West Creek on Finucane Island, near Port Hedland, is a tidal estuarine snorkeling spot where mangroves fringe the creek mouth and the powerful Pilbara tides sculpt the landscape. The extreme tidal range — up to 8 metres — means the water rushes in and out with force, creating dynamic conditions best explored on a rising tide. This remote, natural setting offers a raw coastal experience away from crowds, with the chance to observe the flats and mangrove edges that characterise this unique Pilbara ecosystem.
West Creek (Finucane Island)
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 2.9 sWind Speed 3.3 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
West Creek (Finucane Island) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Extreme tidal range danger
Tidal range can reach up to 8 metres, creating very strong currents in the creek channel, especially during outgoing tide.
- Saltwater crocodiles danger
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the Pilbara estuaries and creeks; swimming is at your own risk. Crocs have been reported in the Port Hedland area.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Extreme tidal range
Tidal range can reach up to 8 metres, creating very strong currents in the creek channel, especially during outgoing tide.
High risk: Saltwater crocodiles
Saltwater crocodiles inhabit the Pilbara estuaries and creeks; swimming is at your own risk. Crocs have been reported in the Port Hedland area.
Moderate risk: Mangrove snags and submerged debris
Mangrove roots and submerged branches along the creek edges pose entanglement and injury risks.
Moderate risk: Industrial vessel traffic
Finucane Island is part of the Port Hedland industrial harbour zone; nearby shipping and boat traffic can create hazardous wakes and water movement.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Access via Finucane Island Road, which branches off the Port Hedland highway. The causeway crosses West Creek to reach Finucane Island. A 4WD vehicle is recommended due to unsealed access roads.
Parking & facilities
Limited roadside parking near the creek mouth on Finucane Island Road. No formal car park.
No fees required.
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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