Eighty Mile Beach

Stretching for 220 kilometres along Western Australia's remote Pilbara coast, Eighty Mile Beach is one of the world's longest uninterrupted beaches. This spectacular arc of white sand meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, creating a wild and utterly serene escape. Unlike its name suggests, the beach is actually over 130 miles long, offering endless horizons for beachcombing, fishing and watching dramatic sunsets. It's a haven for birdwatchers and those seeking true solitude, with the nearby Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park providing the only accommodation for miles.

Highlights & What to See

• Beachcombing & Shell Collecting: The beach is famous for its abundant shells, including the rare 'Eighty Mile Beach cowrie'. Walk the low-tide line to find colourful shells, sea sponges and coral fragments.
• Fishing: A premier fishing destination, with catches including threadfin salmon, golden snapper and giant trevally. The beach is accessible for 4WD vehicles, but drive carefully on the sand.
• Birdwatching: The beach and adjacent wetlands are a stopover for migratory shorebirds. Look for sandpipers, plovers and the occasional brolga near the tidal flats.
• Sunset Views: The endless western horizon makes for spectacular sunsets. Head to the southern end near the caravan park for uninterrupted views.
• Turtle Nesting (Nov–Mar): Flatback sea turtles nest along this coast. With a permit, you can join a guided turtle tour to see nesting females or hatchlings making their dash to the sea.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one to two nights at the caravan park, which allows a full day of beach activities and a sunset. If you're a keen fisherman or birdwatcher, consider three nights. The beach is best visited between April and October, when the weather is mild; summer heat and stinger season (box jellyfish) make the sea unsafe from November to March.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome (220 km north): The pearling town with Cable Beach, Chinatown and the famous Staircase to the Moon. A perfect add-on for supplies and culture.
• Port Hedland (200 km south): A major iron-ore port with fascinating industrial tours and the pretty Cemetery Beach.
• Karijini National Park (inland): About 400 km south-east, this stunning park boasts gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes – a dramatic contrast to the coast.
• Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park: The beach itself is part of this protected area, with excellent snorkelling on the reef flats at low tide.

Please check official sources for current details.