Eighty Mile Beach

Stretching for 220 kilometres along the remote Pilbara coast, Eighty Mile Beach is one of Western Australia's most spectacular and untouched coastal wilderness areas. Its name is a misnomer — the beach is actually closer to 140 miles long — but the scale is staggering. This is a place of immense skies, turquoise Indian Ocean waters, and dazzling white sand that shifts underfoot. It's a paradise for beachcombers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking profound solitude. The beach is also a critical nesting site for marine turtles, and between November and March you can witness flatback turtles laying eggs or hatchlings scrambling to the sea.

Highlights & What to See

• Endless Beach Walks: Walk for hours without seeing another soul. The sand is firm and ideal for long strolls, especially at low tide when vast sandflats are exposed.
• Turtle Nesting Season: From November to March, flatback turtles come ashore to nest. Join a ranger-guided tour at the Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park to see this ancient ritual responsibly.
• Birdwatching: The beach and nearby wetlands attract hundreds of migratory shorebirds. Look for red-necked stints, curlews, and the occasional osprey.
• Fishing: The beach is famous for its surf fishing — try your luck for threadfin salmon, golden snapper, and giant trevally. Four-wheel-drive access is essential.
• Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is breathtaking. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend one to two nights at the Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park, which offers camping, cabins, and a well-stocked shop. Arrive early in the day to set up and catch the afternoon light on the beach. A full day allows for a long walk, a fishing session, and a turtle tour (in season). If you're self-driving the Great Northern Highway, it's a perfect overnight stop between Broome and Port Hedland — don't rush it.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broome: The pearling capital, 250 km north, with Cable Beach and vibrant Chinatown.
• Port Hedland: A working port town 200 km south, with impressive salt piles and the Spinifex Hotel.
• Karijini National Park: Inland via the Great Northern Highway, this park offers dramatic gorges and swimming holes — allow at least two days.
• Dampier Peninsula: North of Broome, this remote region features Aboriginal communities, pristine beaches, and the Horizontal Falls.
• Pilbara Region: Explore the ancient landscapes of Millstream-Chichester National Park and the ghost town of Cossack.

Please check official sources for current details.