Anna Bay Sandboarding

Imagine surfing down colossal sand dunes that roll right into the Tasman Sea – that's the surreal thrill of sandboarding at Anna Bay, part of the Worimi Conservation Lands just north of Newcastle. These towering, golden dunes, some rising 40 metres high, form one of the largest moving sand dune systems in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a playground for adventurers and a mesmerising landscape for anyone who loves raw, elemental nature. The experience is pure adrenaline: you hike (or take a 4WD shuttle) up the soft slope, then whoosh down on a board, feeling the wind and fine sand spray around you. It's a quintessential Port Stephens day out.

Highlights & What to See

• Sandboarding down the Stockton Bight dunes – the main event. Rent a board on-site (or join a tour) and carve your way down. Beginners can sit or lie down; pros can try standing.
• Worimi Conservation Lands – a protected Aboriginal cultural landscape. The dunes are part of a living heritage; you'll see ancient shell middens and hear stories of the Worimi people if you take a guided tour.
• 4WD dune tours – if you prefer to ride rather than walk, quad-bike or 4WD tours (operated by local companies) take you deep into the dune system and often include sandboarding gear.
• Sunset from the dunes – the light turns the sand into a fiery orange, with the ocean stretching to the horizon. A photographer's dream.
• Birubi Beach – at the base of the dunes, this patrolled beach is perfect for a post-sandboarding swim, with views of the dunes rising behind you.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here, which includes a sandboarding session (about 30–45 minutes of actual sliding, plus the climb back up) and time to explore the beach. If you book a 4WD tour, allow 1.5–2 hours for the guided experience. For a full afternoon, combine sandboarding with a walk along Birubi Beach and a picnic – the light is best in late afternoon. Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 3pm) to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – the hub of Port Stephens, 15 minutes north, with dolphin-watching cruises, cafes, and the Tomaree Head walk for panoramic views.
• Shoal Bay – a gorgeous swimming beach with calm turquoise water, great for a relaxed afternoon after sandboarding.
• Tomaree National Park – hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for breathtaking views of the coastline and the dunes from above.
• Port Stephens – the whole region offers whale-watching (May–November), kayaking, and the famous dolphin cruises in the bay.
• Newcastle – an hour south, Newcastle has a vibrant arts scene, excellent surf beaches, and the historic Fort Scratchley.
• Myall Lakes National Park – a 45-minute drive north, with pristine lakes, rainforest walks, and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.