Perry Sandhills
Vast, ancient red sand dunes sculpted by wind, offering a unique desert landscape for adventure and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Perry Sandhills
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, ancient red sand dunes sculpted by wind, offering a unique desert landscape for adventure and photography.
"The sandhills are the size of a small town, easy to walk around and discover most things, but it feels like another place altogether."
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset here is a must for incredible photos and a peaceful vibe .
🏂 Sandboard Fun
Rent sandboards in Wentworth for an exhilarating dune-sliding experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic God Tree
Center of the Sandhills
An ancient, awe-inspiring eucalyptus, over 200 years old, offering shade and a sense of spiritual connection.
Rolling Sand Dunes
Throughout the area
Vast, soft red sand dunes perfect for running, playing, and sandboarding adventures for all ages.
Spectacular Sunsets
Dune crests
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ever-shifting dunes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Perfect Shot
+3Embrace the Dunes: What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset here is a must for incredible photos and a peaceful vibe.
🏂 Sandboard Fun
Rent sandboards in Wentworth for an exhilarating dune-sliding experience.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for walking on soft, shifting sand dunes.
🍉 Discover Desert Melons
Look out for abundant desert melons, a historical bush tucker source.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catching the sunset here is a must for incredible photos and a peaceful vibe.
🏂 Sandboard Fun
Rent sandboards in Wentworth for an exhilarating dune-sliding experience.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for walking on soft, shifting sand dunes.
🍉 Discover Desert Melons
Look out for abundant desert melons, a historical bush tucker source.
🚗 Easy Access
Just a short drive from Wentworth, making it a convenient stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Perry Sandhills, particularly its vast red dunes and the iconic 'God Tree'. It's a hit with families for sandboarding and playing, and photographers love the dramatic sunrise and sunset light. Some note the steep climbs can be challenging, and facilities are minimal, so preparation is key.
"Loved visiting the god tree...definitely a must do. Whilst we went in the middle of the day...would recommend a sunset visit for better photo opportunities. In saying that there is plenty of photo opportunities at any time of the day"
Paul
"Perry Sandhills was our must see destination because we had promised our kid a chance to run up and down sandhills. And it certainly delivered. Just 15 minutes outside Wentworth, the sandhills are the size of a small town, easy to walk around and discover most things, but it feels like another place altogether.
The fine red sand and desert landscape make this a stunning place. A number of films have been shot here, and you can see why when you're there. But it also feels ancient and peaceful. I could imagine nomadic Aboriginal people stopping here, having fires, talking and resting for days before they returned home supplied with all the desert melons they could carry.
We wandered the dunes, passing an exorbitant number of desert melons which had obviously been cultivated in the long past but now were an abundant treasure trove of bush tucker. Old trees littered the landscape, including one that looked like a whale.
In the middle of the Sandhills, is the incredible "God Tree", a giant eucalyptus tree that is over 200 years old. The perfect place to sit under, eating melons and telling stories. This place feels like a Cathedral. The God Tree stands among the dunes offering shade and rest. I felt like I didn't want to leave when I was there, feeling connected to my own dreamtime.
Our son experienced his dream of running up and down sandhills, and my partner joined him. I snapped them and wandered about looking for the small trails of the desert. This was living."
Beornn McCarthy
"It was quiet, calm and peaceful watching sunset at sandhills. Remember your way back to car park by making a trail on the sand as you walk and bring a torchlight with you. 🙂"
Yin Yin Loh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perry Sandhills is conveniently located just about 6km (or a 15-minute drive) from Wentworth, NSW. Simply head out of Wentworth, and you'll find the sandhills easily accessible from the main road.
Public transport options directly to Perry Sandhills are limited. It's best accessed by private vehicle or as part of a tour from Wentworth. Consider checking with the Wentworth Visitor Centre for local transport advice.
While you can drive to the general area, it's recommended to park in the designated areas and walk onto the dunes. The soft sand can be challenging for vehicles, and it's best to explore the dunes on foot.
The 'God Tree' is located in the center of the sandhills. While it's a prominent landmark, exploring the dunes will naturally lead you to it. It's a rewarding discovery within the landscape.
The sandhills are vast and can be disorienting. It's a good idea to note your path or use landmarks, especially if visiting near sunset, to find your way back to the car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Perry Sandhills is a natural attraction and generally does not have an entrance fee. You can explore the dunes freely without needing to purchase tickets.
As a natural landscape, Perry Sandhills is accessible at all hours. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment, with sunrise and sunset being particularly popular times.
No booking is required to visit Perry Sandhills. It's an open natural area that you can explore at your own pace.
Sandboard hire is available from the Wentworth Visitor Centre. It's a good idea to check their availability and operating hours before your visit.
Facilities at Perry Sandhills are minimal, as it's a natural environment. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Restrooms are typically found in the nearby town of Wentworth.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours of sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and vibrant colors across the dunes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the dunes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting, like the local emus.
The 'God Tree' provides a unique focal point, and the crests of the larger dunes offer panoramic views. Experiment with different angles and perspectives as the light changes throughout the day.
Drone photography is popular here, offering incredible aerial views of the dune formations.
The fine sand can get into camera equipment, so protecting your gear is important. The bright sun can also lead to high contrast, so managing exposure is key.
🎫 🛏️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sandboarding, running and playing on the dunes, exploring the unique landscape, and picnicking. It's a fantastic place for families and adventure seekers.
Absolutely! Children love running up and down the soft sand dunes. Sandboarding is also a huge hit with kids.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including emus, which have been spotted roaming the area.
Yes, it's generally safe to walk around the sandhills. However, be mindful of the soft sand, especially on steep slopes. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and not venture too far without noting your path.
Wear comfortable, light clothing and sturdy shoes or sandals suitable for walking on sand. Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen, is essential due to the open exposure.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no food vendors or restaurants directly at Perry Sandhills. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Wentworth offers various dining options, including cafes and pubs, where you can grab a meal before or after your visit to the sandhills.
Yes, Perry Sandhills is a perfect spot for a picnic. Enjoying a meal amidst the unique desert landscape can be a memorable experience.
Historically, the area was known for desert melons, which are still found abundantly. You might also find other native edible plants if you're knowledgeable about bush tucker.
There are no water facilities at Perry Sandhills. It's crucial to bring plenty of drinking water, especially during warmer months.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The thrill of sandboarding down the dunes is a guaranteed source of laughter and excitement for all ages. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited, but the sheer fun factor makes it a worthwhile outing.It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to connect with nature and burn off energy in a unique environment. The vastness of the dunes can feel like a whole new world, sparking imagination and adventure. Visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, can make the experience more comfortable for younger children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+3 The 'God Tree' is a particularly compelling subject, offering a focal point amidst the vastness.Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping vistas and a tripod for those low-light sunrise/sunset shots. Drone photography is also highly recommended to showcase the intricate patterns and scale of the dunes from above.
Be prepared for the fine sand and bright conditions, but the photographic rewards are immense.🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
You can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the dunes, taking photos, and experiencing a unique Australian landscape.Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the dunes, or grab a bite in Wentworth before or after your visit. It’s a great place to stretch your legs, let the kids play, and capture some memorable photos without requiring a full day commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Sands of Perry
These ever-shifting formations are sculpted by the wind, creating a dynamic and breathtaking landscape that feels otherworldly. The fine red sand and undulating terrain have even been recognized for their cinematic potential, with several films having been shot here, drawn to the dramatic desert scenery.+1The area holds significant cultural importance, with a history intertwined with Aboriginal peoples. It's easy to imagine nomadic groups finding respite here, utilizing the abundant desert melons for sustenance and sharing stories around campfires.
Visitors often describe the sandhills as feeling ancient, peaceful, and even cathedral-like, particularly when standing near the 'God Tree'.
Adventures on the Dunes
The sheer joy of sliding down these sandy slopes is a highlight for many visitors.Beyond sandboarding, the dunes are perfect for running, playing, and exploring. Kids, in particular, have a blast racing up and down the sandy inclines.
Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, such as emus, which have been spotted roaming the area.
The landscape also supports unique flora, including the abundant desert melons, a historical source of bush tucker.Capturing the Magic: Photography at Perry Sandhills
+3 The low-angled sun casts dramatic shadows across the undulating dunes, highlighting their textures and creating a breathtaking palette of reds and oranges. Many visitors recommend timing their visit specifically for these magical periods to capture the most stunning shots.Key photographic subjects include the iconic 'God Tree', a massive eucalyptus that stands as a solitary sentinel amidst the sands, offering a sense of scale and history.
When shooting, be mindful of the fine sand, which can be a challenge for camera equipment; protecting your gear is essential. The bright desert sun can also create high contrast, so mastering exposure settings is key to capturing the best images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit