ANNA BAY SAND DUNES & BIRUBI BEACH
One of my favourite maternity sessions to photograph is the combination of the Anna Bay Sand Dunes and Birubi Beach. These two locations are only a few minutes apart, yet they offer completely different landscapes, making them perfect for couples wanting plenty of variety within a single session.
For this recent maternity session, we met just before sunset under clear skies with a gentle breeze—the kind of afternoon every photographer hopes for. The warm light, endless sand dunes and calm evening at the beach created the perfect backdrop for documenting this exciting season of life.
Beginning in the Sand Dunes
There is something incredibly peaceful about the Anna Bay Sand Dunes. The rolling shapes, soft textures and open landscape feel almost untouched, allowing the focus to remain completely on the people within them.
We began the session exploring the dunes while the afternoon light was still high enough to highlight every ripple in the sand. The simplicity of the landscape creates timeless images that don’t date, while also making every gallery feel completely unique.
One of my favourite parts of photographing here is using the scale of the dunes. Some images celebrate the quiet intimacy between a couple, while others step right back to show just how vast and beautiful the landscape really is.
Finishing at Birubi Beach
After photographing in the dunes, we made the short five-minute drive across to Birubi Beach to catch the last of the golden light.
This is one of the reasons I recommend my longer maternity sessions. Rather than choosing between the dunes or the beach, you can experience both.
As the sun began to set, the mood naturally became softer and more relaxed. We captured photographs together on the shoreline before creating some beautiful solo portraits among the rocks and reflections.
To finish the evening, mum stepped into the water as the sky changed to soft pastel colours. These are often some of my favourite images from the entire session. There is something incredibly peaceful about ending a maternity session in the ocean as daylight fades.
Why I Love Combining These Two Locations
Anna Bay Sand Dunes and Birubi Beach complement each other beautifully.
The dunes provide clean, minimalist landscapes with endless rolling sand, while the beach adds movement, reflections, water and the warm glow of sunset. Together they create a gallery with incredible variety while remaining relaxed and unhurried.
For couples choosing my 90-minute maternity session, this combination offers the best of both worlds without spending lots of time driving between locations.
When Is the Best Time for Maternity Photos Here?
Sunset is always my favourite time to photograph at Anna Bay and Birubi Beach.
The light becomes beautifully soft, the beaches are often quieter, and the warm golden tones suit the natural, timeless style I love to create. The changing light also means your gallery has a wonderful variety, from bright golden dunes through to soft pastel skies and reflections after sunset.
Looking for a Newcastle or Port Stephens Maternity Photographer?
If you’re dreaming of maternity photographs that combine breathtaking landscapes with genuine connection, I’d love to help you create something special.
Whether you’re drawn to the sweeping Anna Bay Sand Dunes, the coastline of Birubi Beach, or another favourite location around Newcastle and Port Stephens, together we’ll create a gallery that feels relaxed, adventurous and timeless.