Unlimited Sandboarding Adventure

Stockton Beach’s dunes rise up to 40 meters, and you reach them by 4WD before sliding down on a sandboard. It’s a lively way to experience Port Stephens’ vast moving sands without needing to arrange your own transport into the dunes.

I like two things in particular: the instruction and supervision make this a sound choice for first-timers and families, and the included board, water and return transfers keep the $31.20 price simple. You also get unlimited sandboarding time, though the full outing lasts about one to two hours. One important catch: standing on the boards is strictly not allowed.

What to know before you go

• The dunes are the main event: Stockton Beach’s moving dunes reach up to 40 meters, with several runs to try.
• A 4WD takes you there: Return transfers between the Anna Bay meeting point and the dunes are included.
• You get instruction and supervision: The activity is suitable for all ages, and most people can participate.
• Board time is unlimited: You can keep sandboarding during the visit, within an outing that lasts about one to two hours.
• Standing is not allowed: Follow the operator’s strict rule and ride in the permitted position.
• Bring weather-ready clothes: The trip runs in all weather conditions, though poor weather may lead to a new date or a refund.

A dune ride, then straight to the sand

This tour takes place on Stockton Beach near Port Stephens, where the moving sand dunes are the draw. They rise as high as 131 feet, or 40 meters, and offer a striking change from the coast’s usual beach setting. The activity is simple by design: ride in a 4WD, get a safety briefing and instructions, then head down the dunes on a sandboard.

The 4WD transfer matters because it carries you from the meeting point into the dune area and back again. You don’t need to plan a separate ride to reach the sandboarding site, and the transfer is part of the ticket price. The exact route and time spent driving are not specified, so treat the vehicle ride as practical transport, not a separate sightseeing tour.

Once you reach the dunes, the guide explains how to use the board and supervises the activity. That guidance is especially useful if you have never tried sandboarding. The operator says the tour suits all ages, but the rule is firm: you may not stand on the board. Follow the guide’s directions rather than arriving with an expectation of surfing upright.

How the sandboarding session works

The itinerary has one central stop: sandboarding on one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest moving coastal dune systems. The outing starts at the lower carpark in Anna Bay, then a 4WD takes you to the dunes. After the briefing, you can make your runs, with instruction and supervision included.

The phrase unlimited sandboarding time means you are not buying a single ride or a fixed number of runs. It gives you room to try again and get a feel for the board, though the overall tour is listed as about one to two hours. The precise balance between transport, briefing and time on the sand is not specified, so plan for a short outing rather than a full-day activity.

Sandboarding is physical. Walking back up a slope after each run can take effort, and the tour’s all-ages description does not mean every person will find the activity easy. You can judge your own pace and take breaks as needed, but the available details do not specify how steep each run is or how many routes are offered.

The activity is supervised, and the operator provides instruction before you start. That combination can make the first attempt less daunting, especially for children and adults who are new to board sports. The tour’s group limit is 20, which sets a cap on the number of people in the activity, though it does not guarantee a particular group size on your departure.

Why the 4WD transfer and included gear matter

The $31.20 per-person fare covers more than access to a board. It includes sandboard hire, instruction, supervision, 4WD return transfers, a bottle of water and the National Parks levy. That bundled price makes it easier to compare with activities where transport or equipment may be charged separately.

The included return ride is useful if you are visiting the dunes without your own 4WD arrangements. You meet at the Anna Bay lower carpark on James Paterson Street, and the activity ends at that same point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Anna Bay.

A bottle of water is provided, but you should still dress for the conditions. The tour operates in all weather, and the dunes can feel exposed. The operator does not give a clothing list, so choose practical attire suited to the forecast and be ready for sand and sun.

Several departure times are offered throughout the day. That flexibility can help you fit the outing around other plans, but exact times are not included here, so check the available options when choosing your date. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the ticket is mobile, which means you can use an electronic ticket rather than needing a printed one.

Guides, safety and the no-standing rule

The safety briefing is a core part of the activity, not a formality to skip on your way to the fun. Sandboarding is unfamiliar to many people, and the instruction gives you the basics before you start. The guides supervise the session, so listen closely and follow their directions on the dunes.

Mick and Josh have been praised for being helpful and accommodating. That is a useful sign for families or first-timers who may need a little extra guidance, though the staff roster can vary by departure. The operator has also been flexible about timing changes in at least some cases, but changes close to the start time are not accepted under the stated policy.

The most important rule is simple: standing on the sandboards is strictly prohibited. If you have seen videos of people riding upright, do not assume that is part of this tour. The permitted riding position is not described in the available details, so ask your guide during the briefing and stick to the technique they show you.

The activity is described as suitable for all ages, and most people can participate. Still, that is not a promise that every person will find the sand easy to manage. If anyone in your group has concerns about physical effort or taking part, ask the operator before booking rather than relying on the general age guidance.

Is $31.20 good value?

For $31.20 per person, the main value lies in the combination of 4WD transfers, board hire, instruction, supervision, water and unlimited sandboarding time. You do not need to rent your own board or sort out a separate ride into the dunes. The included National Parks levy also means that cost is already accounted for in the ticket.

The price is especially appealing if you want a focused activity rather than a full-day tour. The outing lasts about one to two hours, so it can fit into a broader Port Stephens visit. On the other hand, don’t expect a long guided expedition or a day of transport and sightseeing. The advertised activity is sandboarding, with the 4WD trip serving as the ride to and from the dunes.

The overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 132 ratings. That points to a generally well-regarded activity, but it is still worth matching the tour to your expectations. You are paying for a supervised chance to ride the dunes, not a guaranteed number of runs, a private guide or hotel transport.

Weather, cancellations and practical planning

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the conditions on your day. There is one exception: if poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The tour therefore runs in a range of conditions, but it is not immune to weather-related changes.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes within that same 24-hour window are not accepted. Cut-off times use local time, so check the clock in Port Stephens when making changes.

The meeting point is the Anna Bay lower carpark at James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour returns to the same meeting point. Allow enough time to get there independently, particularly if you are coordinating the trip with other plans.

Who should book this sandboarding trip?

This is a good fit if you want a short, active outing and like the idea of trying a board sport with instruction. Families may appreciate the all-ages guidance, supervision and simple format. First-timers can benefit from the briefing, while anyone who has sandboarded before may value the chance to keep making runs during the session.

It is less suitable if your main goal is to stand upright on a board, since that is explicitly forbidden. It may also disappoint if you expect hotel transport, a long guided tour or a fixed number of runs. The activity is active, and the tour details do not promise a particular level of physical ease.

I’d book it if you want an affordable, hands-on way to experience the Port Stephens dunes and can make your own way to Anna Bay. The included transport, equipment and supervision make the price easy to understand. If the no-standing rule or the short duration does not suit your plans, choose another activity instead.

FAQ

How much does the sandboarding tour cost?

The listed price is $31.20 per person. It includes sandboard hire, instruction and supervision, 4WD return transfers, a bottle of water and the National Parks levy.

How long does the activity last?

The approximate duration is one to two hours. Unlimited sandboarding time is included during the activity.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at the Anna Bay lower carpark on James Paterson Street, Anna Bay NSW 2316, Australia.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Anna Bay.

Is transport included?

Yes. The ticket includes 4WD return transfers between the meeting point and the dunes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is sandboard hire included?

Yes. Sandboard hire is included in the price.

Can I stand up on the sandboard?

No. The operator strictly does not allow standing on the sandboards.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The activity is described as suitable for all ages, and most people can participate. Instruction and supervision are included.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.