Hamelin Bay Beach

From Augusta, it's a straightforward 17-minute drive; from Margaret River town, allow around 32 minutes. A sealed car park sits adjacent to the campground and beach — free to use, no ticketing system required. The beach sits within a national park area, so dogs are not permitted on-site. A ferry access option also exists for those arriving by water.

The stingray congregation in the shallows is the main event, but the granite boulders and remnants of the historic jetty make for compelling exploration along the waterline. A short drive of around 5.7 kilometres takes you into Boranup Karri Forest, where towering karri trees line one of the most scenic forest drives in Western Australia. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, about 20 kilometres away, marks the dramatic meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans and is Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse — worth the detour on any visit to this corner of the coast.

Karridale Tavern, roughly 4.9 kilometres from the beach, is the closest and most-reviewed option in the area and a reliable stop for a meal after a morning in the water. Hamelin Bay Wines, 8.5 kilometres away, pairs well with an afternoon wind-down. For something more special, Glenarty Road at 10.7 kilometres has built a strong reputation and is worth booking ahead.

Augusta Hotel/Motel, about 14 kilometres from the beach, is the nearest conventional accommodation option in the area. The campground adjacent to the beach itself is the most atmospheric base — you'll be metres from the sand and the rays.

The jetty ruins at golden hour cast long shadows across the turquoise water and make for a genuinely striking composition — arrive early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The granite boulders in the shallows, with rays gliding past in the clear water, offer a wildlife shot that's hard to replicate anywhere else on the Australian coast.

Stingray shuffling is not optional — drag your feet along the sandy bottom every single step when wading, because rays rest on the seabed and a direct footfall can trigger a sting. Do not touch or attempt to feed the rays under any circumstances; they are wild animals and must be given a respectful distance at all times. Strong currents can occur in certain parts of the bay, so avoid swimming alone or at night, and stick to the calmer, sheltered sections. Some areas have crumbling rocks — stay on marked paths and keep children away from unstable formations near the jetty ruins.