Unlimited Boarding, Lesson Included
4WD Tours R Us runs you out onto the dunes and leaves you with a board and no clock to beat.
Check availability
Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours: Sandboarding, Quad Bikes And 4WD At Stockton Bight
Every bookable sand dune tour at Port Stephens in one place: 4WD dune runs, sandboarding, quad biking and Sydney day trips, compared by rating, duration and operator.
- $27.76lowest per-person from-price on the roster
- 2.5 hoursDrive time from Sydney · to Port Stephens; 2 hours 45 minutes to Nelson Bay
- 32 kmStockton Beach length · the state's longest beach
- 100,000+ yearsAge of the dune system · creation began well over 100,000 years ago; the dunes keep moving
Most-reviewed Port Stephens sandboarding tour
Unlimited Sandboarding Experience in Port Stephens
Licensed Worimi operator with a Parks Eco Pass, per NSW National Parks
from $29.84 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the operator's official listing with live dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site.
- Duration
- 1-1.5 hours of sandboarding typical (unlimited)
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- 4WD Tours R Us
Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours: Numbers To Know
About 30 minutes
Newcastle Airport to Nelson Bay · by car
19 km
Beach driving between the two entries · Lavis Lane to Gan Gan, waterfront only
350 hectares
Recreational Vehicle Area · the dune driving zone south of Lavis Lane
$33 / $88
Beach vehicle permit, 3-day / annual · for your own 4WD; guided tours include park entry
Up to 40,000
Humpback whales passing each year · May to November off Port Stephens
28.3 C / 17.2 C
Mean daily maximum, January / July · Williamtown RAAF, nearest Bureau of Meteorology station
1,134 mm
Mean annual rainfall · about 87 rain days a year at Williamtown RAAF
Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours By Activity
Sandboarding
Stand-Up Boards, 4WD Transfer
Sand Dune Safaris ferries you from Anna Bay onto the Stockton Bight dunes inside the Worimi Conservation Lands, then hands over boards with unlimited time on the slope, typically one to two hours.
Check availability
Sit-Down Boards Only
Port Stephens 4WD Tours drops you onto the sand hills with a board and unlimited slides.
Check availability4WD Dune Tours
75-Minute Beach Drive, Boarding
A 75-minute outing with Port Stephens 4WD Tours: a 4WD run along Birubi Beach and the dunes, plus sandboarding.
Check availability
3-Hour Tag-Along, Own 4WD
Three hours driving your own 4WD behind a local guide, over the Stockton Bight dunes and along the Anna Bay beach.
Check availability
3-Hour Passenger Tour, No Driving
Ride as a passenger on a three-hour run over the dunes and along the beach.
Check availabilityQuad Bike Tours
1-Hour Aboriginal-Owned Quad Ride
One hour of quad biking with Sand Dune Adventures across the Worimi Conservation Lands dunes.
Check availabilityDay Trips From Sydney
Koalas, Dolphin Cruise, 4WD Combo
Brighton Tours - Gray Line Sydney runs this full-day coach trip out of the city, pairing a dolphin cruise and koala sanctuary visit with a 4WD stretch along Birubi Beach and sandboarding on the dunes.
Check availability
Cruise or Hike Choice, Budget Fare
A full-day Sydney outing with M8 Explorer Australia, about 12 hours door to door.
Check availability
Private Minivan, Options Paid On Day
A private full-day tour from Sydney by Go Beyond Tours, built around your group with dolphin and whale cruise options.
Check availability
Tomaree Hike, Drone Photos Included
A full-day Sydney trip, about 12 hours, run by 77Tours Pty Ltd.
Check availabilityWhich Of The Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours Is Right For You?
This is a starting shortlist of the best-reviewed tours, not the full list. Tap an answer below to rebuild it.
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Unlimited Boarding, Lesson Included
1-1.5 hours of sandboarding typical (unlimited) · Free cancellation
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Koalas, Dolphin Cruise, 4WD Combo
Full day (about 12 hours) · Free cancellation
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Stand-Up Boards, 4WD Transfer
1-2 hours at the dunes (unlimited time) · Free cancellation
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Open the remaining tours
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Cruise or Hike Choice, Budget Fare
Full day (about 12 hours) · Free cancellation
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Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours Compared
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All 11 tours, most reviewed first. Tap a sort chip twice to flip the order.
| Tour | Length | Meets | From | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Boarding, Lesson Included4WD Tours R Us | 1-1.5 hours of sandboarding typical (unlimited) | 4WD Tours R Us, 80 Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay) | $29.84 | ★ 4.5574 reviews | Check availability |
| Koalas, Dolphin Cruise, 4WD ComboBrighton Tours - Gray Line Sydney | Full day (about 12 hours) | Sydney Central Station (day-trip departure) | $140.64 | ★ 4.8277 reviews | Check availability |
| 1-Hour Aboriginal-Owned Quad RideSand Dune Adventures | 1 hour | Sand Dune Adventures, Murrook Culture Centre (Williamtown) | $82.57 | ★ 4.8254 reviews | Check availability |
| Stand-Up Boards, 4WD TransferSand Dune Safaris | 1-2 hours at the dunes (unlimited time) | Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) | $27.76 | ★ 4.7212 reviews | Check availability |
| Sit-Down Boards OnlyPort Stephens 4WD Tours | 1-2 hours | Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) | $31.80 | ★ 4.4139 reviews | Check availability |
| 75-Minute Beach Drive, BoardingPort Stephens 4WD Tours | 75 minutes | Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) | $39.55 | ★ 4.8127 reviews | Check availability |
| Cruise or Hike Choice, Budget FareM8 Explorer Australia | Full day (about 12 hours) | Sydney Central Station (day-trip departure) | $88.26 | ★ 4.492 reviews | Check availability |
| 3-Hour Tag-Along, Own 4WD4WD Tag-Along & Passenger Tours | 3 hours | SPAR Supermarket Car Park, Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay) | $257.96 | ★ 4.990 reviews | Check availability |
| 3-Hour Passenger Tour, No Driving4WD Tag-Along & Passenger Tours | 3 hours | SPAR Supermarket Car Park, Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay) | $94 | ★ 5.030 reviews | Check availability |
| Private Minivan, Options Paid On DayGo Beyond Tours | Full day | Sent After Booking | $350.52 | ★ 5.08 reviews | Check availability |
| Tomaree Hike, Drone Photos Included77Tours Pty Ltd | Full day (about 12 hours) | Sydney Central Station (day-trip departure) | $172.78 | No reviews yet | Check availability |
| Nothing matches those filters. Try clearing the duration setting or choosing another category and the dune tours return. | |||||
The Best Month For Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours
Mean Rainfall (mm)
Mean Max Temp28.327.726.423.820.417.717.218.821.623.925.727.5
Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay)Season opens, adults heading northPeak, northboundPeak, northboundPeakPeak, southbound with calvesPeak, southbound with calvesSeason closing, southbound with calves
- Under 75 mm
- 75 to 100 mm
- 100 to 120 mm
- Over 120 mm
- Not named
- This month
January
Mean Max Temp (C): 28.3 Mean Min Temp (C): 18.2 Mean Rainfall (mm): 100.2 Rain Days: 7.2 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Out of season
Mean Max Temp (C): 28.3
February
Mean Max Temp (C): 27.7 Mean Min Temp (C): 18.2 Mean Rainfall (mm): 117.6 Rain Days: 7.5 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Out of season
Mean Max Temp (C): 27.7
March
Mean Max Temp (C): 26.4 Mean Min Temp (C): 16.5 Mean Rainfall (mm): 127.2 Rain Days: 8.5 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Out of season
Mean Max Temp (C): 26.4
April
Mean Max Temp (C): 23.8 Mean Min Temp (C): 13.3 Mean Rainfall (mm): 111.6 Rain Days: 7.6 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Out of season
Mean Max Temp (C): 23.8
May
Mean Max Temp (C): 20.4 Mean Min Temp (C): 10.1 Mean Rainfall (mm): 115.8 Rain Days: 7.9 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Season opens, adults heading north
Mean Max Temp (C): 20.4
June
Mean Max Temp (C): 17.7 Mean Min Temp (C): 8.0 Mean Rainfall (mm): 121.4 Rain Days: 8.2 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Peak, northbound
Mean Max Temp (C): 17.7
July
Mean Max Temp (C): 17.2 Mean Min Temp (C): 6.5 Mean Rainfall (mm): 76.4 Rain Days: 6.6 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Peak, northbound
Mean Max Temp (C): 17.2
August
Mean Max Temp (C): 18.8 Mean Min Temp (C): 7.0 Mean Rainfall (mm): 73.8 Rain Days: 6.2 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Peak
Mean Max Temp (C): 18.8
September
Mean Max Temp (C): 21.6 Mean Min Temp (C): 9.2 Mean Rainfall (mm): 60.1 Rain Days: 5.7 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Peak, southbound with calves
Mean Max Temp (C): 21.6
October
Mean Max Temp (C): 23.9 Mean Min Temp (C): 12.1 Mean Rainfall (mm): 75.1 Rain Days: 7.3 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Peak, southbound with calves
Mean Max Temp (C): 23.9
November
Mean Max Temp (C): 25.7 Mean Min Temp (C): 14.5 Mean Rainfall (mm): 81.8 Rain Days: 7.2 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Season closing, southbound with calves
Mean Max Temp (C): 25.7
December
Mean Max Temp (C): 27.5 Mean Min Temp (C): 16.7 Mean Rainfall (mm): 75.5 Rain Days: 7.0 Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay): Out of season
Mean Max Temp (C): 27.5
Open the month-by-month table
| Month | Mean Max Temp (C) | Mean Min Temp (C) | Mean Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humpback Whales (Nelson Bay) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28.3 | 18.2 | 100.2 | 7.2 | Out of season |
| February | 27.7 | 18.2 | 117.6 | 7.5 | Out of season |
| March | 26.4 | 16.5 | 127.2 | 8.5 | Out of season |
| April | 23.8 | 13.3 | 111.6 | 7.6 | Out of season |
| May | 20.4 | 10.1 | 115.8 | 7.9 | Season opens, adults heading north |
| June | 17.7 | 8.0 | 121.4 | 8.2 | Peak, northbound |
| July | 17.2 | 6.5 | 76.4 | 6.6 | Peak, northbound |
| August | 18.8 | 7.0 | 73.8 | 6.2 | Peak |
| September | 21.6 | 9.2 | 60.1 | 5.7 | Peak, southbound with calves |
| October | 23.9 | 12.1 | 75.1 | 7.3 | Peak, southbound with calves |
| November | 25.7 | 14.5 | 81.8 | 7.2 | Season closing, southbound with calves |
| December | 27.5 | 16.7 | 75.5 | 7.0 | Out of season |
Quad, Camel, Sandboard Or 4WD: Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours Side By Side
| 4WD Dune Tour | Sandboarding | Quad Bike | Camel Ride | Sydney Day Trip | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical from-price (USD) | $39.55 to $94 per person; $257.96 per vehicle if you bring your own 4WD | $27.76 to $31.80 per person | $82.57 per person | AU$50 adults, AU$45 children for the 20-minute day ride; AU$140 sunset ride (operator site) | $88.26 to $140.64 per person; $350.52 private |
| How long | 75 minutes to 3 hours | 1 to 2 hours at the dunes, unlimited time | 1 hour guided ride | 20-minute day ride or 60-minute sunset ride | About 12 hours door to door |
| Age and fitness limits on the listing | Children must be accompanied by an adult; not wheelchair accessible on the passenger tour | Children 3 and under free; not for pregnancy, back or heart problems | Drivers 16 and over; passengers under 130 cm not suitable | Day rides from age 2, sunset rides from age 10, 130 kg limit per camel | Moderate fitness for the Tomaree hike option |
| Where it starts | Birubi lower car park or SPAR car park, Anna Bay | Birubi lower car park or Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay | Murrook Culture Centre, Williamtown | Birubi Point lower car park, Anna Bay | Sydney Central Station or central Sydney hotels |
Where Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours Run: Anna Bay To Birubi Point
Loading the map. Every place is also listed below.
Map tiles and place names: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Meeting Points
- Unlimited Boarding, Lesson Includedfrom $29.84
- 1-Hour Aboriginal-Owned Quad Ridefrom $82.57
Pickup Cities
- Koalas, Dolphin Cruise, 4WD Combofrom $140.64
- Cruise or Hike Choice, Budget Farefrom $88.26
- Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay)Meeting Points
- 4WD Tours R Us, 80 Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay)Meeting Points · 870 m from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- SPAR Supermarket Car Park, Gan Gan Road (Anna Bay)Meeting Points · 870 m from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Sand Dune Adventures, Murrook Culture Centre (Williamtown)Meeting Points · 20 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides (Birubi Beach)Meeting Points · 20 m from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Gan Gan 4WD Beach Entry (Anna Bay)Dune Entry Tracks · 620 m from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Lavis Lane 4WD Entry (Williamtown)Dune Entry Tracks · 20 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Stockton Bight DunesThe Dunes · 13 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Anna BayPort Stephens Towns · 1.4 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Nelson Bay (d'Albora Marina)Port Stephens Towns · 9.7 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- NewcastlePickup Cities · 33 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
- Sydney Central Station (day-trip departure)Pickup Cities · 147 km from Birubi Point Lower Car Park (Anna Bay) in a straight line
What Riders Say About Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours
Reviews are shown verbatim from each listing's own booking platform and are not independently verified beyond what the platform publishes.
“The guide was very friendly and informative, it’s a very good experience for the price and definitely worth doing if in the area.”
“Really enjoyed the whole experience. Guides were excellent, encouraging and approachable. Would definitely come back to this tour again. Thanks everyone. Pete and Bess.”
“It was an amazing day! Absolutely loved the sandboarding and the hike was beautiful with incredible views!”
“Absolute fun! We had to change the timing of our booking and the staff were so flexible. The guides on the dunes were great. There are choices for all levels of experience and thrills!”
Where To Stay Near Port Stephens Sand Dune Tours
Samurai Beach Bungalows
2 Robert Connell Close, Anna Bay NSW 2316
budget cabin rates; check live dates on the booking page
Check ratesHotel Nelson
3 Government Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
seasonal Port Stephens rates; check live dates on the booking page
Check ratesRamada Resort by Wyndham Shoal Bay
35-45 Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay NSW 2315
seasonal Port Stephens rates; check live dates on the booking page
Check ratesPort Stephens Sand Dune Tours Questions Answered
Do I need a permit or my own 4WD to ride the dunes on a guided tour?
Most tours (sandboarding, passenger 4WD, quad, day trips) need no permit or own 4WD. The tag-along differs: your own 4WD plus a Worimi beach vehicle permit.
What is the difference between sandboarding, quad bike and 4WD dune tours?
Sandboarding tours give you a board and unlimited time sliding down the dunes. Quad bike tours put you on your own machine for a guided ride, while 4WD dune tours take you across the dunes as a passenger.
How long do the tours last?
It depends on the tour: sandboarding runs 1 to 2 hours, quad rides are 1 hour, and 4WD dune tours range from 75 minutes to 3 hours. Sydney day trips run a full day, about 12 hours.
What is the best time of year to go?
The dunes are open year round, with average daily maximums around 28°C in January and 17°C in June and July. If you are combining a dune tour with whale watching, that season runs from May to November.
Can I swim at Stockton Beach / is it safe?
Swimming is not advised: the beach within the park is unpatrolled. The small stretch at Birubi left of the Gan Gan track is closed to vehicles for public safety near the patrolled swimming area.
Can I ride a camel on the dunes?
Yes, but not through this site. Oakfield Ranch runs camel rides at Birubi Point: 20-minute day rides are walk-in only between 10:00am and 3:30pm with no bookings taken, while 60-minute sunset rides on Friday and Saturday evenings require an online booking.
Guides And Answers Before You Book
Guides
Answers
- 4WD Beach Access
- Accessing The Dunes
- Anna Bay
- Are The Dunes Free?
- Beginner Sandboarding
- Best Time For The Dunes
- Biggest Sand Dune
- Camel Ride Clothing
- Camel Ride Ethics
- Camel Ride Prices
- Driving The Stockton Dunes
- Is Port Stephens Worth It?
- Is Sandboarding Worth It
- Port Macquarie Vs Port Stephens
- Port Stephens Vs Nelson Bay
- Rainy Day In Port Stephens
- Sandboarding Boards
- Sandboarding Costs
- Sandboarding Kit
- Sandboarding Vs Snowboarding
- Stockton Beach Permits
- Swimming At Birubi Beach
- Sydney To Port Stephens
- Time At The Dunes