Strahan is known for its harbour and the Gordon River, but the coast just north of town changes quickly into immense sand dunes and exposed ocean beaches. Henty Dunes forms a wind-shaped landscape between rainforest and the Southern Ocean, distinct from almost every other stop on a West Coast drive.
Explore without a rigid circuit. The dunes shift in the wind and the beach is open to strong surf, making local weather and coastal conditions more important than a checklist of viewpoints.
How to get there
From Strahan, follow the road towards Zeehan. Henty Dunes is roughly 14 km north of town and has a visitor access point and picnic area. There are no toilets or drinking-water facilities at the dunes, so prepare before leaving Strahan.
Ocean Beach lies beyond the dune system. The visitor access area is a starting point for walking on the dunes, not a guarantee of safe access across the open coast in all conditions.
What to see and do
Walk the dunes
Walk onto the pale sand and climb a slope for a broader view of the dune system. Individual dunes reach roughly 30 metres. You need not walk far into the landscape to appreciate the contrast between bright sand, forest and the western coast.
Sandboarding
Steeper slopes are used for sandboarding. Boards may be hired from selected businesses in Strahan, so arrange equipment before setting out rather than expecting a rental outlet at the dune access.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach stretches along the exposed coastline beside the dunes. Tourism Tasmania describes a walk of about 90 minutes return from the Henty Dunes picnic area. The beach is unpatrolled and swimming is not recommended. Enjoy the landscape from a safe distance from the surf.
How much time to allow
Allow a flexible half-day to explore the dunes and, in favourable conditions, walk towards Ocean Beach. The dunes also make an alternative afternoon when a Gordon River cruise occupies the other main part of a Strahan stay.
Practical notes
- Carry drinking water, wind protection and footwear suited to shifting sand.
- No toilets or water are provided at the dune access area.
- Ocean Beach is unpatrolled and swimming is not recommended.
- Sandboarding equipment should be arranged in Strahan in advance.
- Check local wind and coastal conditions before heading towards the open ocean.
A suggested plan
Use a free afternoon in Strahan to explore the dune system. Walk first while conditions suit, then consider sandboarding or the longer route towards the coast. Return to town for facilities rather than depending on services beside the beach.