Anna Bay

Stretching for 32 kilometres along the Hunter Coast, Anna Bay is where the desert meets the sea—a surreal landscape of towering sand dunes that roll straight into the Pacific. Just north of Newcastle, this is a place for adrenaline and awe: think quad-biking across golden sand, sandboarding down 40-metre dunes, or riding a camel at sunset. The contrast of white sand, turquoise water, and blue sky is almost hallucinatory, and the emptiness of the beach gives it a wild, untamed feel.

Highlights & What to See

• Sandboarding & Quad Biking: The star attraction—hire a board or join a tour to race down the dunes at Stockton Bight. The steep, soft sand makes for a thrilling ride.
• Camel Rides: A classic Anna Bay experience: gentle, swaying camel treks along the beach at sunset, with the dunes as a backdrop.
• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes: The largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere—a vast, otherworldly landscape perfect for photography and exploration.
• Birubi Beach: A patrolled swimming beach at the southern end, ideal for a dip after sandy adventures. Watch for rip currents and always swim between the flags.
• Worimi Conservation Lands: A protected area co-managed with the Worimi people; 4WD tours can take you deep into the dunes for a cultural and ecological perspective.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day at Anna Bay—enough for a sandboarding session and a beach walk. If you want to add a camel ride or a 4WD tour, plan for a full day. The area is best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon when the light softens and the crowds thin. Combine with a morning at Nobbys Beach or an afternoon exploring Fort Scratchley in Newcastle for a well-rounded coastal day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nobbys Beach – Newcastle's iconic surf beach with the Nobbys Breakwall and lighthouse, perfect for a morning swim or coastal walk.
• Fort Scratchley – A historic coastal defence fort atop Signal Hill, with tunnels, gun emplacements, and panoramic views over Newcastle Harbour.
• Port Stephens – Just north, this aquatic playground offers dolphin cruises, whale watching (May–November), and the calm waters of Shoal Bay.
• Tomaree National Park – A short drive away, with the epic Tomaree Head Summit walk rewarding you with 360-degree views of the coast and offshore islands.
• Newcastle CBD – A vibrant city with a thriving food scene, the Newcastle Art Gallery, and the historic East End precinct.

Please check official sources for current details.