Explore Stockton Sand Dunes: 4WD Adventure in Port Stephens
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Basic fitness required; comfortable sitting and occasional stepping in sandy terrain
Overview
Drive your own 4WD through Australia’s largest moving sand dunes on this guided 3-hour tour in Port Stephens. Navigate Birubi Beach and the Worimi Conservation Lands while learning about the area’s unique ecology and Indigenous heritage.
Explore Stockton Sand Dunes: 4WD Adventure in Port Stephens
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On the northern coast of New South Wales, the Stockton Sand Dunes stretch out like a vast, shifting desert beside the rolling waves of Port Stephens. This 4WD tag-along tour puts you behind the wheel of your own low-range vehicle, leading you through the Worimi Conservation Lands where sand and sea collide in a landscape both raw and lively.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a Worimi Lands Beach Permit
Purchase your beach driving permit at the BP station in Anna Bay before the tour; it’s mandatory for entry and driving on the dunes.
Low-Range 4WD Required
Ensure your vehicle has low-range gearing to safely navigate steep and shifting sand terrain.
Stay Hydrated and Protected
The desert-like dunes offer little shade—carry ample water and wear sun protection during the tour.
Follow the Guide’s Instructions
Keep pace in the convoy and listen carefully to driving tips to handle slippery or steep dune slopes safely.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo
- Various coastal birds including oystercatchers
History
The Worimi people have managed these lands for millennia, embedding spiritual and ecological values in the dunes and coastline.
Conservation
Visitors must adhere to strict vehicle guidelines and stay on established paths to protect this fragile, shifting habitat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-Toe Hiking Shoes
Provides grip and protection when stepping out on loose sand and rocky patches.
summer specific
Wide-Brimmed Hat
Protects from sun exposure during open dune driving and beach stops.
summer specific
Sunscreen
Essential to avoid sunburn in the unshaded, reflective sand environment.
Portable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated under hot, dry dune conditions.