Photo: Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
Stretching for 220 kilometres along Western Australia's remote Pilbara coast, Eighty Mile Beach is one of the country's most spectacular and least-crowded coastal wildernesses. Named for its length (though it's actually longer than 80 miles), this dazzling white-sand beach meets turquoise Indian Ocean waters, backed by low dunes and spinifex grasslands. It's a haven for solitude seekers, birdwatchers, and fishing enthusiasts, with a relaxed, off-the-grid vibe.
Highlights & What to See
- Endless beachcombing: Walk for miles on powdery white sand, collecting colourful shells and sea glass – the beach is famous for its shell deposits after storms.
- World-class fishing: Cast a line from the beach for dart, whiting, and tailor; the area is a renowned fishing destination, with the Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park offering direct access.
- Birdwatching paradise: Spot migratory shorebirds, pelicans, and ospreys along the shoreline and nearby wetlands; the beach is an important stopover on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
- Stunning sunsets: Watch the sky ignite in shades of orange and pink over the ocean – a daily spectacle with no light pollution.
- Nearby Mandora Marsh: A unique ephemeral wetland system inland, home to diverse birdlife and striking desert landscapes (accessible via 4WD).
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend one to three nights camping or staying at the caravan park. A single day allows for a relaxed beach walk, a fishing session, and sunset viewing, but two days give you time to explore Mandora Marsh and truly unwind. It's best paced as an overnight stop on a longer Kimberley or Pilbara road trip, ideally during the dry season (May–October) when temperatures are pleasant and the beach is accessible.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Broome: The vibrant pearling town (about 4 hours north) offers Cable Beach, Chinatown, and the famous Staircase to the Moon.
- Port Hedland: A major iron-ore port with interesting industrial tours, salt flats, and nearby Spoil Bank Creek for fishing.
- Karijini National Park: Inland (about 5 hours east), this park boasts dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and swimming holes – a must for hikers and nature lovers.
- Dampier Peninsula: Explore Aboriginal communities, pearl farms, and the remote Cape Leveque with its red cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Great Northern Highway: The beach is a perfect break on the drive between Broome and Port Hedland, linking to the Kimberley region further north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Broome — Kat Clay from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0
- Port Hedland — Chris Olszewski / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Karijini National Park — Graeme Churchard from Bristol (51.4414, -2.5242), UK / CC BY 2.0
- Dampier Peninsula — Brucepython ( talk ) ( Uploads ) / CC BY 2.5
- Great Northern Highway — huskyte77 / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Mandora Marsh — Hesperian / CC BY-SA 3.0