Worimi

Worimi National Park and Conservation Area is a spectacular coastal dune and beach park north of Port Stephens on the mid north coast of New South Wales, protecting the Stockton Bight sand dune system, the largest coastal sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere. Covering approximately 4,550 hectares, the park encompasses an extraordinary landscape of massive active sand dunes, beach, and coastal heath. The park is jointly managed with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council as part of the Worimi people's country. The sand dunes of Stockton Bight extend for approximately 32 kilometres along the coast and rise to over 30 metres.

Worimi National Park supports coastal wildlife adapted to the dynamic dune environment. Little terns and pied oystercatchers nest on the beach. The endangered hooded plover may nest on the beach. Sea turtles occasionally nest. Little penguins breed in dune burrows. Diverse reptiles including the sand goanna (lace monitor) hunt through the dunes. Bandicoots and other small mammals occupy the heath communities. Humpback whales are regularly observed from the beach during migration.

Active sand dunes with spinifex and pioneer dune species occupy the highest and most mobile dunes. Coastal scrub with tea-tree and coastal wattle stabilises older dune fields. Coastal heath with banksias and diverse wildflowers occupies the lower, more stable dune terrain. Freshwater wetlands in dune hollows support diverse aquatic and swamp vegetation.

The Stockton Bight dune system is a Quaternary aeolian dune field formed by the landward transport of sand from the wide, shallow continental shelf. The dunes are actively migrating inland, advancing over coastal heath and woodland. The dynamic dune system is one of the most impressive examples of active coastal geomorphology in Australia.

Warm temperate coastal climate. Annual rainfall approximately 1,200 millimetres. Warm summers, mild winters. Prevailing southerly winds drive the dune system northward.

The Worimi people are the traditional owners of this country. The coastline and dune system provided significant cultural resources. The park is named in recognition of Worimi traditional ownership and is jointly managed with the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Worimi Conservation Lands were established in joint management with the Worimi people. The joint management arrangement ensures traditional owners have a central role in managing their country.

Four-wheel drive access along the beach and over the dunes is the primary recreational activity. Sandboarding down the massive dunes is popular. Horse riding on the beach is permitted. The dune landscape is dramatic and otherworldly. The Tin City campground within the dunes provides basic facilities.

Tin City campground and basic facilities at the southern end. Access requires a four-wheel drive vehicle with deflated tyres. The entry point is at Anna Bay off Port Stephens. Port Stephens provides visitor services. A joint management pass applies.

Managing the impacts of four-wheel drive vehicles on beach-nesting birds and dune vegetation is a priority. The active dune system is managed to maintain its natural dynamics while protecting significant habitats. The joint management approach respects Worimi cultural values.