The Best Ways to Experience the Stockton Sand Dunes

Surf, bike or journey camel-back through Port Stephens’ otherworldly natural phenomenon — the Stockton sand dunes.

Like something out of a Hollywood film set, the Stockton Bight sand dunes stretch 32 kilometres between Birubi Beach and Stockton in Port Stephens. A mountainous valley of powder as far as the eye can see, they’re the largest coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

The staggering natural wonder (more commonly referred to as the Stock sand dunes, no Bight) sits within the 4,200-hectare Worimi Conservation Lands, a joint expanse managed by both the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and local Traditional Owners. What does that mean for visitors? Your exploration options won’t harm the dunes, plus they’re surprisingly immense, spanning speedy drives, gentle animal-backed trails, Aboriginal cultural tours and more.

As one of the best things to see and do in Port Stephens, let’s dive into every way to navigate the Stockton sand dunes.

Exploring the dunes

The Stockton sand dunes are constantly evolving as wind, sea levels and other natural factors shift slopes and stability at any given time. Dating as far back as the Pleistocene era, the moon-like landscape is best explored now while tour operations (and access) prosper.

1. 4WD and Beach Driving

an aerial view of 4WD on the beach, Stockton Sand Dunes — Drive to the beach on a 4WD. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the most popular ways to explore the Stockton sand dunes is via a set of appropriate wheels. Beach and dune driving in a 4WD is a cinch given the wider Worimi Conservation Lands allows 4WD access to more than 22 kilometres of Stockton beachfront and 350 hectares of dunes.

One of the largest coastal dune-driving hot spots in NSW, entry is found via Lavis Lane in the south or Gan Gan Road in the north. There’s also a 4WD-only entrance at Fern Bay’s Fern Bay Seaside Village.

Don’t leave home without securing your permit as all vehicles entering the Worimi Conservation Lands must display one after registering with the Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre (60 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay). A three-day beach permit costs $33 and an annual permit costs $88. Visit the Worimi Conservation Lands website for further information.

Don’t have a 4WD but keen to get amongst it? That’s no issue. Go adventuring with Sand Dune Safaris , who offer popular Toyota LandCruiser charters.

2. Sandboarding Adventures

a couple enjoying sandboarding at Stockton SandDunes — Slide down the coastal dunes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Try your luck at stand-up sandboarding with the team at Sand Dune Safaris again. These guys really are pros as they’ve been touring the Stockton sand dunes for more than 20 years.

Your sandboarding escapade starts by combing the dunes in a custom-built 4WD to reach a private sandboarding area in the heart of Stockton Bight. There, you’re invited to trial a range of hand-crafted sandboards, including some built for stand-up styling.

Keen snowboarders can also opt for a board with bindings, while couples can tackle the sand slopes in tandem. Tours depart on weekends at 9am during summer and 9:30am in winter.

3. Quad Biking Experiences

Quad biking experience on the Stockton Sand Dunes — Experience the thrilling slopes of Stockton sand dunes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Desperate to fly? You can’t go wrong with Quad Bike King , a Stockton sand dunes tour company that knows its way around all the highlights. Secure your spot on their one-hour-and-45-minute ‘Safari Tour’ which encourages visitors to open the throttle in search of dusty horizons. The team know it’s an unforgettable experience, which is why they make time for a photo opportunity down at the beachfront.

Beginners can go a little slower on the ‘Scenic Safari Tour’ which runs for the same amount of time but recruits multiple guides to ensure you’re stickybeaking the sights safely.

Unique Experiences

While racing along the Stockton sand dunes is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, there are also several ways to explore with a steady heart rate. From trotting along on the back of a new four-legged friend to seeing things from an entirely unique perspective, slower-paced touring experiences provide beautiful holiday moments.

1. Camel and Horse Riding

riding camels at Stockton Sand Dunes — Take a scenic camel ride through Port Stephens’ otherworldly natural phenomenon. (Image: Destination NSW)

Hug the Hunter coast’s curves on a tour with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides . You won’t see as much as the quad bikers or 4WDers but you’ll still marvel in the dunes’ beauty over from Birubi Beach at the northern end of the stretch. The camel caravan route winds from bush to beach along a river of sand that passes through great swathes of country home to the Worimi Nation, the traditional owners of the land.

The best time to explore this area is at dusk, when the sea resembles a piece of glittering tin foil. See large birds of prey wheeling in circles above while you bounce along with your guides.

Budding equestrians who love wide, open spaces will take stock in the vast emptiness while travelling horseback. Friendly guides from Sahara Trails Horse Riding will lead you along the shoreline towards the base of the Stockton sand dunes. Book a tour at dawn when the dunes are lit up in the early light and the beach is a paradise of crashing waves and salty air. You’ll meander along the beach as it tapers north, taking your trusty steed into the surf for a swim.

2. Aboriginal cultural tours

a guide briefing visitors before the quad bike tour, Sand Dune Adventures — You’ll navigate the slopes with a local Aboriginal guide. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Worimi people welcome visitors to the Stockton sand dunes and there are many visible signs that demonstrate a connection to the Worimi Nation, which consisted of up to 18 clans. The Worimi were hunter-gatherers, as evidence around the dunes confirm—but there’s so much more history to soak up.

Self-navigation is one option, so long as you follow the rules applied to land. “Leave footprints and take only memories," says Worimi Aboriginal Land Council CEO, Andrew Smith. There’s also the crew at Sand Dune Adventures , who run a 1.5-hour ‘Aboriginal Cultural, Sand Boarding and Quad Bike Tour’ with a local Aboriginal guide. Pop on your high-vis vest and helmet and listen up, as knowledge of the landscape flows while you ride the ridged sand mountains. Your guide will point out middens, where Aboriginal people feasted on fish and shellfish, hammer stones used as tools and teach you about bush food such as ninang (oysters) and makurr (fish).

It’s worth noting that The Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council also work with other local tour operators to ensure the land maintains its world-renowned pristine, untouched quality. Check out their website for affiliated tour companies.

3. A detour to Tin City

a fishing shack in the Tin City on Stockton Beach — The Tin City is the last legal squatter settlement in Australia. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s technically located on Stockton Beach but a visit to the Stockton sand dunes is a great excuse to push your adventure towards Tin City. Jump on board Sand Dune Safaris’ ‘Tin City Safari’ which leads you right to a series of iron-roofed shacks steeped in history.

Dating back to the early 1900s when the ocean did its worst and wrecked a ship offshore, Tin City began to accommodate the shipwreck’s survivors and, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, expanded its ramshackle reach to include more than 36 huts.

There are 11 still standing, representing the last legal squatter settlement in Australia. Fascinating stuff worth putting some time into while you’re in this extraordinary neck of the woods.

Need somewhere to stay? Discover the best accommodation in Port Stephens

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

A thrill seeker’s guide to exploring the Stockton sand dunes