Stockton is a picturesque beach town that’s nestled 165km north of Sydney, which means you can get there by car in around two hours (depending on traffic, of course). At this time of year, locals and tourists alike enjoy its coastal walks, famous Stockton Sand Dunes and national park close by — all part of what makes this a beloved summer getaway spot near Sydney. Ready to dive in? Discover all the things to do in Stockton and the wider Newcastle area this summer below.
Things to do in Stockton this summer
Discover the wonders of Stockton Beach
Stockton is perhaps best known for Stockton Beach — a 32-kilometer-long coastal stretch that served as the filming location for the 1979 film Mad Max. The filming took place at Tin City — a quirky tin shack settlement that you can still visit today. At the beach, you can take a stroll down the coastline or a enjoy a dip in the ocean, go fishing in the designated tidal pools or go camping by the sea. The world’s, or in this case, the beach, is your oyster.
Then have some fun on the Stockton Sand Dunes
Stockton Sand Dunes form part of the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. No surprise then that there are loads of sandy activities to get stuck into. There are plenty of 4WD dune driving companies running tours every day, and one of the favourites is 4WD Tag-Along Tours. Beyond driving, you can also try your hand at sandboarding down the dunes or take a bit more of a relaxed approach with a camel ride along the sandy hills.
Explore Worimi National Park
Worimi National Park is a protected coastal reserve that covers just over 8000 hectares. Hiking is very popular here thanks to its winding routes and wildlife. For the casual walker, Worimi Forest Walk is a 2.8km (return) mini trek that offers fabulous views of the the native paperbark trees and lush greenery. There are also guided tours led by local Aboriginal people who offer a fascinating insight into the stories, customs and Dreamtime legends of the Worimi people.
Pay a visit to Newcastle
If you’re spending a weekend in Stockton, why not hop over to Newcastle for a day trip? It’s just a quick 20-minute drive away, or even easier, you can catch the ferry—which only takes about 5 minutes. You can check out Australian art at Newcastle Art Gallery or step into history at Fort Scratchley, a restored military fort dating back to the late 1800s. This season, Newcastle is also hosting Candlelight — a series of live classical concerts that pay tribute to a range of iconic artists, from Vivaldi all the way to Taylor Swift.