Gannet Beach

Gannet Beach is a wild, windswept stretch of sand on the northern side of the Port Stephens peninsula, offering a starkly beautiful contrast to the sheltered bays of Nelson Bay. This is a beach for walkers, surfers, and nature lovers—not for swimming, as the waves are powerful and rips are common. The main draw is the dramatic dune system and the sense of isolation, with the beach stretching for kilometres and backed by the towering Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Highlights & What to See

• Gannet Beach Walk: A 4.5 km one-way coastal walk from the car park to the northern end, passing through heathland and over dunes with panoramic ocean views. It’s an easy, flat trail that’s perfect for birdwatching—look for the namesake gannets diving offshore.
• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes: The beach is the gateway to these colossal dunes. You can book a guided 4WD tour or sandboarding adventure to explore the lunar-like landscape inland.
• Surfing: Experienced surfers brave the consistent beach breaks here, especially near the southern end. The beach is unpatrolled, so only go if you’re confident in strong conditions.
• Wildlife spotting: The beach and adjacent Tomaree National Park are home to kangaroos, goannas, and a variety of seabirds. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best sightings.
• Tomaree Headland: A short drive south, the Tomaree Head Summit walk rewards with 360° views of Port Stephens, the coast, and the dunes—a must-do for photographers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours walking the beach or doing the Gannet Beach Walk. If you also plan a dune tour or sandboarding, allocate a half-day. Combine with a morning at Tomaree Headland for a full day of coastal exploration. The beach is best visited in the morning when the wind is lighter and the light is golden.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay: The main town of Port Stephens, 15 minutes’ drive south, with cafes, dolphin-watching cruises, and the marina.
• Shoal Bay: A sheltered swimming beach with calm waters, perfect for families, and a great spot for lunch after the dunes.
• Fingal Bay: A long, patrolled beach with a surf break and the Fingal Island walk at low tide.
• Worimi Conservation Lands: The protected dune system that includes Stockton Bight, offering guided quad bike and 4WD tours.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A 40-minute drive north, with pristine lakes, kayaking, and walking trails through paperbark forests.

Please check official sources for current details.