Stockton Beach Sand Dunes

Stretching for 32 kilometres along the coast north of Newcastle, the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes form one of the largest moving sand dune systems in the southern hemisphere. These towering, golden dunes – some reaching 30 metres high – create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape that feels more Sahara than New South Wales. The dunes are a playground for adventure seekers and a haven for those seeking solitude, with the roar of quad bikes and the whisper of wind shaping the sand into ever-changing sculptures.

Highlights & What to See

• Quad biking and 4WD tours: The most exhilarating way to explore the dunes is on a guided quad bike or 4WD tour, racing up and down the steep slopes with the ocean as your backdrop.
• Sandboarding: Glide down the dunes on a sandboard – a fun, low-impact activity for all ages. Boards can be hired locally or through tour operators.
• Horseback riding: For a more serene experience, join a guided horse ride across the dunes at sunset, when the light paints the sand in shades of amber and rose.
• Wrecks of the Sygna: At the northern end of the beach, the rusting hull of the Sygna, a bulk carrier that ran aground in 1974, juts from the surf – a striking photo opportunity.
• Aboriginal heritage: The dunes are part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, with significant cultural sites. Respect the land and consider a tour that shares local Indigenous stories.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day (3–4 hours) on the dunes, which is enough for a quad bike tour or sandboarding session plus time to explore the beach and shipwreck. If you want to combine a 4WD tour with a longer beach walk or sunset horse ride, set aside a full day. The dunes are wind-exposed, so bring sunscreen, water, and a windbreaker.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Stephens: The gateway to the dunes, with dolphin cruises, Tomaree National Park, and excellent seafood in Nelson Bay.
• Newcastle: A 30-minute drive south, offering a vibrant café culture, the iconic Bogey Hole ocean pool, and the Newcastle Memorial Walk.
• Anna Bay: The main access point for dune tours, with a lovely surf beach and the Birubi Beach Café for post-dune fish and chips.
• Myall Lakes National Park: A short drive north, where you can kayak among paperbark forests and spot goannas and wallabies.

Please check official sources for current details.