Looking for quad biking near Sydney? The closest open-terrain ATV experience is on the Stockton sand dunes in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of the city. If you're based in Sydney and want to ride quad bikes across genuine sand dunes and beach terrain — not a closed paddock or dirt track — this is your best option.
Port Stephens is home to the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and Quad Bike King has been running guided safari tours here since 2009. Over 250,000 riders have made the trip from Sydney, Newcastle, and beyond to experience what TripAdvisor rates as the #1 outdoor activity in the region.
How Far is it from Sydney?
The drive from Sydney to the Stockton sand dunes takes around 2.5 hours via the M1 Pacific Motorway. You'll head north through Hornsby, the Central Coast, and Newcastle, then follow signs to Port Stephens and Anna Bay. The route is straightforward and scenic, passing through coastal towns like Morisset and Hexham along the way.
Many Sydney visitors combine the quad biking with a weekend getaway in Port Stephens or a stopover in Newcastle. The area is well-suited for day trips, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and coastal attractions to explore before or after your tour.
The meeting point is at Gan Gan Road, near Nelson Bay, with free parking on site. Exact directions are sent with your booking confirmation, and the location is easy to find via Google Maps. For Sydney-based groups, it's common to carpool or hire a van — the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
What You'll Experience
This isn't a gentle sightseeing tour. You'll ride powerful 350cc Yamaha Grizzly quad bikes on a 1-hour guided safari across over 20km of beach, dunes, and open sand. The terrain changes constantly with the tides and weather, so no two rides are the same.
The guides tailor the pace to your group's skill level. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced rider, you'll get a full briefing and training session before the tour starts. The rides are fully guided, with experienced local guides leading the way and ensuring everyone stays safe while having a great time.
For Sydney visitors, this is often their first time riding a quad bike — and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. With over 7,000 five-star Google reviews, Quad Bike King has earned its reputation as the original and best quad biking experience in Port Stephens.
Make a Weekend of It
While the quad biking is achievable as a day trip from Sydney, many visitors choose to stay overnight in Port Stephens and make a weekend of it. Combine your sand dune adventure with lunch at one of Nelson Bay's waterfront restaurants, take a dolphin cruise, or explore the coastal walking trails around Tomaree Head.
Port Stephens offers a range of accommodation options, from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly motels. Booking a morning quad bike tour means you'll have the afternoon free to explore the area, swim at one of the local beaches, or simply relax by the water. If you're buying for someone else, gift vouchers make a great option for Sydney-based friends and family.
Via Newcastle — A Great Stopover
If you're driving from Sydney, you'll pass through or near Newcastle along the way. Many Sydney visitors use Newcastle as a stopover point — grab breakfast at one of the city's cafes, explore the beaches and coastal walks, then continue north to the sand dunes for an afternoon quad bike tour.
Newcastle is only 35 minutes from the sand dunes, making it an ideal place to break up the journey. For those interested in exploring more of the area, check out our guide to things to do near Newcastle, or see what's on offer for quad biking near Newcastle.
Why Sydney Visitors Love This Tour
For Sydney-based adventure seekers, the Stockton sand dunes offer something you simply can't find in the city. This is genuine open-terrain quad biking across coastal dunes and beach — not a fenced paddock or dirt track. The scale of the landscape, the quality of the bikes, and the expertise of the guides make this a standout experience.
Many Sydney groups return year after year for birthdays, bucks parties, and corporate events. It's become a go-to alternative to the usual Hunter Valley winery tour — especially for groups looking for action rather than just food and wine.
Ready to book? Check live availability and secure your spot online. Tours run daily, with morning and afternoon sessions available. The 2.5-hour drive from Sydney is an easy trade for one of the best adventure experiences on the NSW coast.