Old Bar Beach

Old Bar Beach is a quiet, windswept stretch of sand on the southern side of Port Stephens, offering a raw coastal experience away from the busier tourist hubs. With its dramatic dunes, rolling surf, and a backdrop of dense tea-tree scrub, this beach feels wild and untamed — perfect for travellers seeking solitude, a good surf break, or a long, contemplative walk.

Highlights & What to See

• Surfing and bodyboarding — Old Bar is known for its consistent, often powerful waves, especially at the northern end near the point. It's a favourite among locals and intermediate surfers.
• Walk along the beach to the northern headland — a 3 km round trip that rewards you with panoramic views across the bay to Yacaaba Headland and the distant town of Nelson Bay.
• Explore the sand dunes behind the beach — these towering, shifting dunes are part of the Worimi Conservation Lands. You can climb them for a surreal, almost desert-like landscape and photo ops.
• Birdwatching — the area is a haven for shorebirds, including oystercatchers and terns. Bring binoculars and look for the endangered little tern that nests here in summer.
• Watch the sunset from the southern end — the beach faces north-west, so you get a spectacular sunset over the water, with the silhouette of the dunes in the foreground.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ideal for Old Bar Beach. Spend a couple of hours surfing or swimming (when conditions are calm), then take a leisurely walk along the sand and up into the dunes. If you're keen on photography or birdwatching, add another hour. The beach is uncrowded even on weekends, so you can easily stretch out a relaxed afternoon here. Most visitors combine it with a morning at the nearby Tilligerry Creek or an afternoon exploring the coastal villages of Port Stephens.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Fingal Bay — a family-friendly beach with a surf club, rock pool, and a walking track to Fingal Island, home to a historic lighthouse.
• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes — the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, accessible from nearby Anna Bay. Great for quad biking, sandboarding, and 4WD tours.
• Tomaree National Park — hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for one of the best coastal views in NSW, overlooking the heads of Port Stephens.
• Nelson Bay — the main hub of Port Stephens, with dolphin-watching cruises, restaurants, and a buzzing marina.
• Shoal Bay — a calm, sheltered beach perfect for swimming and kayaking, with a relaxed village vibe and cafes.
• Port Stephens Winery — just a short drive inland, sample local wines and enjoy a vineyard lunch with views of the mountains.

Please check official sources for current details.