Port Stephens & Anna Bay Day Trip

This full-day trip from Sydney ticks all of that. You’re out to Port Stephens and Anna Bay for a day of wide-open beaches, massive dunes, and a climb that earns its view. No fuss, no hotel pickups, no over-planned itinerary. Just good company, a lot of fresh air, and $99 out of your pocket to make it happen.

The dunes are the main event.
Stockton Beach is backed by Australia’s largest moving sand dune system — 32 kilometres of sand that shifts with the wind and rolls into the sea. You’ll have over two hours of free time here. Lay out on the beach, walk the dunes, or upgrade your day on the spot with a 4WD safari into the dune interior and a sandboard run back down. The 4×4 option runs from $40 pp — pay on the day if you’re keen.

Rather swap wheels for hooves? A camel ride across the dunes is also available from $50 pp. It’s exactly as good as it sounds.

If you’d rather just sit on one of the longest beaches in New South Wales and do nothing, that’s a perfectly solid choice too. The base price covers all of that.

Lunch Stop – Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay
We’ll stop at either Nelson Bay or Shoal Bay, depending on the day’s schedule and local conditions. You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at your own expense, with a range of cafés, restaurants and takeaway options available. It’s a great opportunity to relax, explore the area and enjoy the beautiful coastal atmosphere before continuing our adventure.

Then there’s the hike.
After the beach, you’ll head to Mount Tomaree for a guided walk to the summit lookout. It’s a solid climb — about 1.2km each way on a clear, well-maintained track — but there’s nothing technical about it and all fitness levels make it to the top. The view from up there takes in Port Stephens, Stockton Beach, and on a clear day, all the way out to sea.

Free Beach Time at Shoal Bay
After hiking Mount Tomaree and enjoying its spectacular 360-degree coastal views, we’ll head down to beautiful Shoal Bay for some free time by the beach. Relax on the sand, take a refreshing swim (weather permitting), stroll along the shoreline or simply enjoy the stunning coastal scenery at your own pace before we continue our Port Stephens adventure.

About the group.
This tour runs with a proper crowd — minibus groups of up to 24 or full coaches of up to 50 people. That’s not a bug, it’s the point. More people means more energy at the dunes, more laughs on the hike, and more new mates by the time you’re back in Sydney. If you’re travelling solo or in a small group, this is where you find your crew for the day. The guides keep the vibe loose and the pace comfortable

What the day looks like.
You’re picked up at Central Station in Sydney CBD at 6:45 AM. There’s a coffee stop on the way — the 3.5-hour drive is easy, and you’ll roll into Anna Bay around 10:15 AM. Two-plus hours at the beach and dunes, a lunch break on your own, then the Mount Tomaree hike in the afternoon before the drive back. You’re home by 6:30–6:45 PM.