The Port Stephens sand dunes are one of the largest coastal dune systems in the Southern Hemisphere. Stretching over 32 kilometres from Stockton in Newcastle to Anna Bay near Nelson Bay, the Stockton Beach dunes cover more than 4,200 hectares of shifting sand, coastal scrub, and wide-open beach. It's a landscape unlike anywhere else in Australia — and it's packed with things to do.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Sydney, a weekend in Port Stephens, or you're a local looking for something new, this guide covers every activity available on the dunes and how to make the most of your visit.
Quad Biking on the Sand Dunes
Quad biking is the most popular activity on the Port Stephens sand dunes — and for good reason. Riding a 350cc Yamaha Grizzly across towering dunes, along open beach, and through terrain that changes with every tide is an experience you genuinely cannot get anywhere else in NSW.
Quad Bike King runs guided safari tours year-round — 363 days a year. Each tour includes full safety training, all gear, a 4WD transfer to the dunes, and a guided ride covering over 20km of beach and sand terrain. You choose your speed group (cruiser, intermediate, or thrill-seeker), so it works for beginners and experienced riders alike.
With over thousands of Google reviews, it's the highest-rated adventure activity in the Port Stephens region. If you only do one thing on the sand dunes, this is it.
Sandboarding
Sandboarding at the Port Stephens sand dunes is essentially snowboarding without the cold. Several operators offer sandboarding experiences that include a 4WD transfer to the dunes and boards to use on the steep dune faces. You hike to the top, strap in (or just lie on the board), and ride down.
The Stockton dunes have some of the best natural sandboarding terrain in Australia — steep gradients, long runs, and soft landings. It's a fun, family-friendly activity that's accessible to most ages and fitness levels. Sand sliding (lying flat on the board) is the easier option and popular with younger visitors.
4WD Tours
If you want to experience the full scale of the Stockton Bight dune system without driving yourself, guided 4WD tag-along tours are a popular choice. These tours take you deep into the dune field, along the beach, and to viewpoints that are impossible to reach on foot. Most tours also include sandboarding or sand tobogganing as part of the package.
For those who have their own 4WD, beach access points at Anna Bay (Gan Gan and Lavis Lane entries) allow self-guided driving on Stockton Beach — just make sure your vehicle is equipped for sand and check tide conditions before heading out.
Camel Rides on the Sand Dunes
For a slower-paced experience, camel rides across the Stockton dunes offer a unique perspective on the landscape. Operating from Anna Bay, guided camel treks take you along the dune ridgelines at sunset or during the day. It's a popular choice for couples, families, and anyone looking for something different.
Photography & Sightseeing
Even if adventure activities aren't your thing, the Port Stephens sand dunes are worth visiting for the scenery alone. The shifting sand creates patterns that change daily, and the scale of the dune field is genuinely impressive — from certain angles, it looks like you're standing in the Sahara. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photography, with golden light casting long shadows across the dunes.
Beach Fishing
Stockton Beach is one of the best beach fishing spots on the NSW coast. Tailor, whiting, bream, and mulloway are common catches along the gutters and sandbars. You'll need a 4WD to access the better spots further up the beach — but the effort is rewarded with uncrowded fishing and reliable catches year-round.
How to Get to the Port Stephens Sand Dunes
The sand dunes are located along the coast between Newcastle and Anna Bay. The main access points are:
- Quad Bike King (Williamtown) — 2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown. The starting point for all quad bike safari tours. 30 minutes from Newcastle, 2.5 hours from Sydney.
- Anna Bay (Gan Gan 4WD entry) — Off James Paterson Street. Public 4WD beach access, sandboarding, and camel ride operators.
- Birubi Beach (Anna Bay) — Walk-in access to the dunes. Popular for sightseeing and photography.
For more detailed directions, check our location and directions page.
Best Time to Visit
The Port Stephens sand dunes are a year-round destination. Summer and school holidays are the busiest periods — book activities in advance if visiting between December and February. Winter visits are underrated: smaller crowds, milder temperatures, and the dunes look just as spectacular.
Quad Bike King operates 363 days a year with multiple tours daily. Morning tours tend to have calmer winds, but the dunes are rideable in almost any conditions.
Combine Your Sand Dunes Visit
Most visitors combine the sand dunes with other Port Stephens activities. Popular combinations include:
- Quad biking in the morning + dolphin watching cruise in the afternoon
- Sand dunes activities + lunch at Nelson Bay marina
- A full adventure day: quad biking, sandboarding, and a sunset camel ride
- Nelson Bay exploring + an afternoon quad bike tour
The Bottom Line
The Stockton Beach sand dunes are one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the NSW coast — and they're not just for looking at. Whether you ride a quad bike, slide down a dune on a sandboard, cruise in a 4WD, or walk along the beach at sunset, the sand dunes deliver an experience you won't forget.
If you're visiting Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, or Newcastle, the sand dunes should be at the top of your list.