One of my favourite beach memories, as a child in the 1990s, was at Hamelin Bay. Camping under the peppy trees, spending hours digging in the pure white sand and playing spotlight in the sand dunes with new friends made at the Caravan Park. The southwest WA spot isn’t as quiet as it used to be, but it is still an idyllic spot.
Nowadays, Hamelin Bay is famous for its friendly stingrays that always seem to hang around the remnants of the old jetty. These stingrays will swim right up to you at the shore, but always be sure to treat them with respect and give them space.
The jetty serviced the timber mills around the tiny port in the late 1800s, though people soon came to realise that the waters were far too difficult to navigate, and there are lots of shipwrecks in this area. The remaining jetty was destroyed by fire in 1921, then a big storm in 1961. Since usage of the port stopped, Hamelin Bay has been transformed into a tourist spot. There’s so much to enjoy beyond the gorgeous beaches, with snorkeling, fishing, diving, and more.
The bay is about a 30-minute drive south of Margaret River, down the beautiful Caves Road, through the stunning Karri trees of Boranup forest.
It’s best to watch your weather app and try to get there early before the strong sea breeze, and crowds come in.
Beach fishing is very popular here, you may catch Herring, Skippy, and Whiting. The boat ramp is a popular spot to launch the boat into open waters. Just don’t do what my son did – hook himself in the leg, requiring a side-trip to Augusta ED! It’s worth noting that phone reception at Hamelin Bay is fairly non-existent. That might fill some people with dread, but it’s also a great way to stay present.
The kids had a blast boogie boarding. If you enjoy snorkeling, you can adventure throughout the various shipwrecks off the Hamelin Bay coastal area. These areas are great for diving or snorkeling in safer conditions. If you enjoy a brisk walk, take a walk along the sand, or even the iconic Cape to Cape Track which passes through the area. Bird spotters will enjoy discovering many species in the area, including beautiful blue splendid fairy wrens.
In terms of facilities, there are toilets and showers by the beach, a bit hit and miss with cleanliness. Parking can be tricky in summer, especially during the school holidays, so arrive early. And the kiosk sells drinks, snacks, ice creams and other essentials.
The Hamelin Bay Holiday Park is a great place to stay, if you’re lucky to snag a site at the popular spot. There are plenty of camping sites, as well as self-contained chalet-style accommodation here. The grounds are full of modern amenities and facilities including a deli, playground, camp kitchen, barbecues, and washing facilities. Just make sure you book ahead, as it is a very popular place. If you’d prefer a different stay to caravan parks, Augusta is nearby, as well as the beautiful Karridale Cottages.
Hamelin Bay is a beautiful spot for a day trip or longer stay – the family won’t want to leave.
Discover more things to do in the Margaret River region here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
Swim at Hamlin Bay then drive to Augusta and have a swim at Flinders bay and you would have swam in two oceans in one day. Indian Ocean and The Southern Ocean. Not many places on Earth you can do that with in 15 mins. I have been doing it for many years.