Wilsons Promontory’s Big Drift: the Hidden Sand Dunes near Melbourne

Last Updated on February 4, 2023

There’s a little-known hidden gem right at the entrance of Wilfons Promontory in Victoria: Big Drift is a large expanse of inland sand dunes, similar to those of a desert, a mere couple of hours drive south of Melbourne.

Big Drift is yet to be discovered, both by tourists and locals, but it offers breath-taking views, incredible hikes, and opportunities for sandboarding.

The dunes are located just right beside Wilsons Prom’s entry gate, about a 2km (30 minutes) walk each way from the Stockyards car park.

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The Big Drift Track

The hike is not particurarly challenging, but it involves a bit of climbing up the dunes. You’ll be rewarded by a unique desert-like landscape surrounded by vegetation, and the dunes are steep enough you can sled with a sandboard or boogie board.

Because of the lack of shade, it is recommended to pack enough sunscreen and water, and perhaps some snacks.

You can easily spend a couple of hours just enjoying the dunes, which are quite hidden from the main tourist track. There are no toilets or facilities whatsoever.

In the area it is possible to spot some local wildlife including birds, bees and wombats, be warned that there can be mosquitos in the summer.

If you are planning a visit to Wilsons Promontory, adding the Big Drift to your itinerary is a must.

Little Drift

There is another set of smaller dunes just nearby, named the Little Drift. These are not as steep as the Big Drift dunes but offer equally stunning views, and are especially good for photography lovers who want to take a good shot of the sand dunes with the sea in the background.

Despite the name, the dunes at Little Drift are still rather large and impressive, and can be reached on foot in around 20 minutes from the main entrance car park.

Getting There

Wilsons Promontory (often shortened in “Prom”) is a National Park located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia.

The Promontory is located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, and can be reached by car in about three hours.

Follow the Monash Freeway (M1) to join the South Gippsland Freeway (M420/A440) to Meeniyan. Take the Meeniyan- Promontory Road (C444) to the Wilsons Promontory Entrance.

Entry to Wilsons Promontory National Park is free for day visits. If you are planning to stay overnight, you will need to obtain a campsite permit from the Visitor Centre in Tidal River, 30km south of the park entrance.

To access the Big Drift: on the right-hand side of the Promontory Road just after the Wilsons Promontory National Park entrance you will find the Stockyard Campsite and the start of the walk. Car parking is also available at Stockyard Campsite.

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