The summer sun is in full effect, and you may be thinking of heading to the beach, but then again, so is everyone else, which means most patches of sand around Sydney will soon barely have room to put down a towel. If you don’t mind a drive out of town, there’s one spot that never feels cramped: Stockton Beach. At 32km, it’s the longest beach in NSW, running all the way from Stockton to Anna Bay, which basically means you’ll always find space. Size aside, this local favourite has a lot more going on for it than your standard swimming spot, from huge dunes, old shipwrecks, 4WD sections, and little pockets of history scattered along the sand. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Stockton Beach this summer.
Things to do at Stockton Beach this summer
Explore the dunes
Part of the Worimi Conservation Lands, the dunes are the main drawcard. They’re the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, and sit directly behind the long stretches of the beach, so you get sand on one side and ocean on the other. You can walk around on your own, but most people book an activity to cover more ground.
Quad biking and sandboarding
Several operators run quad bike tours across the dunes, and it’s the quickest and best way to get a sense of just how big the area really is. Sandboarding is another popular activity in the area, and visitors of all ages can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the spectacular Stockton Sand Dunes.
Go 4WDing
Parts of Stockton Beach are open to 4WDs, but you’ll need a permit to enter the Worimi Conservation Lands. It’s one of the few places in NSW where you can legally drive along long stretches of sand, and the designated area runs for kilometres, making it the perfect summer adventure for adrenaline junkies. Make sure you arrange the permit in advance and check local conditions before heading in. Find more information about beach driving here.
See the shipwrecks
Stockton Beach has a long history of vessels running aground, and a couple of the remains are still visible today. The MV Sygna, which washed up during a storm in 1974, is the best known, and you can still see parts of it along the shoreline. Further up the beach is the older Uralla wreck, which dates back to 1928.
Camel and horse rides
Camel and horse rides run along the Anna Bay end of the beach, and they’re a common add-on for visitors spending time on the dunes. Sessions run at set times, and most people book ahead, especially on weekends. Book here.
Key features
Where: Stockton Beach, between Newcastle and Port Stephens in NSW
Skill level: Suitable for general exploring; not recommended for swimming due to unpatrolled and remote conditions
Parking: Available at various access points along the beach and near tour operators Accessibility: The beach itself is accessible, but the dunes and 4WD areas are not suitable for visitors with mobility needs
Entry fee: Free for general access; permits required for 4WD entry into Worimi Conservation Lands
Seasonal notes: Popular in the warmer months; conditions on the beach and dunes can change with the weather
Planning your trip
Stockton Beach is roughly a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, depending on traffic and where you’re starting from. If you’re not driving, you can travel to Newcastle or Port Stephens by public transport and connect with local buses or tour operators for dune activities. Plan your travels on Transport for NSW.