The Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Coastal Sand Dunes Are A 2-Hour Drive From Sydney

Stockton Beach is well known for its vast and expansive dunes which tower up to 40m high. But did you know they are also the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere?

Ria Lawrence - Senior Staff Writer • December 4, 2023

The Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Coastal Sand Dunes Are A 2-Hour Drive From Sydney — Image: Shutterstock

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The Sahara-like Stockton Bight Sand Dunes look almost otherworldly. Each year, the dunes move a little bit because of the wind making them the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Worimi Conservation Lands in Port Stephens, the spectacular dunes cover 4,200 hectares and at their peak, can be up to 40m high with slopes of up to 60 degrees. At about a little over two hours from Sydney, the spot makes for an excellent day trip idea with endless sandy and coastal vistas to explore. Stockton Beach is also the longest beach in NSW so there’s a lot to see. Fun fact: the striking location has been featured in several movies and music videos over the years including the 1979 movie Mad Max and Beyoncé’s Mine music video.

Stockton Beach Sand Dunes

Couple enjoying a sandboarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes located in the Worimi Conservation Lands. — Image: Destination NSW

Among other things, the Stockton Beach Sand Dunes are a mecca for sports lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are many ways to experience the stunning dunes from exploring them on foot to sand boarding and quad biking. You can even try your hands at stand-up sandboarding with the help of Sand Dunes Safaris.

Since they cover a whopping 32km in the Worimi Conservation Lands, 4WDing, motorbiking or quad biking are all excellent ways to get around although you will need a beach Vehicle Permit to do so. Find more information on how to apply for one on the Port Stephens website.

Alternatively, you can also book a tour and let the experts take you to the dunes instead of hiking them. Find one here.

Other fun activities at Stockton Beach include picturesque camel or horse rides while enjoying IG-friendly sunsets in the backdrop, fishing, swimming and whale watching. Stockton Beach also offers great surf with protected options for kids and newbies. Interestingly, the beach is also home to the MV Sygna — a 53000-tonne Norwegian bulk carrier that ran aground on the beach during a storm in 1974. The remnants of the shipwreck have now become something of a landmark on Stockton Beach.

You can get to Stockton Beach from Sydney in a little over two hours on a good day.

Read all about the magnificent coastal sand dunes and things to do at Stockton Beach here and get more information about the Worimi Conservation Lands on the Visit NSW website.