Anna Bay

With its vast, shifting sand dunes meeting the deep blue Pacific, Anna Bay feels more like the Sahara than the New South Wales coast. This dramatic landscape is the star of the show, offering unforgettable adventures like sandboarding and camel rides right at the edge of the ocean. Just north of Newcastle, it's an easy detour for anyone exploring the Central Coast or heading towards Port Stephens.

Highlights & What to See

• Sandboarding on the dunes: The colossal Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Rent a board and slide down the steep slopes – it's a thrill for all ages.
• Camel rides along the beach: For a surreal experience, join a guided camel train that plods along the shoreline, with the dunes as a backdrop. It's especially magical at sunset.
• 4WD adventures: Hop into a 4WD tour that roars across the sand, giving you access to remote stretches of beach and panoramic views from the dune crests.
• Worimi Conservation Lands: These protected dunes and forests are rich in Aboriginal heritage. Join a cultural tour to learn about the area's significance to the Worimi people.
• Birubi Beach: The main beach in Anna Bay is patrolled and perfect for swimming, with the dunes rising right behind the sand. It's a great spot for a picnic or a surf.

Suggested Time to Spend

Anna Bay can be experienced in a half-day, but to truly soak it in – and fit in sandboarding, a camel ride, and a beach walk – plan for a full day. If you're staying in nearby Port Stephens (just 15 minutes away), you can easily base yourself there and pop over for a morning or afternoon. For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – A waterside playground with dolphin cruises, Tomaree National Park hikes, and excellent seafood restaurants in Nelson Bay.
• Stockton Beach – The dunes continue south; you can drive onto the beach (with a permit) for a unique coastal drive.
• Newcastle – A vibrant city with a thriving food scene, historic architecture, and world-class surf breaks, just 45 minutes south.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A tranquil network of lakes, rivers, and forests perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking, about an hour north.
• Central Coast – Stretching south, this region offers charming seaside towns like Avoca Beach and The Entrance, plus the Bouddi National Park coastal walk.

Please check official sources for current details.