The Best Things To Do in Hamelin Bay Western Australia 2022

Hamelin Bay is a small town in Western Australia’s South West that’s home to a large population of stingrays. The rays can be seen swimming and feeding in the bay’s shallow waters year-round. Although the stingrays are the main attraction, there are other things to do in Hamelin Bay including swimming, fishing, and snorkelling.

This small settlement was once the major port for the timber industry. However, the open sea mixed with violent storms was catastrophic for the shipping vessels. A particularly bad storm on 22 July 1900 sank three ships which led to the port being closed.

Hamelin Bay now only consists of its beautiful beach, a camping area, a kiosk, and toilets.

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Location of Hamelin Bay Western Australia

Hamelin Bay is in Western Australia’s South West, on the coast between Margaret River and Augusta.

International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this Australia Travel Guide and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this Western Australia Travel Guide.

There are car hire booths at Perth airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental. Choose from Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, and Thrifty.
To compare rental car company prices, I use Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are have a high rate of customer satisfaction.

It will take you just over a 3-hour drive from Perth and half an hour from the Margaret River region.

Things to do in Hamelin Bay Western Australia

Hamelin Bay Stingrays

Snorkel around the bay and let these friendly creatures swim around you. If you don’t feel comfortable snorkelling, at certain times they head in close to shore to feed on the scraps left behind by fishermen.

You do need to time it though as the water can be quite choppy in the late afternoon and it’s harder to spot them. A summer morning, when an easterly wind is blowing, is your best chance of seeing them when the ocean is clear and calm.

Just remember they are wild and have a venomous barb, so don’t get too close to them and don’t touch them. Although they are not normally aggressive, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Also, feeding them (or any other wildlife) is illegal in Western Australia.

Tip: If you miss out on seeing them at Hamelin Bay, head down the road to Augusta. They sometimes come into the Blackwood River to feed on fish scraps outside the Turner Holiday Park. You might also see Dolphins and Pelicans here.

Fishing at Hamelin Bay

The beach is packed with fishermen in Autumn for the annual Salmon Run. It is such a huge event, that recreational fishermen contribute a staggering $331 million to the State’s economy each year. Schools of migrating Western Australian Salmon, which are different from the pink-fleshed Atlantic salmon, attract a large number of visitors to the Southwest.

Have a look at the images by SouthWestSaltWater, it’s incredible to see.

If you fish close to shore in a small boat, you might catch Herring, Whiting, and Skippy. Further out there is great fishing for Dhufish (my favourite), Pink Snapper, Samson Fish, and Queen Snapper.

Diving & Snorkelling at Hamelin Bay

There are some fantastic wreck dives for advanced divers. In fact, there are 11 wrecks to explore in the Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail.

There’s a lot to see snorkeling too. Leeuwin Charters run Hamelin Bay Snorkel Adventure tours to Boranup Beach (to the wreck of the Katinka) followed by a stop at Hamelin Island.

Hiking near Hamelin Bay

The Cape to Cape Track runs through Hamelin Bay beach so why not walk part of it. It’s a 13 km return trail to Cosy Corner which will take approximately 4 hours. The walk does involve some short, steep sections but you will be rewarded with some magnificent views.

Hamelin Bay Observation Deck

Just a short walk along the Cape to cape track, leads you to the Hamelin Bay Observation Deck. From here, you have stunning views of the bay and an information panel on the history.

Hamelin Bay Facilities

There are public toilets, a boat ramp, and a kiosk to buy snacks from. However, there aren’t any BBQs or grassed area for picnics.

Visiting Augusta from Hamelin Bay

Explore Augusta and the Blackwood River where you can visit a lighthouse, fish, surf, or relax by the river.

For more information, read this guide on things to do in Augusta.

Explore the Margaret River region

The region of Margaret River is known for its natural beauty and breathtaking views. The area features numerous wineries, beautiful farmland, stunning beaches, and majestic forests. You can enjoy coastal scenery, explore limestone caves or go fishing- whatever your interests are, there’s no shortage of excitement to be had in the Margaret River Region.

Find out more on this guide on things to do in Margaret River.

Camping and Accommodation near Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers a range of camping sites as well as self-catering accommodation. The camping grounds have amenities, washing facilities, a kiosk, a playground, barbecues, and a camp kitchen.

If you don’t want to stay at a caravan park, Augusta has a large variety of accommodation to suit all needs and budgets.

If you want to stay in a hotel, then I suggest staying in Margaret River.

Check out the site we use to see what great deals they have today.

Hamelin Bay Weather

The hottest months are in our summer (Dec-Feb) where the average highs are 36 degrees. March, April & November still have warm 30 degree days and would suit you better if you don’t like the heat.

The coldest months are in winter; June to August. During this time, the temperature will be around 21 and a minimum of 9.

The most rain falls between May and August.

Western Australia Travel Guide

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