The Big Drift Melbourne | 2022 Travel, Accessibility & Hiking

With the world reopening in 2022, many vacation destinations are worth visiting worldwide. How about some picturesque gems of the land down under? The Australia time has brought you this guide for all relevant details should you plan on traveling to the park!

The hidden gem of mesmerizing sand dunes in the Big Drift Wilsons Prom should be next on your bucket list. Beware, though, if you blink, you will miss these vast inland sand dunes on the outskirts of Wilsons Promontory. 

The Big Drift Melbourne

Did you know these sand dunes are only two hours south of Melbourne? You can locate them on your way into the scenic Wilsons Promontory National Park southeast of Melbourne. Named the big drift Victoria, this never-ending series of sand dunes are veiled from the main tourist track and be advised – getting there will take you a bit of bush bashing. 

How to get to there?

The moderate two-kilometre walk starts at the Stockyard campsite, located on the right side of Promontory Road, right after the Wilsons Promontory National Park entrance. You can park your vehicle in the visitor’s car park and start walking to the back of the campsite to begin your walk. 

Big Drift Victoria | Details

What?

The Big Drift at Wilsons Prom.

Duration of Walk

60 to 90 minutes

When is the best time to visit?

At whatever time you want to climb cool sand dunes. 

Where are the Wilsons Prom dunes located?

The dunes are located in Wilsons Promontory. 

Distance from start to finish?

It’s a short distance of 2km one way, a medium to moderate walk with a total 4 km return. 

What is Terrain like?

It is easy to get lost on your way with sand dunes and dirt tracks. 

Are dogs allowed at drift Wilsons prom? 

Unfortunately, dogs will not be permitted within the premises of the big drift Wilsons prom national park. 

What is the best time to visit? 

You can visit the national park all year long. 

Is Victoria park vehicle accessible?

Vehicles of all types can be used to access the park. 

Lurk Rating?

Definitely, once worth the adventure!

What are the directions? 

On the right side of Promontory Road after the Wilsons Promontory National Park entryway, you can find the Stockyard Campsite and the walk’s starting point. You can also use the car parking available at the Stockyard Campsite. 

Tips for Visiting 

• It is advisable not to visit the dunes during the high winds. 
• Sunset and Sunrise photography is the best at the dunes
• Make sure to leave a trail if you are planning on walking further out
• Visiting on weekdays is better as it is much quieter 
• There are no crowds during the sunrise 

Hiking 

You must do a bit of hiking to get the reward. It is a 2-kilometre hike to get down to the dunes – it is a 4-kilometre round trip. The hike is mostly flat and not very scenic. Important to remember that in the first few 100 meters, you will come across a fork in the path; you must choose the left option.

The closing part of the hike will be harder, so be ready to climb a few undulating hills and then a 50 to 100m sand dune on a decent incline. 

Note: If you have mobility issues, this hike is a consideration. 

Additional Concerns 

Another thing to remember is that there will be no accessible bathroom facilities, rubbish bins or drinking tabs – so it is advised to be prepared before you embark and make sure that you bring your waste back with you. 

Moreover, all dunes look pretty similar, without any signs of exits or entries. It can become interestingly probable to get disoriented if you walk a considerable distance down to the park – thus, make sure that you either mark your path or keep a good idea of where you are traveling to concerning the entry point. It can get quite windy once you venture down. 

How big is the Big Drift Wilsons Prom?

It is a moderate 2-kilometre walk to the vast inland sand dunes that never seem to end. 

The Big Drift Melbourne Accommodations 

Where do you park for big drift?

For the hike/walk, you can park at the Stockyard Camp – which is a small grassy campground set in the native bushland near the park’s entrance, and this is 30 kilometres from the Tidal River. Remember There is no direct beach access from the campground; however, the whiskey bay is only a short drive away. 

What are some more Wilson’s Promontory Attractions?

1. Squeaky Beach
2. The Sand Dunes 
3. Mount Oberon
4. Wilson’s Promontory Lighthouse
5. Picnic Bay
6. Waterloo Bay
7. Tidal Overlook Track
8. Lilly Pilly Gully Walk
9. Skull Rock (Cleft Island)

Why should you definitely visit? 

First off, you should visit the national park to escape the flocks of travelers who travel to the Southern Prom with an amazing walk out towards the park while enjoying a series of ever-changing sand dunes. This otherworldly scenery shows a different side to Wilsons Prom and is only a short walk from Stockyards Camp, which is by the park entrance. 

The national park consists of a landscape of gigantic sand dunes towering over gnarled coastal woodland and the southern farmland in Australia. It is one of a kind experience where only footprints in the sand shall be your very own. Visit the park to enjoy a peaceful moment and feel the sizable difference between yourself with the vastness of the golden sands. 

What time is best to visit? 

The national can be best enjoyed at sunset or sunrise when the said dunes of sand turn rose gold in colour. Enjoy the views over and of the Vereker Range east and the sea to the west. This ethereal place is a gorgeous subject, fit for a memorable photograph. 

The best part? The dunes turn the best in the worst weather. Wilsons Prom rangers love the park after it has rained. After the rain, you can find little pools forming on dunes, and some of these pools are big enough to swim in. 

The walkout to the national park is quite short, so if you find yourself in the Prom area for a day, it is worth taking another short walk in the northern Prom. Vereker offers a mesmerizing contrasting experience and a spectacular view. The little drift has better views of the Vereker Range than the Big drift. Plus, just outside of Wilsons prom, a little walk to the Shallow inlet leads towards a secluded, sheltered beach and a well-earned swim. 

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