Henty Dunes Strahan Tasmania
Towering sand dunes offering a desert-like escape amidst Tasmania's rainforests, perfect for adventure and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos & cooler temps
Henty Dunes Strahan Tasmania
Best Time
Golden hour for photos & cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Towering sand dunes offering a desert-like escape amidst Tasmania's rainforests, perfect for adventure and stunning views.
"The most amazing views of sunset, definitely an ATV or bike ride vs 4x4 unless you're kitted for super soft sand."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The sand is soft and steep; good grip shoes are essential for climbing and exploring.
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
Soft sand and steep climbs make 4WD ideal. RVs and standard cars can get bogged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Sand Dunes
Inland and along the coast
Experience a desert-like landscape with dunes up to 30m high, stretching inland and along the coast.
Sunset Views
Top of the dunes
Witness breathtaking sunset views over the unique sand formations and surrounding landscape.
Sandboarding Fun
Various dune faces
Rent a toboggan or sandboard for an exhilarating ride down the steep, soft sand dunes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Dunes: What to Know Before You Go
Getting to Henty Dunes: Access & Vehicle Advice
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The sand is soft and steep; good grip shoes are essential for climbing and exploring.
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
Soft sand and steep climbs make 4WD ideal. RVs and standard cars can get bogged.
🏄♀️ Rent a Toboggan
Available in Strahan, toboggans are great for sliding down the dunes, especially for families.
☀️ Bring Water & Sun Protection
It can get hot, especially on bare feet. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The sand is soft and steep; good grip shoes are essential for climbing and exploring.
🚗 4WD Recommended for Driving
Soft sand and steep climbs make 4WD ideal. RVs and standard cars can get bogged.
🏄♀️ Rent a Toboggan
Available in Strahan, toboggans are great for sliding down the dunes, especially for families.
☀️ Bring Water & Sun Protection
It can get hot, especially on bare feet. Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
📸 Capture the Views
The dunes offer unique desert-like scenery, perfect for photography, especially at sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, unique desert-like landscape of Henty Dunes, especially the breathtaking sunset views. While the climb up the steep, soft sand can be challenging, the sense of achievement and the fun of sandboarding make it a highly rewarding experience for most.
"The most amazing views of sunset 😄 definitely an ATV or bike ride vs 4x4 unless you're kitted for super soft sand and steep climbs."
Isabel Lundstedt
"Great little sand blow! Very steep sand dunes—so much fun! Don't try driving in there in an RV 😂 you might get bogged down, like some tourists learned the hard way 😂"
J Wade
"You have to climb up a steep hill of sand to reach the top, but once you're there it's a pretty spectacular area. You're elevated to the level of the tree canopy, and you can hear & see the ocean in the distance. Big area to walk around and take in the fresh air."
Andrew Young
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Henty Dunes are located approximately 14km north of Strahan on the road towards Zeehan. The drive is straightforward and well-signposted.
While 4WD vehicles can navigate some areas, standard cars and RVs may struggle with the very soft and steep sand. It's often best to park at the designated carpark and walk up.
Yes, there is a carpark available at the base of the dunes, providing access to the walking trails.
The most common way is to walk up the steep sand face from the carpark. It's a good workout but offers a sense of achievement.
Public transport is limited in this region. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange transport from Strahan.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the Henty Dunes. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
Henty Dunes are accessible at any time, as it's an outdoor natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entry fee to access the Henty Dunes. You can explore this natural wonder freely.
While there aren't specific 'Henty Dunes' tours, many West Coast Tasmania tours include a stop here as part of a broader itinerary.
The main restriction is related to vehicle access on the soft sand. Otherwise, it's a natural area to explore responsibly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can climb the dunes, enjoy the views, take photos, and for the adventurous, try sandboarding or tobogganing.
The dunes are steep and the sand is soft, making climbing challenging but rewarding. It's a good physical activity.
Yes, families can have a lot of fun, especially with toboggans. Be prepared for the climb, which can be tough for very young children.
Late afternoon offers beautiful sunset light for photos and cooler temperatures. Early mornings are also pleasant and less crowded.
Henty Dunes are inland sand formations. The nearest ocean beach is Ocean Beach, a short drive away.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast sand formations, the contrast with the surrounding rainforest, and sunset light provide stunning photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting and shadows across the dunes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse. Consider a tripod for low-light sunset shots. Protect your gear from sand.
The top of the highest dunes offers panoramic views. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and texture.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check current Australian drone laws and local advisories before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for kids to burn off energy and experience a unique landscape. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are no facilities on-site. The sense of achievement after conquering a steep dune is also a great confidence booster for children.
🚗 Adventure & 4WD Enthusiasts
If you're not equipped for off-roading, the adventure comes from the challenging climb to the top of the dunes. The steep, soft sand provides a good workout, and the reward is the incredible views and the thrill of sliding back down. It's an opportunity to experience a rugged, natural environment.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. The contrast between the sand and the surrounding greenery provides endless compositional possibilities. Be mindful of protecting your gear from the fine sand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Formation of Henty Dunes
The formation process is a testament to the persistent power of nature. The sand itself is derived from ancient quartz-rich rocks, weathered over millennia and then transported by wind and water. The inland location means they are a desert-like environment found within a temperate rainforest ecosystem, a rare phenomenon that makes Henty Dunes a must-see for nature enthusiasts. The dunes are also dynamic, constantly shifting and changing shape with the prevailing winds, offering a different landscape with each visit.
Visitors often remark on the sheer scale and the effort required to ascend the steeper dunes. This physical challenge, combined with the unique environment, creates a memorable experience. The sound of the wind and the feeling of the soft sand underfoot are sensory elements that many travelers highlight. It's a place where the raw power of geological forces is on full display.
Adventure and Activities at Henty Dunes
For those with 4WD vehicles, exploring the more challenging sandy tracks can be an adventure in itself, though caution is advised due to the risk of getting bogged. Many visitors opt for a more traditional approach: climbing the dunes. This is a significant physical challenge, with the soft sand making each step a workout, but the sense of accomplishment and the panoramic views from the top are widely reported as being well worth the effort.
Beyond the active pursuits, the dunes offer a unique photography opportunity. The interplay of light and shadow on the undulating sand, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates dramatic and beautiful scenes. The contrast between the golden sand and the green rainforest backdrop is also a photographer's dream.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit