Things To Do In Port Stephens – Like a Sunset Camel Ride on the San Dunes of Anna Bay

Riding into the sunset on a camel, across the stunning san dunes of Birubi Beach at Anna Bay in Port Stephens – what an amazing experience.

It was a request from my sister in law. To celebrate her 50th birthday, she wanted to go camel riding. So, I went online and began the search for camel riding on the east coast, not too far from Sydney.

Only one place popped up in the search. Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides on the sand dunes of Birubi Beach at Ann Bay in Port Stephens.

It was a little bit away, around three hours north, but after seeing the photos and learning they did an hour sunset ride along the sand dunes, it was an easy decision to book my sister in law in, myself of course and the rest of her immediate family. Who were absolutely on board to go camel riding to celebrate her birthday.

And what a fabulous experience it was.

We could not have asked for better weather. The sun was shining, the sky was blue. There was a slight chill in the air. You know, that spring chill which hits the air on a breeze as the sun begins to drop, after a balmy warm spring day? It was that type of weather, absolutely beautiful.

My sister in law is partially disabled, and we were a little concerned about how she would get on and off the camel, and how she would fare riding the camel for an hour. But she did wonderfully, and the incredible team with Oakfield Ranch went above and beyond to ensure Vicky was safe, comfortable and having a great time on the ride. And not just for her, but all of us as well.

The care the team took for her and the rest of us, including my 10 year old nephew and 5 year old niece, was brilliant. Friendly staff, great company. What an experience.

Although they don’t normally take kids aged under 12 for the sunset ride along the dunes, as the ride goes for an hour, and most kids can’t endure the length. I had previously ensured the team before booking, that the ten year old had ridden a horse for 2 hours straight without getting off, and the 5 year old has also ridden a horse for an hour. So I knew they would be fine for the camel ride.

I can’t recommend this experience more to anyone who is planning a trip to the area.

And if an hour seems too long for yourself, friends, family and kids – they also do 20 to 30 minute short rides throughout the day before the sunset one. So plenty of options.

As for photos, well, the team are experts at using iPhones, and take the most beautiful photos. All you have to do, is give them your camera, and off they go on foot, taking photos of you on your camel, the whole team and anything else you wish to have taken. I mean, could you ask for anything more?

The ride is $90pp for adults for the hour sunset ride, and $70 for kids. But it’s so worth it. I mean, how many times in your life do you get to ride a camel into the sunset across sand dunes. And in your own country too.