Sometimes you will come across a location that has features so stunning, you’ll be left breathless.
The first time I visited Bilbunya Dunes, I was literally blown away. These dunes are incredibly white and just seem to reach to the clouds above, some as high as 100 metres.
Bilbunya Sand Dunes is part of the Nuytsland Nature Reserve. The Nuytsland Nature Reserve spans a 190 km section of Western Australia’s south-east coastline and includes the incredible 80 m high Baxter Cliffs. Exploroz have some great map information on the area and WikiCamps can help you find a campsite.
If you are heading across the Nullarbor Highway and have the right 4WD gear, create some extra time in your itinerary to visit this beautiful location. I am sure you will not be disappointed as for the 4WD enthusiast, there is so much to see and do here.
The combination of tracks leading in and out of the region plus the maze of sand dunes will offer you a real adventure. Typical to WA coastal tracks though, the vegetation along the track edges can be quite abrasive to your vehicle, so care should be taken to reduce pinstripes.
If you are heading west, you can venture in from the Nullarbor Highway, dropping down from the cliffs and heading out to the coast. Meandering your way between the dunes on their southern side will allow you to navigate the dunes and take in the stunning location.
After leaving the dunes, you can head west along the Telegraph Track through to Israelite Bay and then back out via the Eyre Highway.
Alternatively, you could do the reverse loop. Driving easterly along the beach, you will see the dunes from a far. This builds the excitement as the closer you get, the bigger they look.
After visiting the area, you will take the track out up the steep sand climbs, which have massive rubber conveyor blankets laid down to make the adventure out easier and stop vehicle erosion. It’s quite strange driving on these, but it’s a lot easier, that’s for certain.
You’ll want to take a basic recovery kit with you, which I recently wrote about, and also some recovery boards like MAXTRAX or Treds, which I recently gave some tips on too. You’ll also want good off-road tyres with good deflation and inflation gear to get their pressures right that a recent experience really highlighted the importance of. Sand driving can chug a bit of fuel and this area is quite remote, so take extra with you, and of course your camera to capture this stunning spot.
If you have the energy, make sure you take a walk to the top of one of the dunes and take in the spectacular views. A little word of advice though, these dunes are incredibly steep, so it’ll be a struggle.
Camping in the area is available but the winds in this region can be quite strong, so plan your camp site to ensure your awnings aren’t blown away overnight.
Bilbunya sand dunes is one of my favourite destinations. Even if you’re not a photographer, I’d encourage you take a camera as I can guarantee you’ll want to record this place to show people how beautiful it really is.
“Cheers”
-Michael Ellem
Offroad Images
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