North Beach Cliff Walk
Post
Subscribe
Between the Watermans and North Beach swimming spots along West Coast Drive lies a one kilometre stretch of exposed rock faces and sandy beach. For the more adventurous walkers out there this makes for a perfect change to the usual easy going beach comb.
The walk is best done at low tide as the rock pools amongst the jagged shoreline are a lot less dangerous and the waves crash safely on the drop off a few metres from of the coastline. The calm rippling of water into the pools makes for a very pleasant and photogenic journey.
After parking your car at Watermans Bay you can either make your way past the picnic area or get right out onto the rocks from the start. On the north side of the car park are some pretty nice spots of smooth rock and isolated sandy stretches that you can have all to yourself to relax in the summer sun.
Moving south past the small North Beach bay is the first set of rocks you'll have to navigate. Hidden in the centre of this rocky outcrop is a serene shallow reef area, with a convenient rocky ledge stretching out through the water. It's not uncommon to spot small reef fish in the pool and the calm water is just perfect for dogs!
After getting past the cliffs the beach opens out into a wide, sandy stretch behind jagged exposed rocks. Although you can't swim here its quietness makes it another great spot to just sit back an unwind, or let the dog loose for a run.
The next section of rocks hides an intricate maze of rock pools, underground streams and hundreds of crabs of all sizes. Twisting through and under the rocks are cutout channels that feed into large, calm pools of crystal clear water. This protected area is also a nursery for young fish, with abundant supplies of vivid green algae and seaweed to feed on.
From here another expanse of white sand presents itself, although this one is usually a little more popular. This part of North Beach is popular with dog owners as there is a break in the rocks down the south side that is suitable for swimming.
Just south of the main dog beach is the popular fishing jetty and the proper North Beach swimming beach. The jetty hangs out somewhat perilously over large waves crashing into cliffs and shallow reef below - definitely not a spot to jump from!
So if you're bored with your usual sandy beach walk why not attempt to conquer the rocky outcrops of North Beach? You may get a few scratches on the way but you and your dog will be left with a great sense of achievement afterwards.
#beaches
#dog_friendly
#north_beach
#northern_beaches
#outdoor
#walks
#watermans_bay
%wnperth
142389 - 2023-06-13 18:55:36