Anna Bay, on the shores of Port Stephens, offers superb snorkeling at unpatrolled Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour, where a rocky reef attracts wrasse, bream, morwong, black rock cod, and the occasional sea turtle. The calm, sheltered waters are framed by the towering Stockton Bight Sand Dunes and sit within the Worimi Conservation Lands. Between May and November, humpback whales pass close offshore on their annual migration, adding a spectacular backdrop to any snorkel session.
Anna Bay
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.5 mmTidal Phase slack
Last evaluated
© Phil WhitehouseDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Anna Bay has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Rip currents danger
Strong rip currents can develop, particularly near the rocky reef areas at Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Rip currents
Strong rip currents can develop, particularly near the rocky reef areas at Fishermans Bay and Boat Harbour.
Moderate risk: Unpatrolled beach
Unpatrolled beaches with no lifeguard supervision. Swim with caution, especially if conditions change.
Low risk: Limited mobile reception
Limited mobile reception in Tomaree National Park makes emergency communication difficult.
Low risk: Stingers / bluebottles
Stingers and bluebottles can be present in warmer months along this stretch of coast.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Anna Bay is a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway. Take the Salt Ash exit and follow Nelson Bay Road to Anna Bay. For Fishermans Bay foreshore, turn onto Pacific Street. Alternatively, catch the train to Newcastle and transfer via bus (approx. 4 hours), or fly to Newcastle Airport and drive 50 minutes northeast.
Parking & facilities
Street parking is available at Fishermans Bay foreshore, close to the boat ramp and beach access. There is also parking near the Anna Bay town centre.
toiletsparkingboat_ramppicnic_tables
No entry fee for Fishermans Bay foreshore or Boat Harbour. A NSW recreational fishing licence is required if fishing.
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Gallery ┬╖ 2 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports