The northern shore of Port Stephens has 20.5 km of generally low energy shoreline between Yacaaba and Fome Point. It contains three beaches (PS 1-3) all exposed to ocean swell entering the port and which occupy 7.3 km of the shore. Jimmys Beach (PS 1) commences amongst boulders on the west side of 220 m high Yacaaba Head, and with its neighbour Bennetts Beach connects Yacaaba to the mainland (Fig. 4.128). The beach initially trends northwest and is highly crenulate as sand waves protruding up to 100 m into the bay move along the beach at a rate of 70 m per year. These sand pulses slowly move northward and begin to merge with the beach by the more accessible dune-backed Jimmys Beach sections, which is the most popular part of the beach. Further to the north the south-facing Winda Woppa section is initially very narrow at the car park, where it was breeched by wave during the 1974 storms. Just beyond is a row of beachfront houses which have been threatened by beach erosion ever since. The entire beach is sheltered from ocean waves, receiving only low swell through the entrance. Most waves are generated by westerly winds across a 12 km long fetch. Consequently waves are usually calm to less than 0.5 m. The beach has a moderately steep beach face then a usually gently sloping shallow seabed, which is covered by seagrass below low water. There is good access to the beach at the park and picnic area next to Jimmys Beach Caravan Park. A second access in on the Winda Woppa Road, with a car park right on the beach, but no shade or amenities. read more