Wanda Beach is a scenic, white sandy bay which is located in
Salamander Bay on the way to
Soldiers Point. It faces directly to the mouth of Port Stephens, so as you walk along you can enjoy the views out to the peaks of Tomaree and Yacaaba Heads. There are no waves at Wanda Beach, so you can take your time and go for a leisurely swim in the bright blue water, as dolphins silently glide by in the distance. There is native seagrass along the bottom of the bay in some areas, so the best place to swim is right in front of
George Reserve BBQ area, in the middle of the bay.
During summer it can get quite busy with visitors to the area, but if you go for an early morning walk or visit it in winter, you may have it all to yourself...
View from Wanda Wanda Headland end
If you visit at low tide, you will have plenty of soft sand to walk along
At the western end of Wanda Beach is the
The Bay Sailing Centre and
Bannisters Hotel Port Stephens. Bannisters Hotel is busy each weekend and all summer long, as Sydneysiders take a break from city-life and head up to Port Stephens for some rest and relaxation. They can enjoy the facilities at the hotel (such as
Cheeky Dog Bar and
Rick Stein's seafood restaurant) and then walk down to Wanda Beach, for a romantic walk along the sand. This end of the bay also has the Soldiers Point Jetty, so you can watch local fishermen and women catch some local seafood, right off the jetty.
Take your fishing rod to Soldiers Point Jetty
In the middle of Wanda Beach is
George Reserve which has a small playground, new toilet facilities, BBQs and picnic tables. As mentioned, right in front of this park is the best place to swim - particularly at high tide when there is more water to splash in. During the summer months this area is particularly enjoyed by families as it is a safe place for kids to swim, with a playground and toilets nearby. Parking is also convenient, right behind the reserve.
Also look out for the resident pelicans that also make this area their home...
Look out for pelicans, black swans, corellas and lorikeets along the beachfront
Enjoy a swim in front of George Reserve (photo taken at high tide, which is the best time to visit when there is more water)
If you keep walking along the beach, past the multi-million dollar houses with stunning views, you will find Wanda Wanda Headland at the Eastern end. The name
Wanda Wanda is derived from the local Kattang indigenous language and there is signage which explains the history of the area. There is also walk around the headland, which is part of the
Mariners Walk Heritage Trail, with signage to explain the history of boats which have entered the port.
If you decide not to walk around the headland, you can always walk along the path to the back of the beach and take the short path to
Wanda Beach Shops and grab a coffee from the
Village Grind, before wandering back.
Walk around the headland to the next beach, or turn right and grab a coffee at Wanda Beach Shops
Signage at Wanda Wanda Headland
Wanda Beach is just one of the many
beautiful bays and beaches to explore in the Port Stephens region. My daughter and I often stop at Wanda Shops first and pick up a drink (or a treat from
Baker's La Vie Bakery!) and then go for a leisurely walk along the sand, before stopping at the playground for my daughter to have a play. In winter, it is the perfect place to catch some winter sun and in summer, you can't resist taking off your shoes and having a paddle in the clear blue water.
Why don't you take in the beautiful views for yourself, this weekend?
Wanda Beach - the views will take your breath away
