Henty Dunes

A 15-minute drive north of Strahan will bring you to the remarkable Henty Dunes. These huge natural features are the largest sand dunes in Tasmania, with some stretching up to 30 metres high. They were carved in part by the vicious “Roaring Forties” – winds that whip up across the ocean and smash onto the West Coast – and are part of an important geological formation that was formed relatively recently (if you can call some time in the last 10,000 years recent).

It’s the perfect place for an invigorating and cheap day out. Hire a toboggan in Strahan and ride it down the dunes as the wind tears through your hair, then get a good cardio workout as you huff and puff your way back up to the top. It’s also a guaranteed way to stay warm on even the coldest winter’s day.

There are many culturally significant Aboriginal sites here – including middens – as well as nests for the many shorebirds that live here, so care and respect for this unique place should always be shown.

Tip: there are no shops, water or toilet facilities at Henty Dunes, so come prepared.