Beach Driving Warning for Stockton News Release 6th March 2013 Four wheel drivers are warned to take care when driving at Stockton Beach in the Worimi Conservation Lands north of Newcastle, as the recent weather has caused more beach erosion and drop-offs, creating hazardous driving conditions. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hunter Region Manager Robert Quirk said the recent large swell and tides has eroded the beach creating dangerous drop-offs, flooding and making parts of the beach impassable to all vehicles. “The north easterly swell has had the greatest impact on the southern end of the park, with the beachfront south of the Lavis Lane entrance inaccessible in all but the lowest of tides, “ Mr Quirk. “However there is still access to the dunes in the Recreational Vehicle Area”, he said. “Visitors still keen to drive on the beachfront are encouraged to access via the Anna Bay beach entrance. “Wave action from the storms has also created ledges of varying heights, along large sections of the beach, which drivers need to be aware of. “In addition, deep pools of water have accumulated at the beach entrances creating large areas of very soft sand, which are very hazardous to vehicles. “While the beach remains open to vehicles, drivers are advised to be aware of the potentially hazardous conditions. “People should plan their trip to travel at low tide only, according to the conditions, and to be prepared for rapidly changing beach driving conditions. “If the beach is too narrow to pass safely, retrace your route or wait for the tide to subside. Do not attempt to traverse the beach by driving over the front dune or vegetation”.
