About Big Drift
Big Drift is a large inland sand dune system located within Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park near Loch Sport in East Gippsland, Victoria. The expansive dunes lie inland from Ninety Mile Beach and are reached via a walking track through coastal forest and heathland. Notable for its desert-like landscape contrasting with surrounding coastal vegetation, the site offers open sand hills, panoramic views and a distinctive natural environment within the Gippsland Lakes region.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a walk of approximately 2 km each way from the car park through coastal tea-tree forest and heathland to reach expansive open inland sand dunes. The landscape is desert-like with undulating white sand hills surrounded by coastal vegetation, with no built structures on the dunes themselves. The area is natural and exposed, offering open sand for walking, photography and sightseeing with views across the dune system.
Key highlights
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Expansive inland white sand dune system inland from Ninety Mile Beach
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Desert-like landscape contrasting with surrounding coastal forest and heathland
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Walking track through Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park to the dunes
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Panoramic views across open sand hills
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Photography and nature sightseeing in a distinctive coastal environment
History of Big Drift
Big Drift is part of an ancient coastal sand system formed over thousands of years by wind-blown sand from Ninety Mile Beach accumulating inland. The dunes are within Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park and lie on Gunaikurnai Country, reflecting the long natural history of the Gippsland Lakes coastal landscape.
Culture & Context
Located on Gunaikurnai Country, the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park area is part of the Traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai people. The broader Gippsland Lakes landscape holds cultural significance for Traditional Owners and is valued for its natural heritage.
Route
| By air |
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