/home.