Stockton Bight Sand Dunes

Stretching for 32 kilometres along the coast north of Newcastle, the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes form the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. This dramatic, otherworldly landscape of golden sand, sculpted by wind and sea, offers adventures from quad biking to sandboarding, and holds deep cultural significance for the Worimi people, the Traditional Custodians of this land.

Highlights & What to See

• Quad biking and sandboarding: Feel the adrenaline rush as you ride across towering dunes on a quad bike or slide down steep slopes on a sandboard – tours are the best way to explore the dunes safely and sustainably.
• Worimi Conservation Lands: Join a guided Aboriginal cultural tour to learn about the dunes' spiritual importance, bush tucker, and ancient middens that reveal thousands of years of Indigenous history.
• Stockton Beach Shipwrecks: The wild coastline is littered with the remains of ships like the Uralla (1894) and the Sybil (1888), visible from the beach at low tide – a photographer's dream.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for sea eagles, kangaroos, and the rare beach stone-curlew along the dune edges and coastal scrub.
• Sunset over the dunes: The shifting light paints the sand in hues of orange and purple – a mesmerising experience that feels like standing on another planet.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough for a sandboarding or quad-bike tour, but to fully appreciate the scale and serenity of the dunes, plan a full day. Combine a morning tour with a relaxed afternoon exploring the nearby Worimi Cultural Walk or driving along the beach (4WD required). If you're keen on photography or a longer hike, consider an overnight stay in Newcastle or Port Stephens.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens – Just north, this aquatic playground offers dolphin cruises, Tomaree Head Summit walks, and pristine beaches like Birubi Beach.
• Newcastle – Australia's second-oldest city, with a revitalised waterfront, excellent cafés, and the historic Fort Scratchley.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – Less than an hour inland, the Hunter Valley is famous for its semillon and shiraz, cellar doors, and gourmet food trails.
• Myall Lakes National Park – A vast system of lakes, rivers, and forests perfect for kayaking, fishing, and bushwalking, just a short drive north.
• Anna Bay – The gateway to the dunes, this laid-back coastal village has camel rides along the beach and easy access to sandboarding operators.

Please check official sources for current details.