Wharton Beach is a stunning, remote stretch of squeaky-white sand and dazzling turquoise water about 100 km east of Esperance, within the Duke of Orleans Bay area. A favourite among locals, this pristine beach offers a peaceful, uncrowded vibe — you may well have it all to yourself. The fine quartz sand squeaks underfoot, and the crystal-clear shallows are inviting for snorkelling along the rocky edges of the bay. Dolphins are often spotted surfing the waves alongside visitors. While better known as a surfing destination, the right-hand side of the bay offers good snorkelling opportunities over shallow rocky reef, with calm conditions on low-wind days.
Wharton Beach
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 0.4 knPrecipitation 5.8 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Rip currents and surf
Strong rips and currents can form, particularly when surf is up. Wharton Beach is a popular surfing spot, and wave conditions can change rapidly.
Low risk: Unpatrolled beach
Wharton Beach is unpatrolled with no lifeguard presence. Swimmers and snorkelers enter at their own risk.
Low risk: Remote location
Remote location 100 km from Esperance with limited mobile reception. Visitors must be self-sufficient with food, water and fuel.
Low risk: Beach vehicle traffic
4WD vehicles may be driven on the beach. Exercise caution near vehicles, especially when entering or exiting the water.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
4 photos from the community
Getting in
Entry
Located approximately 100 km east of Esperance, near Duke of Orleans Bay. Follow Wharton Road off Orleans Bay Road. A car park is available on the left side of Wharton Road, with 4WD beach access on the right. The drive from Esperance takes about one hour.
Parking & facilities
Sealed car park available on the left side of Wharton Road. 4WD vehicles can also drive directly onto the beach. Camping available at nearby Orleans Bay Caravan Park (approximately $15/night, unpowered sites, cannot be pre-booked). No overnight camping on the beach itself unless designated areas are
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Gallery ┬╖ 4 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