Spend your summer exploring the best beaches in Port Stephens
Port Stephens boasts one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country, and we're lucky enough in Newcastle to live hardly an hour away.
Whether you're chasing waves, craving a quiet cove, or planning a family day by the water, Port Stephens has a beach to match every mood. Our guide spills the secrets on Port Stephens’ best beaches.
Bagnalls Beach
Nestled between Nelson Bay and Corlette, Bagnalls Beach offers crystal-clear, calm waters. When the wind picks up, this spot is a favourite among kite surfers and on calmer days, the glassy, swell-free waters are perfect for a peaceful paddle in a kayak. It’s also a dog-friendly beach where pups are welcome to roam leash-free.
The bushland reserve behind has three areas with beach access, each connected by a scenic walking and cycling path.
At the Nelson Bay end of the reserve, you'll find well-maintained amenities including BBQs, toilets, showers, a playground, and a spacious shaded park, perfect for family picnics or a relaxed afternoon under the trees.
Birubi Beach
This spectacular stretch of coastline at Anna Bay is known for its golden sands and surf-friendly waves. The beach is patrolled by the Birubi Point Surf Life Saving Club, making it a safe spot for swimming and surfing.
A standout feature of the beach is that it is a gateway to the Stockton Sand Dunes, with 4WD access permitted for those who hold a permit. It’s also a hotspot for sandboarding, quad biking, and camel rides.
The beachfront offers excellent amenities, including public toilets, showers, picnic areas, a playground, and a skate park. When the hot chip cravings hit, stroll up to Crest Birubi Beach. Perched atop Birubi Beach, the cafe offers 180-degree views across the Stockton Bight, Stockton Sand Dunes and beyond. During whale watching season, it makes for one of the best vantage points to spot them.
Box Beach
Tucked between Fingal Bay and Tomaree Head, Box Beach is an unpatrolled surf beach that’s secluded and peaceful.
Box Beach is popular among experienced surfers and bodyboarders, thanks to its powerful waves and consistent swell. Swimmers need to be cautious here as strong currents can develop quickly. It’s best suited for confident swimmers and surfers who understand ocean conditions.
There’s a car park not far from the beach, so bring a picnic and set up for the day. Box Beach is also a stop along the Tomaree Coastal Walk, offering stunning views and a chance to spot dolphins or migrating whales from the surrounding cliffs.
Dutchman’s Bay
Dutchman’s Beach, affectionately known as ‘Dutchies’ by the locals, is a serene, family-friendly haven tucked just around the headland from Nelson Bay. Its calm, sheltered waters and soft white sand make it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Port Stephens Surf School offers paddleboard rentals nearby if you don't have your own gear.
The beach is backed by the lush Dutchmans Beach Reserve, a grassy area with shaded picnic tables, BBQs and a well-equipped playground, ideal for families looking to spend a full day by the water. There are also public amenities including toilets and showers.
Dutchies is only a short walk from the heart of Nelson Bay with its many boutique shops and eateries.
Fingal Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Port Stephens, Fingal Beach has a long stretch of sand and plenty of waves, making it great for both surfers and swimmers. It’s patrolled in the warmer months, and there are heaps of amenities so you can have a day out at the beach – BBQ and picnic areas, a kiosk, and a playground for the kids.
One of Fingal’s most iconic features is the Fingal Spit, a natural sand bridge that emerges at low tide, connecting the mainland to Fingal Island. Adventurous visitors can walk across, conditions permitting, to explore the island’s historic lighthouse and untouched beaches. Caution is essential, as tides can change quickly and make the crossing dangerous. So make sure to check the tides when planning your adventure.
Just above the southern end of the beach lies Barry Park, a scenic clifftop reserve with walking trails, whale-watching platforms, public amenities, and panoramic views of the coastline.
Kingsley Beach
Tucked away in the quiet enclave of Boat Harbour within Tomaree National Park, Kingsley Beach is a secluded coastal treasure that offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. This small, hidden stretch of sand is framed by rugged rocky headlands, creating a sheltered and picturesque setting that feels worlds away from the busier beaches of Port Stephens.
Kingsley Beach is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its clear waters and rocky outcrops make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and spearfishing, though visitors should exercise caution as the beach is unpatrolled. The rock formations are also a wonderland for exploring hidden rockpools
While there are no formal facilities like toilets or cafes, the beach’s raw, natural charm more than makes up for it.
Little Beach
Little Beach is indeed little, but that doesn’t stop families from descending on this lovely spot come summer.
Nestled between Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay, this sheltered beach offers calm, shallow waters perfect for young children. Its gentle conditions make it one of the safest spots in Port Stephens for a splash. Little Beach is also a popular launch point for small boats and kayaks; you might even spot dolphins cruising by.
The beach is backed by a grassy reserve with picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and a playground, making it ideal for a full day out. For those looking to elevate their beach day, Little Beach Boathouse—located right on the waterfront—is a local favourite. With its stylish setting and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood, sunset cocktails, or a romantic dinner overlooking the bay.
One Mile Beach
With lots of sand to spread out on and excellent swimming conditions, One Mile Beach is a super popular stretch of Port Stephens coastline. Backed by bushland and stretching over a kilometre, there’s plenty of space to lay your towel, build sandcastles, or enjoy a game of beach cricket.
The beach is patrolled by the One Mile Beach Surf Life Saving Club, making it a safe choice for swimmers and families. The gentle waves and consistent conditions are ideal for children and beginners learning to surf. Surf schools often operate in the area, so it’s a great spot to book yourself a lesson.
At the southern end of the beach, you can connect to the Tomaree Coastal Walk, a spectacular 27-kilometre trail through Tomaree National Park.
Shoal Bay Beach
Shoal Bay Beach is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Port Stephens. Its powdery white sand, clear, turquoise waters, and sweeping views across the bay to the dramatic silhouette of Tomaree Head make it a picture-perfect destination.
The beach stretches for over 2.5 kilometres, though it can get busy during the warmer months. The calm, sheltered waters make it ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling. Equipment hire is available nearby, making it easy to jump straight into the action.
Shoal Bay’s vibrant foreshore is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, perfect for a post-swim coffee or lunch. There are also picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and public amenities, making it a top spot for families and groups.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, in Soldiers Point, is perfect for exactly what its name suggests – sunsets. Head down here at dusk for some of the best sunset views around. Facing west across the bay, it offers uninterrupted vistas of the sun dipping below the horizon.
During daylight hours, Sunset Beach is equally inviting. Its calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming, especially for families and beginners. The beach is backed by grassy reserves with picnic tables and BBQ facilities. Sunset Beach is a winner any time of the day, whether you’re paddling in the bay or watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink.
Nearby, you’ll find Soldiers Point Marina, with waterfront dining options and boat access.
Wanda Beach
Located just below Bannisters Port Stephens, Wanda Beach is a picturesque bay with views towards Yacaaba Headland. It’s lovely for a stroll along the sand or for the kids to splash around in the water. There are no waves at Wanda Beach, so it’s a popular spot for paddleboarding and kayaking. The grassy reserve behind the beach has BBQs, undercover picnic tables and a playground. There is also a boat ramp and jetty, which is a popular fishing spot.
You’ll find Bannisters Port Stephens at the western end of the beach, stroll on up for a beer or cocktail at the Cheeky Dog bar or some poolside Mexican and margaritas at Julios.
Wreck Beach
Secluded and wild, this unpatrolled surf beach in Shoal Bay can only be reached by a two-kilometre return walk through the bush. Surrounded by native bushland and dramatic headlands, Wreck Beach feels worlds away from the crowds.
It’s not as good for swimming as other Port Stephens beaches, but in winter, it makes for an ideal, secluded whale watching spot, as humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Wreck Beach is also a favourite for photographers and nature lovers, thanks to its untouched landscape.
Zenith Beach
Zenith Beach is a strikingly beautiful stretch of sand nestled at the base of Tomaree Head. Though small in size, it offers dramatic scenery and a sense of seclusion that makes it one of the region’s most photogenic and peaceful beaches. Framed by rugged headlands and backed by native bushland, Zenith Beach feels like a hidden coastal sanctuary.
This unpatrolled surf beach is best suited for experienced swimmers and surfers, as the waves can be powerful and conditions unpredictable. Visitors should exercise caution in the water, especially during rough surf or changing tides.
If swimming isn’t on the agenda, Zenith Beach is perfect for a picnic with a view. Bring a blanket and settle in to admire the panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs. It’s also a popular spot for sunrise photography, with the morning light casting a golden glow over the landscape.
Discover the Best Beaches in Port Stephens
Whether you’re chasing waves, seeking secluded coves, or planning a family beach day, Port Stephens’ stunning coastline offers something for everyone — from surf-friendly shores to calm, crystal-clear bays, it’s the ultimate beach guide for exploring the best of the NSW coast.
