Green Head

Green Head is a sleepy coastal hamlet on Western Australia's Coral Coast, where the turquoise Indian Ocean meets blinding white sand and ancient limestone cliffs. This is a place to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and discover a side of Australia that feels genuinely untouched. The town's name comes from the green-hued limestone headland that shelters the main beach, and the vibe here is pure coastal serenity — think fishing boats bobbing in the marina, families picnicking on the grass, and the occasional pod of dolphins cruising past. For self-drive travellers, it's a perfect low-key stop between Perth and the Pinnacles or a base for exploring the wilder stretches of the Coral Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Dynamite Bay — a sheltered cove with impossibly clear, calm water ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. The bay is bookended by rocky headlands that make for a scenic walk and great photo ops at sunset.
• Green Head Lookout — a short boardwalk and viewing platform atop the green headland itself. Scan the horizon for migrating humpback whales (June–November) or just soak up the 360-degree views of the coast.
• Jurien Bay Marine Park — the protected waters just offshore teem with sea lions, dolphins, and colourful reef fish. Join a glass-bottom boat tour or hire a kayak to explore the islands and seagrass meadows.
• Stockyard Gully National Park — a short drive inland, this park features a dramatic limestone gorge and a 300-metre-long cave system with a permanent stream. It's a fascinating spot for a walk or a picnic, and a chance to see the region's unique karst landscape.
• Beachcombing and fishing — the beaches around Green Head are pristine and often empty. Cast a line from the rocks at South Head or try your luck from the jetty; the local catch includes herring, skippy, and the occasional tailor.

Suggested Time to Spend

Green Head is a small place, and most of its appeal lies in relaxation and simple coastal pleasures. A half-day is enough to enjoy the main beach, grab a coffee, and do the lookout walk. However, if you have the time, an overnight stay lets you experience the sunset over Dynamite Bay and a morning swim in the calm, glassy water. For those using Green Head as a base to explore Stockyard Gully and the surrounding national parks, allow two nights to comfortably fit in a day trip inland and a day on the water.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Jurien Bay — a larger coastal town 20 minutes north, with more dining options, a longer jetty, and sea lion tours.
• Cervantes — the gateway to the Pinnacles Desert, about 30 minutes south. The famous limestone pillars of Nambung National Park are a must-see, especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Pinnacles Desert — part of Nambung National Park, this otherworldly landscape of thousands of limestone spires rising from yellow sand is one of Western Australia's most iconic sights.
• Lesueur National Park — a biodiversity hotspot with over 900 species of wildflowers, walking trails, and dramatic mesa-like hills. It's a 40-minute drive inland from Green Head.
• Leeman — a tiny fishing village just south of Green Head, with a historic jetty and a laid-back pub. Worth a quick stop for a drink with a view.

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