The story of this place
The sand dunes behind Cronulla Beach are a remnant coastal dune system dating from the last ice age, now partially stabilized by coastal heath vegetation. Low-angled morning and evening light creates dramatic shadow patterns in the wind-sculpted ripples. Macro photography reveals intricate sand grain textures and tiny beetle tracks. The dunes are best photographed at the meeting point of dune and beach where the patterns are freshest after high tide. The surrounding coastal scrub — including banksias, coastal wattles and wallum heath — adds botanical foreground options. After strong north-easterly winds, new dune formations appear overnight.