Holiday houses in Anna Bay

Anna Bay may be the epitome of a laid-back surf village, but this part of the New South Wales coast — 200 kilometres north of Sydney in the Port Stephens region — breaks records for its natural attractions. Not only is the area known as the bottlenose dolphin capital of Australia, but it’s also the gateway to the Worimi Conservation Lands, a wondrous wilderness of 40-metre-high sand dunes that sit beside beaches, rock pools, and world-class golf courses.

Wave riders are spoilt for choice, with some 26 beaches to choose from. Birubi Beach, One Mile Beach, and Fingal Bay all deliver stellar surf, while Shoal Bay is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the state, curving from Nelson Head to Tomaree Head, with sweeping views over the inlet. Drop by for a swim or a snorkel, keeping watch for those legendary marine mammals.

If your ideal holiday revolves around the water, plan your trip to Anna Bay for the summer months. This is a busy time of year, however, and daytime highs can make other outdoor activities a sweaty affair. Those looking to sail, spend time on the sand dunes, cycle, kayak, or hike through fields of wildflowers may wish to return during spring or autumn, when milder temperatures make active al fresco pursuits all the more enjoyable. If you’re visiting during these shoulder seasons as well as over the pleasant winter months, you’ll have the added bonus of spotting migrating southern right and humpback whales, which frequent the east coast of New South Wales between May and November.

Worimi Conservation Lands

This part of the coast between Anna Bay in the north and Fern Bay in the south is home to one of Australia’s great natural wonders: the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. The Stockton Bight Sand Dunes are part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, spanning 4,200 hectares that can be explored in a 4WD, surfing on a sandboard, on quad bikes, or with an Aboriginal guide.

Tomaree National Park

Just east of Anna Bay lies Tomaree National Park, uniting spectacular coastal walks with pretty beaches — take a dip at Shoal Bay or Box Beach, or try snorkelling at Zenith Beach — and lofty lookouts where you can gaze over the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park, the largest of its kind in the state. During migration season you can spot whales breaching from here.

Golf

With three golf courses to choose from, Port Stephens has long been the tee-off destination of choice for avid golfers. Choose from a 27-hole championship course fringed by Tomaree National Park, or settle on 18 scenic holes at neighbouring clubs, both of which come with water views. Travelling families will appreciate the area’s putt-putt greens and Frisbee golf facilities.