Ten Mile Beach

Stretching for an uninterrupted 10 miles (16 km) along the coast of Port Stephens, Ten Mile Beach is a wild, windswept expanse of golden sand that feels a world away from the more sheltered bays. This is a beach for walkers, surfers, and those who crave solitude—there are no cafes, no shops, just the roar of the Tasman Sea and the occasional dolphin or whale breaching offshore. The beach is part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, so you’ll also find ancient sand dunes and a sense of deep Aboriginal history beneath your feet.

Highlights & What to See

• Endless beach walks: Stride out for hours with the surf on one side and rolling dunes on the other. The southern end near Birubi Point is particularly dramatic, with views of the Point Stephens Lighthouse.
• Surfing and fishing: The beach picks up consistent swells, making it a favourite for experienced surfers. Anglers cast for bream, whiting, and salmon from the sand.
• Quad biking on the dunes: Join a tour to explore the towering sand dunes behind the beach—some of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s an adrenaline hit with incredible ocean vistas.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for dolphins riding the waves, migrating whales (June–November), and seabirds like oystercatchers and terns.
• Sunset photography: With no development to spoil the view, the sunsets here are pure magic—gold and pink bleeding into the horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here for a walk or a surf session, but if you’re after a full day of beach-hopping and dune adventures, you could easily fill 4–5 hours. Morning light is best for photography, and the beach is less crowded on weekdays. If you’re combining it with other Port Stephens attractions, a morning at Ten Mile Beach followed by lunch in Nelson Bay works perfectly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Birubi Beach & Point Stephens Lighthouse – Just south of Ten Mile, this is a great spot for a shorter walk and a view of the historic lighthouse.
• Nelson Bay – The hub of Port Stephens, with dolphin-watching cruises, restaurants, and the marina. A 15-minute drive.
• Anna Bay – Famous for the “Sahara of the South” sand dunes, where you can go sandboarding or take a 4WD tour.
• Tomaree National Park – Hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for panoramic views of the bay and coastline. About 20 minutes north.
• Stockton Beach – Technically the same stretch of sand further south, but often accessed via 4WD for a true off-road adventure.

Please check official sources for current details.