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

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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