Sand Dune Safaris

Escape the busy streets and city life of Sydney and head out into an ancient landscape characterised by undulating sand dunes and incredible views.

At Anna Bay, you’ll find the largest coastal sand mass in the whole of New South Wales, complete with pretty dunes that provide the perfect backdrop for a range of relaxing and adventurous activities.

Birubi Beach is the most popular destination in the Port Stephens area, spanning part of the 34 kilometre stretch of Stockton Bright. The coastal stretch is exposed to the wind and waves, but the northern corner is hidden away from the sea breeze, providing a more peaceful place to explore. The area on which Stockton Bright lies belongs to the Worimi people who manage the area in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Services. The area itself is quite large, boasting a size of over 4,200 hectares of land. 32 kilometres belong to the ever-shifting sand dunes. Some of these sand dunes reach heights of up to 50 metres which make for a majestic view while you’re sand boarding down the dunes.

In Anna Bay, visitors can get their adrenalin pumping with fast-paced quad bike rides, sand boarding, and camel tours, or simply kick back and relax in the pretty village of Anna Bay.

Here, there are a selection of local stores and bistros to hunker down in and grab a bite to eat.

Things to do at Anna Bay

For those on the hunt for more adventurous pursuits, here’s what you can look forward to.

  • Sandboarding at Sand Dune Safaris, Anna Bay

    Sandboarding

    Perhaps the most popular activity in Anna Bay, sandboarding lets visitors hit the slopes in a unique way. Boasting the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, Anna Bay is a haven for adrenalin-seekers, particularly those that take part in a sandboard safari.

    Starting with a 4WD tour across the picturesque sands to the boarding area, the trip then allows visits to whizz down the high sand slopes in the heart of the region.

    There are plenty of picnic spots in this part too, with benches and chairs for onlookers to sit back and relax on.

  • Camel Riding

    Camel Riding

    For those looking for something a little more laidback, why not head out on a camel ride across the dunes?

    You can discover the breath-taking landscape from a completely different perspective and learn all about the history of Anna Bay and its historic dunes.

  • Quad Biking

    Quad Biking

    Quad biking is a popular pursuit at Anna Bay for all members of the family. Adventure-seekers can churn up the sand and whizz around the dunes for fun.

    As well as discovering the region from a new perspective, quad bike tours at Anna Bay give you the chance to admire spectacular views over the sand dunes.

    Anna Bay is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. As an adventure-lover’s paradise, it provides a whole host of adrenalin-pumping activities that let visitors experience the region in an entirely new way.

Adventurous Activities near Anna Bay

Whether you’re after something slow paced or something that gets your heart racing, there are plenty activities that you can discover in the area. Nature enthusiasts will love hiking up Mt Tomaree, a 2.2-kilometre hike that may prove a challenge however the view is well worth it! From here you’ll be able to spot out some major attractions in Port Stephens such as the Port Stephens Lighthouse and marine sanctuary; Zenith Beach. Zenith is the closest beach to the mountain and is perfect for those who want to do a smidge of snorkelling on their trip.
If you’re a water baby at heart, then you’ve come to the right place. With a harbour twice the size of Sydney Harbour, plenty of lakes and rivers for you to explore, there are endless options for a water-filled adventure. This might see you snorkelling, sailing along the calm waters or even swimming nose to nose with dolphins! Perhaps the most famous of these water activities is watching the annual migration of the humpback whales as they travel towards the north.

Other Localities

For those who want to become one with nature and visit the dramatic coastline of Australia, look no further than the suburbs of One Mile and Boat Harbour. One Mile is home to their aptly named One Mile Beach where on an expanse of pristine white sand you’ll find where all the locals disappear to in the warmer months.

For more coastal vibes, Fingal Bay is a top spot for holiday makers as there ‘s a range of accommodation beginning from budget friendly lodgings to upscale luxury homes. There’s plenty to see here from the many lookouts scattered around the neighbourhood as well as Fingal beach; a family friendly patrolled beach.

If you’re travelling with golf lovers, look no further than Williamtown and Medowie, just a quick 25 minutes away from Newcastle. In Williamtown head on over to Fighter World where kids of all ages can get hands on at their aviation museum. Or in Medowie, the rural atmosphere leads to the delicious Macadamia farm or the Pacific Dunes, one of the top 5 championship courses in Australia.

Fancy a spot of shopping? Salamander Bay Square is where you’ll satisfy all your retail shopping urges. For fashion, jewellery and food outlets, this shopping centre has it all. This shopping centre is also home to Australia’s oldest running family butcher; Hodges Butchery. So, if you plan on throwing a BBQ while you’re in the vicinity, be sure to head to this butchery for all your necessary shopping!

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