Square Perspectives Photo Challenge ~ Australian Landscapes #7
Destination: Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens, New South Wales
When you first arrive at Stockton Sand Dunes, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d suddenly arrived in Egypt. The coastal vegetation is replaced by vast hills of pure white sand and a camel caravan passes a line of small pyramids bordering the dunes.
Covering 32 kilometres and reaching a height of more than 30 metres, the Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest in the southern hemisphere. The pyramids are relics of World War Two, part of a line of tank traps installed to protect Australia’s eastern coast from potential invaders. And the camels are one of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.
If camels don’t appeal there are other ways to enjoy the sand dunes. Four wheel drive vehicles and quad bikes are permitted on the dunes. Or just take a big piece of cardboard and make your own toboggan.
Cheap, easy and the most fun of all!
While our travel plans are on hold I’m joining in every day with Becky’s July Square Perspectives Photo Challenge over at The Life of B. The rules are simple: photos must be square and fit the theme of perspective. My posts represent the definition of perspective as a vista – seeing something over distance or time.
The Eternal Traveller 
Have driven by the dunes but didn’t get time to stay and play. Next time!
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It was school holidays when we were there so it was very busy. We didn’t go into the dunes, just watched everyone else.
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As soon as I saw this…thought I was seeing Egypt. Great photos.
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The pyramids are much smaller but otherwise it could be Egypt. 🙂
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Looks like a great place to relax or play – brilliant! 🙂
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So much fun to be had here, that’s for sure.
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Another interesting place that I have not heard of. Not so keen on allowing vehicles on any sand dunes though as it interferes with the eco systems.
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You’ll be pleased to know that the quad bikes are only for guided tours and the four wheel drives need a permit and can only go in particular areas, so the dunes and the eco system are well protected.
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I am pleased 😌
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I think I’ll settle for the cardboard!
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Me too. Far more fun.
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Didn’t know camel rides existed this close to Newcastle, which is where my sister and her family live. Love Port Stephens.
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It’s such a beautiful region. We did a day trip to Newcastle and were very impressed.
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I like the look of this place very much. 🙂 I also like the sound of some of the activities – dune driving or sledging I can report are great fun, but I will pass on the camel ride as my last experience was slightly alarming!
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The only time I’ve been on a camel was in Oman and I found it a bit disconcerting. I think I would rather go sliding on a piece of cardboard.
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I went on a camel trek in Egypt. My camel decided that it did not want to follow the crowd and so headed off in the opposite direction! It was rather alarming at the time. Sliding down huge sand dunes on a piece of cardboard is much more fun. 🙂
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You might still be wandering around in the desert on that camel if you hadn’t been rescued. 🙂
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Quite! I was calling to the group, and to my ‘camel boy’, but it was a while before they realised that my camel was picking up the pace and not thinking of stopping. 😦
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Oh dear. I hope you can’t hear me laughing. 😄
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😀 I’m laughed about it too – but not at the time!
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What a fabulous place – almost didn’t notice the ocean at first I was transfixed by the perspective across the sands
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These dunes are right on the coast but they’re so vast you could be there and not even see the ocean. It’s quite amazing.
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Extraordinary. Your live in such a beautiful country
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We really do, and with international travel not likely for a very long time, we are looking forward to visit some new places in our own backyard. 🙂
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That’s the upside I think of all of this, we’re all going to get to know our local areas a little bit better.
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I’d love to visit here. Lovely photos.
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Susi, this whole region is beautiful and we spent a wonderful week exploring.
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That must be fun 👍🏼
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It sure is fun, but hard work walking back up for a second go. 🙂
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Wow, who would have thought that this was in Australia. You are so right about it looking like Egypt. Incredible photos and a real surprise.
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Australia is a country of many surprises, Jonno. When, some time in the distant future, our international borders do open again, you should consider coming for a long visit. I’m sure you’d find plenty of house sitting to do here.
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We did spend 3 months travelling around a while back but would love a return trip sometime. Just a little pricey getting there …..
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Tell me about it. That’s why, when we travel overseas, we go for a few weeks.
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I have been here! 2004, and soon(ish) to appear on the blog.
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Cool! Isn’t it exciting when you see a familiar place on another blog. 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing your impresssions.
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So impressive! This reminds me of Grand Sable Dunes from Michigan, US, but definitely these from Stockton look so much bigger, they look more like Sahara🙂
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They reminded me of the Wahiba Sands in Oman, except for the colour.
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Slightly crazy, but good fun 🙂 🙂 I glimpsed this in the Reader yesterday but couldn’t hang around for a better look.
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I’m glad you came back, Jo.
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I have to also say that my camel ride in Egypt was rather unnerving. 😳 I had no idea that one could have that same experience in Australia. I’m sure I’d be safer and happier sliding around on a piece of cardboard. 😃
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I agree, a cardboard toboggan is the way to go, except that you have to walk back up the hill to have another go.
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Looks and sounds like a fabulous sandy playground! What great fun. 😎
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And plenty of space for everyone.
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