Big Drift
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5.0
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Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia962 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Park at the Stockmans Campground right near the the Wilson’s Prom a park entrance. The walk says it is 2.1kms and takes 45 mins however we took only 25 mins and did it quite easily. The trail is on fairly wide grass tracks with a very sandy last stretch for the last 300 metres. The final 20-30 metres is straight up a sandy slope which is very doable but not for the unfit or elderly. Once at the top of the track you get massive vistas of wide expanse of sand dunes stretching for a couple kilometres. It’s like a mini Sahara Desert and most impressive. Word of note: there are no marking to indicate the track to get back to the car park so make note of where you came off the track. Kids would have fun if they brought a bogey board as there a few great slopes to slide down. Final note: wear appropriate clothing and don’t bring strollers. We saw one family that brought a stroller and they would’ve had no chance of getting the stroller up to the dunes. One of the women also wore leather pants and quite dressy clothing. Honestly this is not an easy stroll and on a hot day this would’ve been ridiculously unbearable wearing leather pants. Crazy!!
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RyanS73
Melbourne, Australia271 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
The sand dunes are accessible through the Stockyard Camp car park. To get there, turn right just right after the Wilsons Prom's gatehouse, make a u-turn through the centre median, and then immediately the first entrance on the left after the u-turn is the stockyard campsite.
Continue on foot past the information board at the far end of the car park, just maybe 100m there's a turnoff to the left (don't go straight) - then walk along that route and follow the sign to Big Drift.
The entrance to the big drift is almost 45 degree angle sand dunes which you must scale up... don't attempt if you think you don't have good fitness level. Otherwise take your time.
The top can be windy - so watch your camera gear if you bring some - avoid changing lenses up there. Be prepared to dress accordingly as on a windy day it can feel much colder as strong breeze from the sea rolls in. The entrance is marked with a white pole but it's a good idea if you're exploring the whole area, that you mark your path with maybe a few sticks poked into the sand. Don't rely on footsteps as they get blown by the wind and will fade away reasonably quick.
Continue on foot past the information board at the far end of the car park, just maybe 100m there's a turnoff to the left (don't go straight) - then walk along that route and follow the sign to Big Drift.
The entrance to the big drift is almost 45 degree angle sand dunes which you must scale up... don't attempt if you think you don't have good fitness level. Otherwise take your time.
The top can be windy - so watch your camera gear if you bring some - avoid changing lenses up there. Be prepared to dress accordingly as on a windy day it can feel much colder as strong breeze from the sea rolls in. The entrance is marked with a white pole but it's a good idea if you're exploring the whole area, that you mark your path with maybe a few sticks poked into the sand. Don't rely on footsteps as they get blown by the wind and will fade away reasonably quick.
Written 4 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dr_stinky
Singapore, Singapore302 contributions
May 2018 • Family
I am very surprised that the Big Drift has only got 1 review, as this was easily the highlight of our trip in Wilsons Prom (and that includes the renowned places like Squeaky Beach and Mount Oberon Lookout).
With this being a under-the-radar destination we were admittedly a little apprehensive about checking it out, especially since it was getting dark. Got to the parking, and had to hike 2km to get here.
We were once again a bit apprehensive, since a lot of reviews (on Google, there's nothing here!) stated it's easy to get lost at the Big Drift. However, we didn't think it was that hard to navigate on the way there.
The hike to there itself was fantastic. It brings you through a forest, and then alongside a meadow. All very nice, but with no signs of sand at all.
Until you turn left from the meadow and start climbing. That's where you get the first hint of it being a sand dune, where soil gives way into soft sand. When you finally reach the entrance, you will have to climb a 45 degree slope of sand, where every step forward brings you half a step back. Not for those who has physical difficulties.
When you get up, however, that's where you find that everything is worth it. The entire horizon is just a vast piece of neverending sand. Not something you will imagine where the surrounding sights are beaches, trees and mountains. It is amazing how varied the environmental structures are like within such a small area.
We could also see why people can get lost here. Other than a pole indicating the exit of the Big Drift (with no signage), it was just sand and occasional odd trees which look similar.
We didn't venture off far though, and had great fun just frolicking in the ever-shifting sands (it was windy). What made it special also was that throughout the entire hike + stay there, we were the only people. It must be very low season, or this place is just less known compared to the rest in Wilsons Prom.
Sunset here was beautiful too, watching the sun set across that vast piece of sand horizon, but we had to quickly get off and back to the carpark since the whole area was not lit and we didn't fancy trekking back in the dark (the trail itself was decently sign-posted, it's just we were more cautious). We would have loved to spend more time here though (we spent about 1.5h including the trek, but wish we could have spent more time).
I would recommend this place heavily, just perhaps without spreading the word too much (which is a bit of a paradox since I'm writing it here on TA), so that it can retain its charm.
With this being a under-the-radar destination we were admittedly a little apprehensive about checking it out, especially since it was getting dark. Got to the parking, and had to hike 2km to get here.
We were once again a bit apprehensive, since a lot of reviews (on Google, there's nothing here!) stated it's easy to get lost at the Big Drift. However, we didn't think it was that hard to navigate on the way there.
The hike to there itself was fantastic. It brings you through a forest, and then alongside a meadow. All very nice, but with no signs of sand at all.
Until you turn left from the meadow and start climbing. That's where you get the first hint of it being a sand dune, where soil gives way into soft sand. When you finally reach the entrance, you will have to climb a 45 degree slope of sand, where every step forward brings you half a step back. Not for those who has physical difficulties.
When you get up, however, that's where you find that everything is worth it. The entire horizon is just a vast piece of neverending sand. Not something you will imagine where the surrounding sights are beaches, trees and mountains. It is amazing how varied the environmental structures are like within such a small area.
We could also see why people can get lost here. Other than a pole indicating the exit of the Big Drift (with no signage), it was just sand and occasional odd trees which look similar.
We didn't venture off far though, and had great fun just frolicking in the ever-shifting sands (it was windy). What made it special also was that throughout the entire hike + stay there, we were the only people. It must be very low season, or this place is just less known compared to the rest in Wilsons Prom.
Sunset here was beautiful too, watching the sun set across that vast piece of sand horizon, but we had to quickly get off and back to the carpark since the whole area was not lit and we didn't fancy trekking back in the dark (the trail itself was decently sign-posted, it's just we were more cautious). We would have loved to spend more time here though (we spent about 1.5h including the trek, but wish we could have spent more time).
I would recommend this place heavily, just perhaps without spreading the word too much (which is a bit of a paradox since I'm writing it here on TA), so that it can retain its charm.
Written 7 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frog-Aus
Box Hill, Australia384 contributions
Dec 2022
Despite having been to Wilson's prom several times, I have just discovered "the big drift". , a 63 meters sand dune from where you get a fantastic view. You start from the stockyard campsite, an easy walk to the start of the climb up the dune. Also it is easily to get lost after wandering around the top admiring the view as the wind covers your steps and it is hard to get back to the part where you came up without any indications.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brijess
Melbourne, Australia213 contributions
June 2018 • Family
It is a 30-40 minute unscenic, mostly flat walk from the carpark around paddocks to reach the sand dunes but once there the sand dunes are stunning and massive. It would be a really fun day there with sand sleds but make sure you take plenty of food, water and shelter. It is very open to the elements but the massive sand hills are amazing.
Written 24 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catkid3
Victoria, Australia156 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
The car park is well signed and is located just inside the main gate, but has a small number of spaces allocated for day visitors. The toilets are currently out of order. While the walk to the base of the dune isn't too taxing and takes about 25-30 minutes at a steady pace, it's the short climb to the top of the dune that is quite difficult and requires some level of fitness. It is definitely not for the elderly or those with balance or knee issues; I found it difficult as I kept stumbling in the sand and fell over a few times. If you can find a large enough stick, I recommend using it to assist with climbing the dune. Also ensure to pick a day that isn't windy, otherwise all you'll see is sand in your eyes. Definitely worth the view though!
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,604 contributions
Apr 2020
The Big Drift is a large expanse of inland sand dunes. The entrance to the Big Drift is on Wilsons Prom road, Stockyards Camp, near the entrance to the Park. For anyone who hasn't seen real sand dunes before, it's a marvellous sight. Navigation can be tricky, make sure you know how to get out again once you enter the Big Drift.
Written 30 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindsayMann
Melbourne, Australia1,741 contributions
Mar 2020
The Big Drift is one of the highlights of the national park. It's not a demanding walk from the carpark. The climb onto the sand dunes was steep. Once on top, there was a lot to see and explore.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reneericho
South Morang, Australia49 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The big drift in my opinion was a highlight of visiting the prom. The first part of the walk was very easy-walking through paddocks but the second half was up and down hills. The very last part of the walk includes you having to climb a very steep sand dune. I could imagine many people without a great fitness level may not be able to do this. My partner and I are in our early 30’s and probably have a medium fitness level and found the last part exhausting. The four men behind us also found it exhausting with the 6 of us sitting on the top of the dune trying to get our breath back once at the top. Personally I don’t believe you would be able to take young children on the walk.
Written 12 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Cheltenham, UK203 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Definitely worth an hours detour. You walk 20 mins from Stockyards car park just inside nat park (turn immediately right as you pass ranger station). Like something from a movie once you get up there. Lots of opportunities to recreate Star Wars Tattoine or Lawrence of Arabia. Strong legs needed for last scramble but it is a safe climb.
Written 11 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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