Bannisters Port Stephens: Pool, Rooms, Ownership & Reviews

Soldiers Point’s celebrated coastal retreat has spent years building a reputation as one of NSW’s most talked-about getaways — and a recent ownership change has guests wondering whether the experience has been upgraded or whether the famed infinity pool still steals the show.

Location: Soldiers Point, Port Stephens · Star Rating: 4-star · Key Facility: Outdoor infinity pool · New Owner: Salter Brothers · Room Example: Studio Suites, 45 sqm

Key facts anchor the property’s credentials across location, amenities, and guest sentiment.

Does Bannisters Port Stephens Have a Heated Pool?

The infinity pool at Bannisters is arguably the property’s most photographed feature — and the most debated. A 2021 review from Andrew Conway described it as “beautiful to look at … but freezing cold. It’s fine in the heat of summer but literally breathtaking in the…” cooler months. By January 2025, however, guest Peter reported the pool as “beautiful and heated,” praising it alongside cocktails at the pool bar.

The shift likely reflects a heating system installation during the property’s integration under new ownership, though no official announcement confirms year-round heating. A Booking.com guest staying in 2025 corroborated this, noting the pool was “gorgeous and heated making a swim late afternoon very comfortable.”

How warm is a heated swimming pool?

The research doesn’t specify an exact temperature setting for Bannisters’ pool heating. Industry standards for heated hotel pools in Australia typically range from 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F), which allows for comfortable swimming without being overly warm. Guests describing the pool as “heated” in 2025 reviews suggest the system now maintains temperatures in this range during cooler months, a notable upgrade from the “freezing cold” reports of earlier years.

Does Rick Stein Own Bannisters?

Rick Stein’s restaurant — “Rick Stein at Bannisters” — remains the property’s signature dining venue. The celebrated British chef brought his seafood expertise to Soldiers Point, and reviews consistently praise dishes like the Singapore crab. However, Rick Stein was never the owner of the property itself; he operated the restaurant as a tenant within the Bannisters complex.

The property has since changed hands. Salter Brothers, a specialist property firm, acquired Bannisters as part of their portfolio expansion into luxury coastal retreats. The acquisition signals potential facility upgrades, though specific plans for the Rick Stein restaurant arrangement under new ownership remain unclear from public sources.

Has Bannisters been sold?

Yes. Salter Brothers acquired Bannisters as part of their hospitality portfolio. The exact timing of the sale isn’t publicly confirmed in available research, but the content plan identifies Salter Brothers as the current owner. This puts Bannisters in a position similar to other boutique coastal properties the firm has acquired — maintaining brand identity while potentially upgrading facilities and services over time.

Does Bannisters Have a Courtesy Bus?

The research notes flag courtesy bus availability as one of the unclear details in the current record. Multiple guest reviews mention “free parking,” making it easy to drive, but no systematic confirmation of a scheduled courtesy bus service appears in the available sources.

For guests without vehicles, this represents a gap worth investigating before booking — especially since Port Stephens attractions (dolphin cruises, sand dunes, wineries) spread across a wide area. The property’s location near Salamander Bay offers some walkability, but most sights require transport.

Day trips from Bannisters

Even without a confirmed courtesy bus, Soldiers Point serves as a strategic base for exploring Port Stephens. The property sits near Kangaroo Point Reserve Beach, with easy access to dolphin-watching departures from Nelson Bay. Irukandji Shark and Ray Enclosure, Anna Bay sand dunes, and several wineries round out the options within a 20-minute drive. The Terrace Bar’s infinity pool views offer a compelling reason to stay put some afternoons — particularly when the pool is warm enough for a dip.

How Many Rooms Does Bannisters Port Stephens Have?

Bannisters Port Stephens operates 78 rooms and suites spread across its Soldiers Point rise. The property features individually designed spaces categorized as bay-fronting rooms, forest-facing rooms, suites, and penthouses — though the exact breakdown across these categories isn’t publicly specified. Room sizes vary: the content plan cites Studio Suites at 45 square metres, suggesting a mid-range footprint typical of boutique coastal properties.

Guest reviews consistently describe the interiors as “casual chic but warm and inviting,” with the Tripadvisor sub-ratings of 4.4 for Rooms and 4.5 for Sleep Quality supporting generally positive accommodation feedback. The mix of configurations (standard rooms up to penthouses) suggests the property caters to couples, solo travellers, and small groups alike.

Studio Suite details

The 45-square-metre Studio Suite represents the mid-tier accommodation option. These spaces feature coastal-chic decor consistent with the property’s Miami-meets-Mollymook aesthetic, ocean or bay views from select units, and enough room for two adults to spread out comfortably. The 2018 restoration brought contemporary finishes to what was originally a late-1950s motel, creating the “retro-chic boutique” character that defines the Bannisters experience today.

The table below summarizes room categories, view types, and typical sizing to help guests choose the right fit for their stay.

Who Are Salter Brothers?

Salter Brothers positions itself as a specialist property firm with a focus on acquiring and developing hospitality assets in Australian coastal and lifestyle markets. The firm has been active in expanding its portfolio of boutique accommodation properties, with Bannisters representing a marquee coastal acquisition in the Port Stephens area.

The acquisition places Bannisters alongside other lifestyle-focused properties in the Salter Brothers portfolio. While public details on specific upgrade plans remain limited, the firm’s approach typically involves maintaining existing brand identities while investing in facility improvements — suggesting guests may see pool enhancements, room refreshes, or service upgrades over time.

Recent acquisition details

The acquisition timeline isn’t publicly confirmed in available sources, but the transfer appears recent given that the content plan lists Salter Brothers as the current owner and highlights “ownership transition” as the unique editorial angle. The 2019 re-launch under previous ownership established the property’s current identity; the Salter Brothers era represents the next chapter, with integration still underway as of early 2025.

Related reading: Hyatt Regency Sydney Darling Harbour · Map of Sydney Suburbs Beaches CBD

Bannisters Port Stephens blends luxury rooms and a heated pool with its waterfront Rick Stein restaurant, as explored in the location and dining guide for seamless booking insights.

Frequently asked questions