According to legend to it was originally called Hannah Bay after an alleged shipwreck in 1851 but the vessel has never been identified.

[11] The name was changed by post service on 15 May 1896 as many locals were already referring to it as Anna Bay.

[12] During World War II Stockton Beach was heavily fortified against a possible amphibious assault by Imperial Japanese forces and a line of tank traps was installed to prevent entry to the local area through the town.

Many of the tank traps were removed after the war and now feature significantly around the car parking areas at Birubi Point.

From here many tourists partake in organised beach tours and camel rides.