Gateway to the Stockton Sand Dunes
Adventure begins in Anna Bay, gateway to the incredible Stockton Sand Dunes and Worimi Conservation Lands in Port Stephens, NSW. From Birubi Beach, experience the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere on a 4WD tour, sandboarding adventure, quad bike experience or camel ride, or enjoy surfing, swimming and spectacular coastal views.
Rich in Worimi Aboriginal culture and surrounded by beaches and dramatic landscapes, Anna Bay is one of the most unique places to visit in Port Stephens and a must for adventure, nature and culture.
Just 20 minutes from Newcastle Airport and 10 minutes from Nelson Bay, you’ll find the quiet surfing neighbourhood of Anna Bay which is the entry point to one of the most significant land formations on the east coast. The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, in the Worimi Conservation Lands, are the largest moving coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere.
The 32 kilometres of sandscape reaches heights of 40 metres in places and slopes of 60 degrees making ideal launch pads for sand boarders. There are many ways to experience these monumental dunes with tour operators offering 4WD tours, quad bikes, camel rides and horseback.
Though the dunes provide the main attraction Anna Bay has much more on offer; discover rockpools, great surf, 4-wheel driving and beach fishing. Birubi Beach is a patrolled surf beach, and Crest Cafe sits atop where you can enjoy a coffee and beautiful views. Along the main road you’ll find fresh produce from farm gate stalls where you can try the famous, tasty Anna Bay tomatoes (seasonal) and farm fresh eggs. A little further along is a golf driving range and mini-putt course. Accommodation ranges from lodge style cabins, holiday parks and seaside holiday homes.
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Birubi Point: Take in panoramic views over Birubi Beach, Stockton Beach and the immense coastal dune system.
- Birubi Beach: Swim, surf, walk the beach or relax beside one of Port Stephens’ most striking coastal landscapes.
- Worimi Conservation Lands: Experience the vast Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, owned by the Worimi People and jointly managed with NSW National Parks.
- Dune adventures: Try sandboarding, 4WD touring, horse riding, quad biking or a camel ride with a local tour operator.
- Whale & dolphin spotting: Look out from Birubi Point for dolphins year-round and migrating humpback whales between May and November.
GETTING AROUND
Leave the car at home!
Local Bus – The local bus travels to Anna Bay multiple times a day taking you to Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay and beyond.
See map and timetable https://www.pscoaches.com.au/timetables/
Ride Share – Ride-share is available in Port Stephens – avoid looking for parking – check the app to see if there is a driver near you.
Local Taxis – phone 4032 7999 - diggerstaxis.com.au
Courtesy Buses
The Shoal Bay Country Club - Operates Wed- Sun from 5pm, call driver on 0431 725 928 during bus operation hours only. Free. Ph 0431 725 928. Stops near the Anna Bay Gan Gan roundabout.
Ann Bay Tavern – operates a curtesy bus from Wed- Sunday. 4982 1711.
Book an airport transfer - mini bus or private tour – Lucky Dog Tours, Heavenly Tours, Nelson Bay Diggers Taxis, Port Stephens Coaches
LOCALS TIPS
- Visit the rockpools around Anna Bay at low tide and see what little marine creatures you can discover – a great free activity for the kids. Pop into Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre for the Rocky Shores information brochure.
- Escape the busier beaches and head to Fishermans Bay for a picnic, paddle or snorkel – this little sheltered spot is a local favourite.
WALKING PATHS
Walks below all form part of the larger 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk
Birubi Beach to Little Kingsley Beach: A 4km (return) coastal walk. It is a family-friendly section of the longer Tomaree Coastal Walk. The return walk starts at Robinson Reserve, and passes the whale viewing platform, Worimi Aboriginal Place, and secluded rocky areas.
Birubi Beach to Fishermans Bay: A 3.7 km (2.3 mile) easy coastal track taking you along the coast and rock platforms from Birubi Point toward Fishermans Bay
Birubi to Boat Harbour Walk: A moderate 11.5 km return trail linking Birubi Beach through to Boat Harbour via rocky headlands, offering incredible ocean vistas.
Birubi Point to One Mile Beach walk: Follow the scenic 7.5 km one-way track through coastal
landscapes as part of the Tomaree Coastal Walk.
Birubi Beach Dune Walk: An easy walk along the edge of the Worimi Conservation Lands, showcasing the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere.
