The Perry Sandhills is an enchanting natural wonder, one of those places that takes you over 40,000 years back in time. A seemly endless expanse of some 400 acres of drifting sand dunes, home to mega fauna fossils, an abundance of native bird life and a picturesque spot for a picnic and a play in the sand.
Located about 30km from Mildura, over the Murray River, just a few kilometres out of the beautiful historic town of Wentworth, The Perry Sandhills are a true hidden treasure and a great place to play for kids of all ages.
For big kids, it’s hard to resist a bit of sand toboggan fun, which works best using an old boogie board, sled or skateboard deck. For little ones, a bucket and spade is all that’s needed for hours of fun in the ultimate giant sand pit.
From the car park you can wander wherever you like, amble up the dunes, find a shady spot under an old gum tree and enjoy the breathtaking views and local bird song. By this stage of course, the kids will already be off and away, in their element, bolting up and sliding down the dunes.
This was our first trip to the sandhills with Tallow, who almost two. She just adored climbing up the dunes, exploring, building sandcastles and dancing and drawing in the sand.
Although beautiful all year round, the best time to visit The Perry Sandhills is from autumn to spring, when the days are cool enough to sit and really enjoy the surroundings and the sand isn’t too hot on little feet. Pack a picnic, or just some fruit and snacks to enjoy at the top of the dunes and plenty of water for busy tobogganers.
If you’re visiting Wentworth for a day trip, I also highly recommend stopping into Junction Park, to view the intersection where the majestic Murray and Darling Rivers meet, have a play at the playground and say hello the very friendly resident ducks and swans. And if your kids are budding archaeologists, the Wentworth Pioneer Museum is a great place to check out too, with Indigenous artifacts and mega fauna on display.
The true beauty of The Perry Sandhills is they are always changing, so no visit is ever the same. You never quite know what awaits you as you climb to the top of a dune. As you look over the stunning vista, you can be transported to another time. It’s a truly magical place to bury your feet in the warm sand and play, build sandcastles, do cartwheels and reconnect not only with your family but with the ancient past.
Do you have dunes near you? Have you visited Mildura before?
If you would like to be a contributor to this series with a hidden place of your own (anywhere!), please email me: maxabella(a)gmail.com
Holly says
Loving the patchwork blanket and Tallow is a cutie!! What a great place too!
Maxabella says
I think it’s just about the nicest picnic blanket going! x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
All that sand to play with!!! Looks like that sand is very red so a dark outfit might be the go?