The Stockton Beach sand dunes are one of Australia's most spectacular natural landscapes — and they're packed with adventures. Whether you're visiting Port Stephens for a day trip or a weekend getaway, here's what's on at the dunes.
1. Quad Biking — The Standout Experience
Without question, the most popular activity on the dunes is quad biking with Quad Bike King. Riding a 350cc Yamaha Grizzly across the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere is unlike anything else you can do in New South Wales. Fully guided, suitable for all experience levels, and open 363 days a year.
2. Sandboarding
Sandboarding is essentially snowboarding but warmer and with softer landings. Grab a board, hike to the top of a dune, and send it. The Stockton dunes offer some of the best natural sandboarding terrain in Australia — steep faces, long runs, and zero lift queues.
3. 4WD Tours
Several operators run guided 4WD tours across the dunes, giving you access to areas of the beach that are otherwise unreachable. It's a great way to see the full scale of the Stockton Bight dune system — stretching over 32km from Newcastle to Broughton Island.
4. Photography and Sightseeing
Even if adventure activities aren't your thing, the Stockton dunes are worth visiting for the scenery alone. The interplay of shifting sand, coastal scrub, and the Tasman Sea creates a landscape that changes with every tide and wind direction. Sunrise and sunset on the dunes are genuinely spectacular.
5. Beach Fishing
Stockton Beach is a popular spot for beach fishing — tailor, whiting, and bream are common catches. You'll need a 4WD to access the longer stretches of beach, but the fishing is worth the effort.
Getting to Stockton Beach
The dunes are located at Williamtown, just north of Nelson Bay on the shores of Port Stephens. Quad Bike King is based right at the dune access point — we'll take you out there in a 4WD as part of every tour.