Sandboarding

Sandboarding in the Hunter Valley offers a thrilling alternative to the region's famous wine tours. Head to the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, for an adrenaline-pumping ride down golden slopes. This unique experience combines outdoor adventure with stunning coastal scenery, making it a must-do for active travellers.

Highlights & What to See

• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes – A vast, ever-shifting landscape of towering dunes that stretch for 32 km along the coast. The main dune, known as Big Red, reaches 40 metres high.
• Sandboarding down the dunes – Rent a board from local operators (e.g., Sand Dune Adventures) and carve your way down soft, fine sand. Beginners can start on gentler slopes, while experienced boarders tackle steeper runs.
• 4WD tours to the dunes – Many tours combine sandboarding with a scenic 4WD ride through the dunes, offering panoramic views of the coastline and nearby Newcastle.
• Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and a variety of birdlife that inhabit the dune system.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours sandboarding, including travel time from the Hunter Valley wine region (about a 45-minute drive to the dunes). If you book a guided tour, allow half a day for the full experience, including 4WD transfers and multiple runs. Morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the midday heat and catch softer shadows for photos.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Wine Country – Pair your sandboarding adventure with visits to world-class wineries in Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Broke Fordwich.
• Newcastle – Just 20 minutes south of the dunes, explore Newcastle’s surf beaches, historic fortifications, and lively café scene.
• Port Stephens – A 30-minute drive north, offering dolphin cruises, sandboarding at Stockton Beach, and the Tomaree National Park summit walk.
• Maitland – A historic river city with heritage buildings, markets, and the Maitland Gaol museum.
• Barrington Tops National Park – A 90-minute drive north, perfect for rainforest walks, camping, and spotting platypuses.

Please check official sources for current details.