Stockton Sand Dunes
Port Stephens, NSW
The largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere — Worimi Conservation Lands from Anna Bay toward Newcastle.
About this place
Stockton Bight's dunes stretch about 32 km from Stockton to Anna Bay and include more than 350 hectares of recreational dune driving plus 19 km of beach front in the Worimi Conservation Lands. The landscape is co-managed by the Worimi Aboriginal community and NPWS, with middens up to 12,000 years old. Walkers, riders and horse riders enter free at Gan Gan (Anna Bay); 4WDs need a Worimi beach vehicle permit (digital from March 2026) and must stay on the waterfront except in the designated RVA. Sandboard, join a dune safari, or just climb a crest at Birubi and look north along the bight.
Access & getting there
Pedestrian entry free. All vehicles need a WCL beach vehicle permit — NSW National Parks annual passes are not valid. Other vehicle entries at Lavis Lane (Williamtown) and Fern Bay. Dogs in vehicles only at Gan Gan entry.
Gan Gan 4WD and pedestrian entry, Anna Bay NSW 2315 (Birubi Point / James Paterson Street precinct)
Safety notes
Unpatrolled beach with strong rips and sharks offshore. Stay off vegetated dunes. Unexploded ordnance from WWII bombing has been found in the sand. Tank traps remain in places.
Gear notes
If driving: recovery gear, tyre pressure knowledge, and a digital permit. Walkers need water, sun protection and closed shoes.
On the map
Community photos
Posts from this place will appear here soon.
Events nearby
Linked Hikezilla events coming soon.
Connected challenges
Tied to challenges — coming soon.