Henty Dunes Walk – Strahan, Tasmania

Climb a Mountain of Sand on Tasmania’s Wild West Coast

The Henty Dunes, a short drive north of Strahan, are one of the most unusual landscapes on Tasmania’s West Coast. Surrounded by dense vegetation and within reach of the wild Southern Ocean, this enormous system of shifting sand dunes feels remarkably out of place among the rainforests, rivers and mountains normally associated with western Tasmania. The Henty Dunes Walk begins with a short approach through vegetation before reaching the base of the dunes. From here, the route heads directly up the soft sand to the main dune crest, where walkers can explore the open dune system or continue towards Ocean Beach. There is no single marked walking route across the dunes. Many visitors simply climb the first major dune, explore the surrounding sand and return the same way, while more adventurous walkers can continue across the dunes towards the coast. Sandboarding and tobogganing are also popular activities and can turn a visit into a particularly memorable family outing.

Henty Dunes Walk Overview

About the Walk

From the Henty Dunes parking and picnic area, a short track through coastal vegetation leads towards the base of the dune system. It does not take long before the vegetation suddenly gives way to an enormous wall of pale sand. The first climb provides a good introduction to what makes walking at Henty Dunes different from a conventional bushwalk. Although there are no rocks, steps or steep mountain tracks to negotiate, climbing through deep, loose sand requires considerably more effort than walking the same gradient on a formed track. Once on top, the landscape opens into a broad expanse of shifting sand surrounded by forest. From the higher dunes you can hear the Southern Ocean, and walkers who continue west can eventually reach the wild coastline of Ocean Beach. There is no requirement to walk all the way to the beach. Simply climbing the main dunes and spending some time exploring the sand provides an enjoyable short outing.

Terrain and Track Conditions

The defining feature of this walk is deep, soft sand. The initial climb onto the dunes is steep enough to provide a surprisingly good workout, while walking across the flatter sections remains slower and more tiring than walking on firm ground. Once beyond the initial access track there are few obvious landmarks and no conventional formed walking track. Wind continually reshapes the dunes, so footprints and other informal routes should not be relied upon for navigation. The dunes are also highly exposed, with virtually no shade once you leave the surrounding vegetation.

Difficulty

The Henty Dunes Walk is rated Moderate, primarily because of the physical effort required to climb and walk through soft sand. There are no technically difficult sections on the standard dune walk, but even relatively fit walkers may find climbing the steeper dunes tiring. Allow additional time if travelling with younger children or planning to explore further towards Ocean Beach.

Walk Highlights

The Henty Dunes

The enormous dune system is the main attraction. Individual dunes rise dramatically above the surrounding vegetation, creating a landscape unlike almost anywhere else on Tasmania’s West Coast. The contrast between pale sand, dense vegetation and the nearby Southern Ocean makes Henty Dunes particularly striking and provides excellent photographic opportunities.

Views Towards Ocean Beach

From the higher dunes, the landscape stretches west towards Ocean Beach, Tasmania’s longest ocean beach. Depending on conditions and where you explore, you may be able to see the coastline or at least hear the constant roar of the Southern Ocean.

Sandboarding

Henty Dunes is one of Tasmania’s best-known locations for sandboarding and tobogganing. The steep dune faces provide plenty of opportunities for sliding down before making the inevitable climb back to the top. Sandboards and toboggans may be available for hire from operators in Strahan, so organise equipment before driving out to the dunes if you want to give it a try.

Top Tip: If you are visiting for sandboarding, organise a board or toboggan in Strahan before heading to Henty Dunes. Also remember that every fast trip down the dune comes with another walk back up!

What to Bring

• Plenty of drinking water
• A hat and sunscreen
• Comfortable footwear suitable for walking through sand
• Windproof or waterproof clothing
• Snacks if planning a longer exploration
• A phone or GPS device if walking well beyond the main dunes
• A sandboard or toboggan if you plan to go sandboarding

Safety

• It can be surprisingly easy to lose your bearings once you are among the dunes.
• Remember the location where you entered the dune system and consider marking it on your phone or GPS.
• Carry sufficient drinking water, as there is no water available on the dunes.
• The exposed sand can become hot during warm summer weather.
• Allow enough energy and daylight for the return journey if walking towards Ocean Beach.
• West Coast weather can change quickly, so carry appropriate clothing.
• Ocean Beach is exposed to powerful Southern Ocean conditions and strong currents and should not be treated as a safe swimming beach.

Is the Henty Dunes Walk Suitable for Children?

Yes. Henty Dunes can be a fantastic destination for families, particularly when combined with sandboarding or tobogganing. However, climbing through soft sand can be tiring for younger children, and adults should closely supervise children when exploring beyond the main dune. The lack of obvious landmarks also means families should take particular care to remember their return route.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Access rules for dogs can depend on the particular area being visited. Check current signs at the Henty Dunes parking area before taking a dog onto the dunes and keep dogs under close control where permitted.

Getting There

Henty Dunes is located approximately 12–14 kilometres north of Strahan on Tasmania’s West Coast. The turn-off to the dunes is signposted from the main road, with a short access road leading to the parking and picnic area at the beginning of the walk. The dunes are close enough to Strahan to make them an easy addition to a day exploring the town and surrounding West Coast attractions.

Facilities

A basic picnic area with tables is available near the car park. There are no facilities once you head onto the dunes, so carry everything you require for the walk. For toilets, food, fuel and other visitor services, the nearest major facilities are in Strahan.

Why Walk the Henty Dunes?

Henty Dunes offers an experience completely different from the rainforest, waterfall and mountain walks found elsewhere on Tasmania’s West Coast. The sight of enormous dunes rising beside dense vegetation, with the Southern Ocean in the distance, makes this one of the region’s most distinctive landscapes. Whether you simply climb the main dune for the experience, spend an hour exploring the shifting sand or bring a sandboard for a more adventurous outing, Henty Dunes is an easy attraction to combine with a visit to Strahan and Tasmania’s wild West Coast.