Anna Bay, North Coast — New South Wales

Anna Bay is a small town in the Hunter Region in New South Wales and is a part of the Port Stephen Local Government Area. Originally called ‘Hannah Bay,’ it is just adjacent to Stockton Beach and is one of those quaint towns that holidaymakers head to for some rest and relaxation.

Dwellers of big cities like Sydney and Newcastle can access the town via trains and coaches.

The beaches around the area and the bay itself are its greatest attractions. First time visitors will find something unusual at parking areas around the beach—pyramidal shaped tank traps that were once used during World War II to prevent the possible entry of Japanese troops. These tank traps are just few of the things that make Anna Bay unusual and unique.

The beaches on Anna Bay are ideal for swimming and surfing. Visitors can also just sit by and let the breeze take their worries away. Taking a short stroll will bring them to shops and small cafes dotting the foreshores. There are also plenty of gift shops for those wishing to purchase an item or two for souvenirs. At Samurai Beach, lucky visitors may even chance upon some native animals roaming around.

For those wishing to learn how to surf, a visit to the Anna Bay Surf School is a must. This surfing school accepts children as young as seven years old as students. Surfing equipments can also be rented.

The town’s proximity to Stockton Beach provides plenty of opportunities to access the attractions offered in this area. Four-wheel and six-wheel drives can be hired to catch a glimpse of the biggest shipwreck in Australia. Visitors can also get to explore the sand dunes in the area, considered the largest coastal sand mass in the southern hemisphere.

A visit to the Sahara Trails Horse Riding and Farmstay will surely delight the whole family, where horses can be rented and ridden on the beach for a wonderful, unforgettable experience.

Other points of interest include the Teramby school and the Birubi Point Cemetery.

The beaches of the town are also great fishing spots, sure to guarantee a catch or two for the avid fisherman. Boats can also be chartered for a day of deep sea fishing.

At the Birubi Beach Holiday Park, visitors don’t have to go far to experience all that the town offers. Besides accommodations, the park offers several forms of entertainment for the whole family. A mini-golf and play facilities are provided for the enjoyment of children. For the adults, facilities for fishing, surfing, and sand boarding are also available. Those lucky enough to visit during the whale migration season can see these gentle giants passing by. The park, located on James Patterson Street, also boasts of internet access.

At the Island Caravan Village, visitors have the option of either exploring the surrounding bush land or frolicking at the beach. Situated along Fenninghams Island Road, the park also boasts of a healthy bird life, giving visitors their fill of bird watching.

Anna Bay is also the gateway to the Tomaree National Park, which bushwalking and animal viewing are but common activities.