Port Stephens Beaches
Port Stephens has a beach for everyone, we have 26 of them. From large patrolled surf beaches through to small enclosed bays, the clean white sand and crystal clear water is a drawcard for both residents and visitors. Looking for somewhere for a swim, some serious sandcastle building, a surf, a family picnic, a BBQ with friends or a romantic sunset walk with someone special? Then there is a Port Stephens beach that is perfect.
The three patrolled surf beaches are Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach (Anna Bay) and Birubi Beach (Anna Bay). Patrols run from the September school holidays through until the end of the Easter school holidays. Swimmers should always swim between the flags on patrolled beaches, and surfers and bodyboarders should avoid this area (but also check and be aware of any rips and undercurrents). The surfing in Port Stephens is well known, with a number of surfing, bodyboarding and stand up paddle boarding competitions held here each year. Also check out Samurai, Box, Wreck and Zenith beaches for surf breaks.
Calm water swimming is just magnificent - safe, relaxing and invigorating. The beaches inside the Harbour offer crystal clear water, fine golden sand, grassy picnic areas with BBQ's, fishing spots and some amazing snorkelling. You can easily spend the day relaxing at the beach (and it is all free. Just remember to slip, slop, slap). Some local favourites are Shoal Bay, Little Beach and Dutchies Beach, plus Fly Point for snorkelling.
Stockton Beach at Anna Bay needs to be seen to be belived. 32 kilometres long and home to some amazing sand dunes rising up to 40 metres high, Stockton Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing and 4WD. The Northern end at Birubi Point is patrolled for swimming and you can also purchase a three day 4WD permit to drive on the dunes (these can be purchased from the service station at Anna Bay and the Visitors Information Centre in Nelson Bay).
Port Stephens is also dog friendly and we have beaches that welcome you and your pooch. Visit Bagnall Beach and let your dog run on the sand and swim in the water (tail wagging we bet).
When you are visiting Port Stephens, Port Stephens Accommodation have holiday rentals close to all of Port Stephens beaches. We have properties for you, your friends, your family, even your pooch, whoever you choose to travel with. Use the search function above to look and book today!
