One Wild Day: Sand Dunes, Quad Bikes & Long Lunches

Some places give you a nice afternoon. Port Stephens gives you a day you'll be telling stories about for years. Point yourself toward the Stockton Sand Dunes, hop on, and let the day take it from there.

Here's how to pack a holiday's worth of adventure into one day.

Morning: Be moved by mountains of sand

With Quad Bike King, you'll ride out across Stockton's ever-shifting dunes on a guided tour with wind in your hair, sand under your wheels, and nothing but nature's playground in sight. These dunes roll on for kilometres and change a little more every year, which somehow makes them even more impressive each time. 

Lunch: Put your feet up

Slow down at The Stables - new interiors, a working brewery, and a paddock view that lives up to the name. Settle in with a cold drink as you refuel for your adventurous day and watch the resident highland cows and alpacas graze. No complaints here. 

Bookings essential** 

Afternoon: Take a stroll (or slide) you won't forget

Back out to the dunes, this time with 4WD Tours R Us. Bump along with expert guides, then grab a sandboard and give gravity a go. It takes about thirty seconds to get the hang of it and considerably longer to stop laughing. 

Perfect for couples after a proper adventure day, or families chasing a bit of screen-free chaos. It also works just as well for a group of mates who want a day that isn't just another beach and coffee run. Big thrills, easy pace, incredible views, and no fuss required.

Getting the timing right

Mornings are best for the quad ride, before the day heats up and while the dunes are quiet. Enjoy The Stables in the early afternoon, and save the 4WD tour and sandboarding for late afternoon, when the light softens and the whole bight turns a different colour. It's an easy day to build around, and an even easier one to remember.

Ready for your own wild day? Plan your Port Stephens adventure.