Stockton Sand Dunes: Guide to Australia’s Largest Moving Dunes
Stockton Sand Dunes, NSW is where ordinary road trips end and full-throttle adventure begins. Towering sand dunes, relentless slopes, and wide-open space turn this coastal desert into one of Australia’s most exhilarating playgrounds.
From blasting across the sand on a quad bike, to flying downhill with unlimited sandboarding, to cruising atop a camel with ocean views, Stockton delivers non-stop action with a wild edge. These massive, ever-moving dunes are not just something you look at – they’re meant to be conquered.
This ultimate guide covers everything you need to plan an epic day on the dunes. The best experiences, tours and insider tips to help you go harder, faster and smarter. If adventure is what you are chasing, Stockton Sand Dunes won’t disappoint!
Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. It helps support Roam with No Regrets at no extra cost to you — thank you for your support!
Where are the Stockton Sand Dunes?
Stockton Sand Dunes stretch an impressive 32km from Stockton to Birubi in Port Stephens, New South Wales. They are located 2 ½ hour drive north of Sydney or 1 hour drive from Newcastle or a 30-minute drive from Newcastle Airport – making them an easy and rewarding adventure destination.
How to get to the Stockton Sand Dunes
Flying
Newcastle Airport has direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Canberra, Gold Coast and Melbourne and Perth. If you fly, make sure you book your taxi, Uber or airport transfer in advance to avoid delays.
Stop press! From March 29, 2026 you will be able to fly direct into Newcastle Airport from Singapore via Denpasar (Bali) with Jetstar- making the dunes even more accessible for international travellers.
Driving from Sydney
When driving from Sydney, head up the M1 to Newcastle and then follow the signs to Port Stephens. Keep an eye out for the dinosaur at Somersby on the motorway – it’s a fun and unmistakable landmark that means you’re on the right track.
Driving from Coffs Harbour
When driving south from Coffs Harbour, follow the M1 south and turn left at Medowie Road, just after the truck weigh station. Follow Medowie Road until you reach Richardson Road where you turn left. If you come through in the late afternoon, you can see kangaroos at the Alexander Park Dressage Club just before you reach the BP. Turn left at the BP and follow Nelson Bay Road until you reach your destination.
Public Transport
Public transport is limited but it is possible to catch a train to Hamilton Station in Newcastle. From there, jump on the 130 bus (Fingal Bay). For timetables, check Trip Planner | transportnsw.info. Allow around 3.5-4 hours for the full journey.
When to visit the Stockton Sand Dunes
The short answer? Anytime is a great time to visit. But each season offers something different.
☀️ Summer (December – February)
Temperatures range from 18–28°C, making it perfect for beach days and water activities. The ocean averages around 22°C.
Port Stephens is particularly busy during the Christmas school holidays (late December to end of January), so book accommodation well in advance. Parking can also be difficult at Birubi and One Mile Beaches.
Note: The sand can become unbearably hot during peak summer. If you plan on sandboarding, early morning is your best option. Heatwaves are often accompanied by strong westerly winds that lift the sand — and trust me, it feels like being sandblasted. Unless you are a camel, avoid the dunes in high wind conditions.
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
Sunny days followed by cooler nights make autumn ideal for outdoor adventures such as fishing, sailing, and exploring the dunes. Temperatures range between 12–24°C.
❄️ Winter (June – August)
It’s whale watching season! Winter is generally sunny with crisp, comfortable temperatures between 9–18°C — perfect for hiking, exploring, and dune activities without the heat.
🌸 Spring (September – November)
Spring offers sunny days and mild evenings, with temperatures between 13–25°C. September is especially beautiful for cycling, walking, and exploring the national parks as everything comes to life.
CLICK HERE to check of the weather temperatures, rainfall, winds and tides
Where to stay in Port Stephens
Ramada Resort by Wyndham – Shoal Bay
Ramada Resort by Wyndham is centrally located above the restaurant strip overlooking stunning Shoal Bay. The resort features
- an outdoor pool which is sheltered from the wind,
- an indoor heated 25m lap pool,
- 3 spas,
- gymnasium,
- restaurants and bars
Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Salamander Bay
Oaks Pacific Blue Resort, Salamander Bay is set amidst lush tropical gardens and boasts Australia’s largest swimming pool! Perfect for the kids. There is a range of room types, including studios and one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. Perfect for the family.
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach
Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach has a beachfront location and access to the beautiful 1.6km One Mile Beach and Surf School. There is an array of accommodation options, from luxury villas to cabins for every budget and of course, caravanning and camping sites.
Things to Do
Quad Bike on Stockton Sand Dunes
Are you ready to Quad Bike on the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the southern hemisphere? It’s a great day out with friends or family.
Quad Bike King offers 2 experiences for every level of rider. Start off easy on the Scenic Safari Tour, taking it slow and enjoying the scenic views or let it rip on their Safari tour travelling along Stockton Beach up to 40km/hr.
The tours start with a safety briefing at the departure point at Murrook, Williamtown. After a little bit of practice to get the hang of things, you’ll be sorted into groups based on your confidence. Under 18s are limited to 20km/hr.
Drive on Stockton Beach
Whether you are car-less, have a 4WD that has never left the bitumen or are a 4WDing pro – there are options. Choose your own adventure.
Jump on board a 4WD adventure tour to Tin City
The Tin City Discovery offers the perfect snapshot of this extraordinary landscape. Explore the 2,500 hectares of sand dunes that make up Stockton Bight, on a fully guided tour in a purpose built 4WD vehicle.
Visit “Tin City”, a cluster of fishing shacks made out of corrugated iron located right in the middle of the surrounding sand dunes. Learn about the history of the dunes and the flora and fauna living in this unique landscape. Feel the wind in your hair and the adrenalin in your chest when you slide down the 30-40 metre high sand dunes.
Join a 4WD tag along tour on Stockton Beach
Got your own 4WD but it’s rarely left the bitumen? Join a 4WD tag along tour through the sand dunes and along the beach. Guided by experienced 4WD instructors, the tag along tour includes FREE sand driving instruction so you can enjoy the experience without the stress. Feel empowered and ready for more.
Self Drive on Stockton Beach
Think you are an 4WD expert and are just itching to cruise the sand? Here’s what you need to know.
First, you’ll need a beach permit.
- $33 for a 3-day pass
- $88 for an annual pass
Permits can be purchased from:
- Lavis Lane Metro (opposite McDonald’s)
- Salt Ash BP
- Anna Bay BP
Stockton Beach can be accessed from Lavis Lane at Williamtown (near Maccas) or via the Birubi Beach 4WD access track. Remember to let your tyre pressure down before hitting the sand.
Once on the beach, you can:
- Visit the Sygna shipwreck
- Explore Tin City
- Or find your own stretch of sand for a picnic, surfing, or fishing
When you exit the beach, you can reinflate your tyres at:
- Anna Bay BP (air is around the back of the servo)
- Lavis Lane Metro
To wash the salt and sand off, use:
- Lavis Lane Metro car wash
- Anna Bay Car Wash at the Anna Bay Ampol on Nelson Bay Road (also has a dog wash)
And just in case you get stuck, call:
- GR8white Towing – 0432 567 542
- Toddy’s Stockton Beach Recovery Service – 0422 651 198
Unlimited Sandboarding on Stockton Sand Dunes
It’s time to go sandboarding! Meet the sandboarding crew at Birubi Beach and they’ll drive you out to the dunes where you can enjoy unlimited sandboarding… as long as your legs can keep climbing.
It’s amazing value for money, ridiculously fun, and guaranteed to leave you laughing (and exhausted).
Just a heads up — you will get sand everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Showers are available at Birubi Surf Club so you can rinse off afterwards.
Ride a Camel
You don’t need to go to Broome to ride camels on the beach — you can do it right here in Port Stephens.
Experience the novelty of riding the “ships of the desert” across the vast dunes with Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides. They operate daily except Wednesdays (yes, hump day).
- 20-minute rides: Walk-up between 10am–3.30pm
- Sunset camel rides (1 hour): Must be pre-booked
Horse Riding along the Beach
Maybe horse riding is more your thing. Saddle up with Sahara Trails and enjoy a 1-hr ride along the beach- waves on one side and towering sand dunes on the other. This ride is suitable for intermediate riders over the age of 14.
Swim or Surf at Birubi Beach
Birubi Beach is patrolled by lifeguards from September to April and is perfect for a refreshing swim after a day on the dunes. It’s also popular for surfing and kitesurfing.
Always swim between the flags and take a moment to identify rips before entering the water. Remember always swim between the flags.
Facilities include:
- Toilets (including disabled)
- Showers and change rooms
- Surf Club kiosk
There’s also a dog-friendly off-leash section, so your furry friend doesn’t miss out.
Want to explore more? Here is your guide to the Best Beaches in Port Stephens
Fishing on Stockton Beach
Fishing is possible along the entire 32km stretch of Stockton Beach. The best times are early morning and late afternoon.
Look for deeper, darker gutters close to shore for:
- Whiting & flathead
- Tailor & Australian salmon (Dec–Jun)
- Mulloway (jewfish) after dark
- Bream & luderick in winter
In NSW, you need a fishing licence (kids under 18 are exempt). Apply online at Service NSW . Get the FishSmart app so you know what you are catching, its legal sizes and bag limits.
Where to Eat
Crest, Birubi
Enjoy a meal at Crest Birubi Beach, with excellent bistro meals and share plates in an open air terrace and beach views. It’s open from 8am – 3pm daily. It’s very popular and bookings are recommended on weekends and school holidays. If it is booked out, you can also get a bite to eat at the Surf Club Cafe.
Anna Bay Tavern
A local favourite with a huge shaded beer garden, children’s play area, and big screen TV. The pub-style food is excellent and the vibe relaxed — the perfect spot to unwind and relive your dune adventures.
Not in the mood for pub food? Here is your guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Port Stephens.
Stay a little longer….
Since you’ve made the journey to Port Stephens, you might as well make the most of it.
- 3-Day Port Stephens Itinerary – perfect for a long weekend
- 7-Day Port Stephens Itinerary – and you still won’t see it all
Final Thoughts
Stockton Sand Dunes isn’t just a place you visit — it’s an experience you talk about long after you’ve shaken the sand out of your shoes.
From the adrenaline rush of quad biking and sandboarding to the novelty of camel rides across endless dunes, this is the kind of adventure that’s made to be shared.
So round up your crew, lock in a date, and start planning your escape into the sand. Whether you’re chasing thrills, epic photos, or a story worth telling, Stockton delivers every time.
Share this guide with your friends, tag your adventure partners, and turn “we should do this” into your next unforgettable trip — and remember to roam with no regrets.
