Worimi National Park

Stretching along the dramatic coastline north of Newcastle, Worimi National Park is a raw and windswept wonderland of towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and ancient Aboriginal heritage. This is a place where the land feels alive – the dunes shift with the breeze, the surf thunders onto empty shores, and the horizon seems endless. For travellers seeking solitude, adventure, or a deeper connection to Country, Worimi offers an unforgettable slice of the Hunter region's wild side.

Highlights & What to See

• Stockton Bight Sand Dunes – The largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Quad-bike tours and sandboarding are popular, but simply walking the dunes at sunrise is a spiritual experience.
• Worimi Conservation Lands Aboriginal Walking Track – A 4.5-km loop that weaves through coastal heath and sand, with interpretive signs sharing the stories of the Worimi people, the traditional custodians of this land.
• Birubi Beach – A patrolled swimming beach with epic views of the dunes. It's also a launch point for camel rides along the sand at sunset.
• Worimi National Park Lookout – Perched on a dune, this spot offers a panoramic sweep from the Hunter River mouth to Port Stephens. Bring binoculars for whale watching (June–July and September–November).
• Historic Shipwrecks – The park's coastline is littered with wrecks, most notably the Pasha Bulker (beached in 2007, now removed) and the skeletal remains of the Adolphe near Stockton.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors explore Worimi National Park in a half-day, allowing 3–4 hours to drive the main access roads, walk a short trail, and enjoy the beach. However, if you want to sandboard, take a guided quad-bike tour, or simply soak up the solitude, plan a full day. The park has no accommodation, but nearby Anna Bay and Nelson Bay make excellent bases for a longer stay.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Just north of the park, this aquatic playground offers dolphin cruises, kayaking, and seafood dining in Nelson Bay.
• Newcastle – A 30-minute drive south, the city's revitalised harbour, surf beaches, and craft-beer scene are well worth a day or two.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – About an hour inland, the vineyards of Pokolbin and Broke provide a lush contrast to the coastal dunes.
• Tomaree National Park – Adjacent to Port Stephens, this park features the iconic Tomaree Head Summit Walk with 360-degree views of the coast.

Please check official sources for current details.