Located between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste, Hamelin Bay was once the port for the sawmills at Karridale, Hamelin Bay is today no more than a camping area, a beautiful beach, some islands near the shore, and a couple of remnant jetties which are literally no more than a few pylons and weathered timbers.
To the north, the beach leads to the Boranup Sand Patch and further to the mouth of the Margaret River, while south leads to Cape Leeuwin. The nearest locality to the east is Karridale on the Margaret River to Augusta road.
At its height Hamelin Bay was a major timber port. Today it is a popular locality for swimming, diving, camping, beach walks and picnics.
To the north, the beach leads to the Boranup Sand Patch and further to the mouth of the Margaret River, while south leads to Cape Leeuwin. The Cape to Cape Track runs across the beach to the west of the town making Hamelin Bay one of the few settlements located along the track.
Hamelin Bay is named after French explorer Jacques Félix Emmanuel Hamelin who sailed through the area in 1801. It is south of Cape Freycinet.
In the 1950s the local camping area utilised the shells of a large number of decommissioned Perth Trams. None remain, and in addition to unpowered and powered camp sites there are now a small number of onsite cabins and a handful of chalets with modern facilities. A number of camp sites have been removed to accommodate these structures. A shop, and ablutions are located within the Camping Area. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers on-site accommodation in a variety of cabins and cottages to suit all budgets. Over 100 powered and unpowered camping sites, including several caravan sites, are also available.
Jewell Cave
Jewel Cave is the biggest show cave in Western Australia, with four massive chambers. It is also home to one of the longest straw stalactites found in any tourist cave in the world. In 2011, Jewel Cave was awarded a gold medal in the "Tourist Attractions" category at the WA Tourism Awards, as well as a silver in the Eco Tourism Category. Jewel Cave is also home to the spectacular new Jewel Cave Preservation Centre which features retail and cafe facilities complete with an interpretive area that will take visitors on an educational, visual and inspiring fifty-year journey.
Guided tours of Jewel Cave run daily at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm. Additional tour times are available during holidays, please check with CaveWorks on +61 8 9757 7411.
Jewel Cave is less than 10 minutes drive from Karridale or Hamelin Bay.
Where is it?
The nearest locality to the east is Karridale on the Margaret River to Augusta road. Karridale is located 30km south of Margaret River, on Bussell Highway. Just head straight through Margaret River – it’s about 15 minutes south of Witchcliffe.
Hamelin Bay is 6km south-west of Karridale – from Bussell Highway, follow Bushby or Chapman Roads which will lead you to Hamelin Bay Road - it’s well signposted. If you’re heading down Caves Road from Margaret River, it’s about a 30 minute drive. Look out for Hamelin Bay Road on your right.
Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail
Hamelin Bay was notorious for wrecks occurring during bad weather – its exposure to prevailing weather making it a dangerous location for anchoring or mooring. The Maritime Museum of Western Australia’s database of wrecks includes numerous vessels which foundered in or near Hamelin Bay. An anchor from one of the wrecks was retrieved and is now situated in the beach car park at Hamelin Bay.
Following the Hamelin Bay Wreck Trail requires a boat and diving qualifications as it is an underwater trail that visits the numerous wrecks which lie in Hamelin Bay. Once the port for the sawmills at Karridale, Hamelin Bay is today no more than a camping area, a beautiful beach, some islands near the shore, and a couple of remnant jetties which are literally no more than a few pylons and weathered timbers.
Boranup
Boranup lies within the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park between Caves Road and the coast, and creates a powerful contrast with the rest of the coastline. Tall pale-barked karri trees, reaching 60 metres or more high, dominate the hilly slopes and valleys.
Gravel roads suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles wind through the forest to picnic and camping spots. It's just a short walk to Boranup Lookout which gives sweeping views over the forest and the coast west along Boranup Beach to the strikingly beautiful Hamelin Bay.
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