Port Stephens Sand Dunes

Stretching for 32 kilometres along the coast between Anna Bay and Nelson Bay, the Port Stephens Sand Dunes form the largest moving sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. These towering, wind-sculpted dunes – some reaching 40 metres high – create a surreal, almost lunar landscape that feels a world away from the coastal greenery around it. The dunes are a playground for adventure seekers and a photographer’s dream, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.

Highlights & What to See

• Quad biking & sandboarding: The most popular way to experience the dunes is by quad bike or sandboard. Several operators run guided tours that let you race across the soft sand and carve down the steep slopes – an adrenaline rush with epic views.
• Worimi Conservation Lands: The dunes are part of this protected area, jointly managed with the Worimi people. You can join a cultural tour to learn about the dunes’ significance to the traditional owners and see ancient middens and artefacts.
• 4WD beach & dune tours: If you prefer to sit back, a 4WD tour takes you deep into the dune system, including a run along Stockton Beach where you’ll see shipwrecks and, in season, nesting sea turtles.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the dunes are a spectacular spot for stargazing. Some operators offer evening tours with telescopes and storytelling around a campfire.
• Sand dune photography: The dunes’ clean curves and rippled patterns make for striking photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the shadows are long and the colours shift from white to ochre.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day on the dunes – typically a morning or afternoon session with a tour operator. A guided quad bike or sandboarding tour lasts around 1–2 hours, while a 4WD tour might take 2–3 hours including beach driving and stops. If you’re keen on photography or a cultural tour, allow 3–4 hours. You can easily combine a dune adventure with a morning dolphin cruise in Nelson Bay or a swim at Shoal Bay in the same day.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay – the main hub of Port Stephens, with dolphin-watching cruises, waterfront dining, and the Tomaree National Park lookout.
• Shoal Bay – a gorgeous white-sand beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing after your dune adventure.
• Anna Bay – the gateway to the dunes, with a handful of cafés and the start point for most sand tours.
• Tomaree National Park – hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for panoramic views over the bay and the dunes.
• Stockton Beach – a 32-km stretch of beach accessible from the dunes, known for its shipwrecks and as a habitat for the endangered little tern.
• Myall Lakes National Park – a short drive north, offering bushwalking, kayaking, and birdwatching among pristine lakes and forests.

Please check official sources for current details.