Anna Bay

Stretching along the southern edge of Port Stephens, Anna Bay is a spectacular sweep of sand where the bush meets the beach and the dunes roll right down to the sea. This is the kind of place where you can spend a morning sandboarding down colossal dunes, then watch wild dolphins ride the waves in the afternoon. It feels both wild and welcoming, with a low-key coastal vibe that makes it a favourite for families, adventurers and anyone who loves big skies and even bigger landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Worimi Conservation Lands sand dunes – the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere; take a 4WD tour or try sandboarding down the steep, golden slopes.
• Stockton Beach – a 32-kilometre stretch of pristine sand where you can drive (with a permit), fish, or simply walk to the horizon; the historic shipwrecks and rusted remains of the Sydney II are hauntingly photogenic.
• Birubi Point – the northern tip of the beach offers stunning views over Port Stephens and is a prime spot for a sunset camel ride or a simple picnic as the colours shift.
• Tomaree National Park – just around the headland, a short but steep walk leads to panoramic views of the bay, the islands and the Tasman Sea; keep an eye out for goannas and wallabies.
• Dolphin and whale watching – the waters off Anna Bay are home to a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins; winter brings humpback whales on their migration.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to experience the dunes and the beach properly – arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds, then spend the morning sandboarding or quad-biking. After a fish-and-chip lunch at the Anna Bay shops, head to Birubi Point for a late-afternoon walk or camel ride. If you can, stay overnight in one of the beachside holiday parks to catch sunrise over the water and have a second day for Tomaree National Park or a dolphin cruise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – the lively hub of Port Stephens, with a marina, restaurants and dolphin cruises, just a 15-minute drive north.
• Shoal Bay – a calm, family-friendly beach with crystal-clear water and great snorkelling spots, tucked between the headlands.
• Fingal Bay – a quieter beach with a striking sand spit that appears at low tide, perfect for a peaceful walk.
• Port Stephens – the broader region includes the Myall Lakes National Park, Gan Gan lookout and numerous wineries for a taste of the Hunter hinterland.

Please check official sources for current details.