Anna Bay

Stretching along the coast north of Newcastle, Anna Bay is a wild and windswept stretch of sand where the Stockton Bight dunes meet the Tasman Sea. This is one of the few places in Australia where you can drive a 4WD directly onto the beach and watch the sun set over sand dunes that feel more like the Sahara than New South Wales. The uncrowded beaches, dramatic sandblasted headlands, and the sheer scale of the dune system make it a memorable stop on a Hunter Valley road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes – The largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching over 30 km. Quad-biking, sandboarding, and guided 4WD tours are the classic ways to explore them.
• Birubi Beach – The main patrolled swimming beach, perfect for a bracing dip or a long walk along the shore. Camel rides along the beach at sunset are a popular, quirky attraction.
• Tomaree Head Summit Walk – A short but steep 2.2 km return walk in nearby Nelson Bay rewards with panoramic views of the coastline, Port Stephens, and the dunes.
• Worimi Conservation Lands – A protected area that includes the dunes and significant Aboriginal cultural sites. Join a tour with a local Worimi guide to learn about the area’s Indigenous heritage.
• Anna Bay Fishing – The beach and nearby rocks offer excellent fishing for bream, whiting, and tailor; beach driving permits allow anglers to access remote spots.

Suggested Time to Spend

Anna Bay can be enjoyed as a day trip from Newcastle (30 minutes south) or the Hunter Valley wine region (1 hour west). For a relaxed experience, spend at least half a day – morning on the dunes, lunch at a beachside café, and a late-afternoon walk on Tomaree Head. Overnight stays are common in nearby Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay, allowing you to catch sunrise over the dunes and sunset from the headland.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – The lively hub of Port Stephens, with dolphin-watching cruises, a marina, and excellent seafood restaurants.
• Port Stephens – The broader region offers kayaking in the bay, whale-watching (May–November), and the stunning dune-backed beaches of Fingal Bay and One Mile Beach.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Just an hour inland, Australia’s oldest wine region with cellar doors, gourmet restaurants, and the Hunter Valley Gardens.
• Newcastle – A revitalised coastal city with a vibrant café scene, the Newcastle Memorial Walk, and the historic Fort Scratchley.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A pristine waterway of lakes and forests north of Anna Bay, perfect for canoeing, camping, and birdwatching.

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