Photo: Hezbolarki Fun Ship at en.wikipedia / Public domain
Hamelin Bay is a serene coastal hamlet on Western Australia's Coral Coast, famous for its crystal-clear waters and the friendly stingrays that glide through the shallows. This is a place where you can wade among gentle marine life, explore historic jetties, and soak up some of the state's most photogenic beach scenery. It's a perfect stop on a drive between Perth and the Margaret River region.
Highlights & What to See
- Stingray Experience: The bay's resident stingrays are remarkably accustomed to humans. Wade into the calm, knee-deep water and watch them glide around you — a truly magical encounter.
- Hamelin Bay Jetty: The remnants of this historic jetty, once used for exporting timber, create a striking silhouette against the turquoise water. It's a favourite spot for photography and fishing.
- Snorkelling & Swimming: The sheltered bay offers excellent snorkelling conditions, with sandy bottoms and seagrass meadows home to colourful fish. The water is usually calm and clear.
- Coastal Walks: Walk north along the beach to find secluded coves and dramatic limestone cliffs. The Cape to Cape Track passes nearby, offering longer hiking options.
- Wildflowers in Spring: From August to October, the surrounding heathlands burst into a carpet of wildflowers, adding a splash of colour to the coastal landscape.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors find that half a day is enough to enjoy the stingrays, take a swim, and explore the jetty. If you want to do a longer coastal walk or simply relax on the beach, you could easily spend a full day. Combine it with nearby attractions in the Margaret River region for a multi-day itinerary.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Augusta: A charming town at the mouth of the Blackwood River, home to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
- Margaret River: World-class wineries, craft breweries, and gourmet food producers — a must for foodies and wine lovers.
- Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park: Dramatic coastline with caves, towering karri forests, and the iconic Canal Rocks and Bunker Bay.
- Boranup Karri Forest: Drive through towering karri trees, one of the tallest tree species on Earth, with walking trails and picnic spots.
- Yallingup: Renowned for its surf breaks, rugged limestone cliffs, and the Ngilgi Cave with its ancient formations.
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
- Augusta — GeorgieSharp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Margaret River — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park — Bram Souffreau / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Boranup Karri Forest — Hughesdarren / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Yallingup — Gnangarra / CC BY 2.5 au
- Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — Photograph by Greg O'Beirne / CC BY 2.5