40 Mile Beach

40 Mile Beach stretches along roughly 64 kilometres of WA's Pilbara coast, about 40km west of Port Hedland. Despite its scale, it remains a relatively low-key spot - popular with locals from Port Hedland and travellers passing through the region, but far less visited than many of Western Australia's better-known coastlines. The name is straightforwardly descriptive: this is simply a very long beach.

At 12 metres above sea level and sitting on a remote stretch of the northwest coast, the beach offers wide open space and the kind of undeveloped shoreline that's increasingly rare. Don't expect infrastructure or crowds - this is a place to bring what you need and make the most of the natural setting.

What to See and Do

The main draw here is the beach itself - the sheer length of it means you can walk for a considerable distance without encountering many other people, particularly on weekdays. Swimming is possible, though conditions demand some attention. Strong currents, rips, and undertows are present, so take the water seriously. If the beach is patrolled, swim between the flags; if not, exercise caution and choose calmer sections carefully.

The landscape is quintessentially Pilbara coast - flat, expansive, and unshaded. The light here is particularly striking in the early morning and late afternoon, when the low angle picks up the colour of the sand and water. Both are good times to visit for photography or a walk along the shoreline.

Getting There and Access

From Port Hedland, head west on the North West Coastal Highway for approximately 40km and follow local roads to the beach. There is no public transport to the beach, so a private vehicle is essential.

Parking is free and informal - there's no sealed car park, just a sandy area near the beach entrance with capacity for roughly 20 to 30 vehicles. If the ground is wet, a high-clearance vehicle is advisable, as the soft sand near the beach edge can be problematic for standard cars. Park well back from the waterline regardless of conditions. There is no dedicated accessible parking, and the terrain is uneven throughout.

Visitor Tips

There are no facilities at 40 Mile Beach - no toilets, no taps, no shade, and no food or drink available. Everything you need must come with you from Port Hedland before you arrive.

• Bring sufficient water and food for your entire visit
• Check tide times before you go - conditions change, and tidal movement affects both swimming safety and beach access
• Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the midday heat and to get the best light
• Keep a close eye on children near the water given the potential for strong currents
• Apply and reapply sunscreen - there is no shade anywhere on the beach

Best Time to Visit

April through October is the recommended window for visiting, when temperatures along the Pilbara coast are more manageable. The best swimming conditions fall between May and September. Avoid the December to March period: extreme heat and jellyfish make conditions uncomfortable and, at times, genuinely hazardous. Visiting midweek will also give you a quieter experience than weekends, when Port Hedland residents make up the bulk of the crowd.