Business owners and commercial operators who are keen to trade on Port Stephens Council-owned or managed land are being encouraged to submit an expression of interest to secure a location.

"Port Stephens is an incredible place - where else is better to set up your business than in one of our amazing outdoor locations?," The council's community services section manager, Tammy Gutsche, said.

"We've got 120 approved sites for businesses to operate from for land or water-based activities, with extra sites available for mobile food vendors.

"To make sure all businesses have equal opportunity and access to operate in this beautiful part of the world, we're asking for operators to submit an expression of interest for your preferred site.

"Whether your business is a boot camp, markets, hire equipment, guided tours, food vans or retailers - if you want to set up in Port Stephens, now is the time to apply."

Expressions of interest for commercial operators are open from Monday, March 8 to 5pm on Monday, March 29.

To apply, go to portstephens.nsw.gov.au/commercialoperators and identify your desired location. Fill out the PDF application form and submit it along with relevant information (business plan, risk assessment COVID Safe plan) to commercial.operators@portstephens.nsw.gov.au.