Stockton Beach is situated north of the Hunter River in NSW, Australia. Catch the ferry from Queens Wharf or take a 2km drive from Newcastle. The beach is famous for its amazing dunes, stretching all the way back to Port Stephens. Stockton Beach is also popular among Surfers, Four Wheel Drivers and avid fishers. The Beach also connects to Stockton Bight Sand Dunes, which boasts 32kms of the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. The local Worimi Aborigines knew Stockton as ‘Burrinbingon’ and was favoured for rich supplies of fish, pippies and oysters. Sadly, the dunes are under threat from coastal erosion, development and sand mining.

History

Stockton beach has a varied history, being the site of numerous shipwrecks, 12,000 year old Aboriginal Middens, Wartime history and the infamous Tin City. For the history buffs, we highly recommend checking out Fort Wallace and the tank traps scattered along the beach, used to prevent enemy ships offloading tanks and artillery during the war.

10 things you need to do!

1. Quad Biking

Feeling adventurous? The guys and gals at Quad Bike King, have you covered for your thrill seeking needs! It’s the ideal way to soak up the coastline, and get your adventure fix in at the same time. You can tear up the dunes solo or with a couple mates at super reasonable prices. Packages can go up to 2 hours allowing plenty of time to have as much fun as you can.

2. Camel Riding

What good is having dunes if you cant ride a Camel on them? Oakfield Ranch has that covered! This is a perfect experience for the whole family and perfectly safe for the kids too. Rides start from the lower car park in Anna Bay at Birubi Beach. You can even ride on a horse drawn carriage too! 😱  Give their website a visit to book your tour today!

 

3. Off Road Adventuring

Stockton Beach is an off roaders paradise. Imagine being able to choose your little slice of heaven from a 32km golden sand wonderland. You can enter by Four Wheel Drive at the entrance in Anna Bay. Theres a small gravel stopping point just before you hit the soft sand to allow you to get out and let down your tyres. Hot tip: if you plan to set up for the day check out the amazing SureMatswhich are designed in a way where the sand will fall through and not come back up.

Don’t forget, you will need a permit to drive along the beach. You can find more information here

4. Swimming

Although the area is one giant beach, there is an art to choosing the best spot to swim. Your best bet is on either end of the beach. At the Anna Bay end, park at the Birubi Beach Surf lifesaving club and head down to the beach from there. This spot is perfect for a casual swim, or even if you feel like hitting the waves on your board! On the Stockton end, the beach in front of town is perfect for a casual dip

5. Cycling

There are numerous designated cycle ways, the area is perfect as it is flat and has amazing scenery from the Breakwater, to views across to Newcastle’s CBD to the surreal hikes along the banks of the Hunter River.

6. Tin City

Nestled deep in the dunes is the eerie township of Tin City. The 11 dwellings built on foundations of sand, are found after a 20 minute drive along the beach. The easiest way to experience the ‘post-apocalyptic’ vibes is to get there by 4WD. The origins of the town is disputed, some believe it was established as a base for shipwrecked sailors, but was more likely built by homeless men in the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Tin City was used to shoot a number of scenes in the 1979 movie Mad Max.

7. Heritage Buildings

Credit: https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/boatrowers-stockton.en-gb.html?aid=356980;label=gog235jc-1DCAsoD0ITYm9hdHJvd2Vycy1zdG9ja3RvbkgzWANoD4gBAZgBCbgBF8gBDNgBA-gBAYgCAagCA7gC9-vekgbAAgHSAiQ4NWE0MWJhMC1iZmU2LTQyMDItOGQ5Ni1lODcxNzA2NWNlNjTYAgTgAgE;sid=2c4ac3c3da424bf6b5d3a590d58d679a;dist=0&keep_landing=1&sb_price_type=total&type=total&

If history is more your thing, Stockton has a plethora of historical buildings to see. Check out the Boatrowers Hotel at 130 Fullerton Road and across the road you will find Westcott Chapel. St Pauls church and the Rectory on Maitland Street is also a great building to see.

8. Sandboarding

This is honestly the best fun you will have this side of a Snow field. Sand Dune Safaris offer a great range of options including stand up boarding or sit down boarding. This is a great, safe experience for the whole family. The company offers sandboarding tours at extremely reasonable prices from as little as $35 per adult.

9. The Breakwall

The Breakwall is a great easy walk with great views. It’s a flat paved walk, so it’s accessible for bikes and wheel-chairs. The walk takes roughly 15 minute at a leisurely pace. You can see the remains of the Adolphe towards the end of the breakwall, a French ship that got caught in huge waves.

10. Fishing

Stockton is widely regarded as a fisherman’s paradise with the Hunter River, Stockton Beach, Newcastle Harbour and deep sea fishing all being easily accessible. The beach offers great fishing year round for bream, whiting, tailor and flathead. It is regarded by many anglers as one of the best fishing areas in New South Wales.

Places to eat

All of the best places to eat are situated on Mitchell Street in Stockton. You’ll find a range of great tasting foods and spoilt for options!

• Lexies on the beach – 128 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Boatrowers Hotel – 130A Fullerton St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Washtub Diner – 1 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• General Washington Hotel – 1 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Stockton Bite Café – 53 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Gladstone Hotel – 36 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Kebabville – 17 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Whispers on the Wharf – Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Café on Mitchell – 42 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Argos Fish and Chips – 54 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Pirate Point Pizza – 27A Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295
• Stockton Bowling Club – 122 Mitchell St, Stockton NSW 2295

Where to park your van for your stay

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park:

NRMA Stockton Beach Holiday Park is just minutes from the centre of Newcastle and is located right behind the dunes of Stockton Beach. The park is just over 2 hours north from Sydney and 2 hours south from Forster. This park is located right on the beach,  is walking distance to the local shops, ferry, and break-wall and the park has amazing modern, facilities. Heads up: NRMA members get a discount too, woohoo!

Park Facilities: 

• Easy access to the Newcastle Ferry, only 900 metres away
• Kiosk
• Playground
• Free Wifi
• Access friendly amenities
• BBQ areas
• Family bathroom
• School Holiday Activities
• Some pet friendly sites
• Dump point
• Camp kitchen – enclosed with reverse cycle air-conditioning
• Recreation room with projector screen

Suitable for caravans, motorhomes and Camper-Vans.  These are sites close to the beach and have a private shower, and toilet.  They are dog friendly and have free wifi.  There is an awesome camp kitchen close and accessible. The site sleeps up to 6.

Unpowered Tent Site – Suitable for tent and Camper-Vans. These sites are grassy level sites and are closet to the park amenities.  They are dog friendly and free wifi is also available. They are close to a large modern camp kitchen. The site sleeps up to 6.

Powered van sites – Suitable for caravans, motorhomes and Camper-Vans, some have mats. These sites are close to the beach and park amenities.  They are dog friendly and free wifi is also available. Close by is a large modern camp kitchen. The site sleeps up to 6.

Ph: 1800 778 562

Email: stocktonbeach@nrmaparksandresorts.com.au

Address: 3 Pitt Street Stockton NSW 2295

 

Have you been to Stockton? How was your experience?