Worimi conservation lands, Aboriginal conservation reserve in Port Stephens, Australia
Worimi Conservation Lands is a protected reserve covering around 4,200 hectares that stretches along one of Australia's most extensive sandy coastlines. The landscape consists of high dunes and a wide beach, with shifting sand formations that continually reshape the terrain through wind and ocean movement.
The Worimi people have occupied this land for thousands of years, building a deep cultural connection to the place. The conservation reserve was formally established in 2007 when government land was transferred to the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, returning management to the traditional owners.
The Worimi people have lived in this region for thousands of years, and their presence shapes how the land is understood and used today. Walking through the dunes, you encounter traces of this continuous connection: shell middens, tool-making areas, and burial grounds woven into the landscape.
Driving on the beach requires a permit, so arrange this before your visit if you plan to use a vehicle on the sand. Several entry points provide access depending on where you want to explore or what activities you have in mind.
Hidden within the dunes are the remains of Tin City, a settlement built by shipwreck survivors in the early 1900s with simple metal structures. These abandoned ruins offer a glimpse into an unexpected chapter of coastal survival and resilience in this remote location.
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