Anna Bay

Anna Bay serves as the gateway to the spectacular Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi Conservation Lands. It is renowned for its outdoor adventures and beautiful beaches. While the giant sand dunes are the main attraction for sandboarding and camel rides, visitors can also enjoy beach fishing, surfing, and exploring rock pools in this relaxed surf village located in the Port Stephens area.  

Highlights

Worimi Conservation Lands 

Covering 4,200 hectares along the coast between the Hunter River at Newcastle in the south and Anna Bay in the north, the Worimi Conservation Lands are one of Australia’s great natural wonders and a place of Aboriginal cultural significance. They are home to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. 

Aboriginal man playing the didgeridoo (didjeridu) on the Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

There are many ways to explore the dunes. Take a sunset camel or horse ride, cruise around in a  4WD or climb to the top to slide down the slope on a sandboard. Further south, you can join Sand Dune Adventures for a cultural quad bike tour, learning about the local Aboriginal heritage and visiting ancient campsites.

Stockton Sand Dunes - Port Stephens - Worimi Conservation Lands

Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens

There are many ways to explore the dunes. Take a sunset camel or horse ride, cruise around in a 4WD or climb to the top to slide down the slope on a sandboard. Further south, you can join Sand Dune Adventures for a cultural quad bike tour, learning about the local Aboriginal heritage and visiting ancient campsites.

Water activities 

Anna Bay is home to two great surf beaches: the patrolled Birubi Beach and One Mile Beach. Beginners can take a lesson with  Port Stephens Surf School, while there are plenty of solid breaks to entertain more experienced surfers. There are also pretty rock pools to explore around Anna Bay. The whole family will love getting up close to marine life at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters where you can feed, pet or snorkel with animals in a shallow lagoon. 

Unpatrolled Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour are great for snorkeling with a rocky reef that draws lots of marine life, including wrasse, bream, morwong, black rock cod and even sea turtles. This stretch of coastline is also a great location for viewing humpback whales on their migration along the NSW North Coast during May and November. 

Nature walks 

East of Anna Bay is Tomaree National Park, where there are many coastal walks, including the path to the Tomaree Head summit in Shoal Bay, which rewards with incredible panoramic views over Port Stephens. The park’s beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic, or there are barbecue facilities around Anna Bay and Fishermans Bay. 

Couple walking, Tomaree Summit Walk, Port Stephens

Tomaree Head Summit Walk, Port Stephens

Get up-close to koalas 

Get up close to koalas at the enchanting Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of these iconic Australian animals. Spend a day or stay overnight for a unique experience that combines adventure and education –explore the Sanctuary Story Walk and the elevated SKYwalk for breathtaking views, all while supporting vital conservation efforts dedicated to rehabilitating sick and injured koalas. 

Eat & drink 

If you're hungry, Crest Birubi Beach offers breakfast and lunch with stunning water views, while Pasta di Porto is a local gem for artisan pasta. Along the main road, you'll find farm gates selling fresh produce like tomatoes, avocados, and eggs, and B Farm by Murray's Brewery Company features family-friendly experiences, including an onsite brewery, distillery, winery cellar door, and beautiful gardens complemented by award-winning craft beers. 

Getting there & where to stay 

Anna Bay is a 2.5-hour drive north from Sydney. Alternatively, you can catch the train to Newcastle and transfer via bus, with the whole journey taking just over four hours. Or fly into Newcastle Airport and hire a car for the 50-minute drive northeast. Places to stay in Anna Bay include beach houses, cottages and holiday parks. 

Sunset camel riding experience with in Anna Bay, Port Stephens

Anna Bay, Port Stephens

 

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