We stayed at Mantra Aqua in Nelson Bay over the new year holidays and it was one of the best accomodations we've stayed at.
The rooms are clean, spacious and comes equipped with a self-contained kitchen. The hotel additionally has a kiddies' lagoon and a pool as well as BBQ facilities.
It's located very close to the central strip. We walked to the beach, marina, shops and restaurants.
Seeing as we drove there, we were so grateful that they had secure undercover parking at no extra charge!

Definitely recommended to everyone.