Hearson Cove is a sheltered sandy cove on Burrup Peninsula, flanked by rugged red-hued hills and opening onto Nichol Bay. At high tide its calm, shallow waters make it a favourite swimming and snorkelling spot, while at low tide vast mudflats are exposed — you can walk hundreds of metres out to the 'turtle islands' and spot turtles on the coral cay. The cove is also one of WA's prime Staircase to the Moon viewing locations (May–Oct). Historic landing site of F.T. Gregory's 1861 Northwest Exploring Expedition.
Hearson Cove
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 2.7 sWind Speed 0.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Jim BendonThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in warmer months, particularly November through April.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Currents strengthen as tide recedes across the broad mudflats; swimmers should be tide-conscious.
Low risk: Staircase to the Moon crowds
Popular natural phenomenon from May to October draws large crowds; beach and carpark fill quickly on full moon evenings.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
From Karratha, head north on the Burrup Peninsula Road, then turn onto Hearson Cove Road which leads directly to the beach carpark. Approximately 28 km (25–30 min drive) from Karratha, or 15 min from Dampier. Fully sealed road, suitable for all vehicles (2WD).
Parking & facilities
Dedicated carpark at the beach; fills quickly during full moon (Staircase to the Moon) events.
toiletsparkingpicnic_tables
Free entry. Day-use area only; no camping permitted.
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports