Hamelin Bay WA: Locals Guide + Best Things To Do 2024
Hi I’m Wendy, A Perth resident, who has visited Hamelin Bay numerous times while staying in the region.
Hamelin Bay is a small town in Western Australia’s South West that’s home to a large population of friendly stingrays. The rays can be seen swimming and feeding in the bay’s shallow water year-round. Although stingrays are the main attraction, there are other things to do in Hamelin Bay, including swimming, fishing, and snorkelling.
This small settlement was once a port servicing the timber industry between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. 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, leading 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.
Entry to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park is free.
It will take you just over a 3-hour drive from Perth and half an hour from the Margaret River region.
You can add Hamelin Bay onto a Perth to Margaret River road trip or Perth to Albany via Margaret River.
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. Your best chance of seeing them is between the boat ramp and the old Hamelin Bay jetty.
You do need to time it, though, as the water can be quite choppy in the late afternoon – they prefer calmer water, and it’s harder to spot them when the ocean is rough. 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 animals and have venomous barbs, 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 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 many visitors to the Southwest.
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
Advanced divers will love the fantastic wreck dives – there are 11 wrecks to explore in the Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail.
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 involves some short, steep sections, but you will be rewarded with magnificent views.
Hamelin Bay Observation Deck
A short walk along the Cape to cape track leads you to the Hamelin Bay Observation Deck. From here, you have stunning ocean 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. However, there are no BBQs or grassed areas 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.
Read this guide on things to do in Augusta for more information and outdoor activities.
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 the coastal scenery, explore limestone caves or go fishing- whatever your interests are, there’s no shortage of excitement in the Margaret River Region.
Plan your day trip with 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 and 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, I suggest staying in Margaret River – these are our choices for the best accommodation in Margaret River.
Hamelin Bay Weather
The hottest months are in our summer (Dec-Feb) where the average highs are 36°C. March, April & November still have warm 30°C 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°C and a minimum of 9°C.
The most rain falls between May and August.
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