Hearsons Cove is a small beach surrounded by steep rugged hills of the Burrup Peninsula. It faces into Nichol Bay, on the opposite side of the peninsula to Withnell Bay.
Between May and October, Hearsons Cove is one of the few places where you can see the phenomenon called the Staircase to the Moon, where the light from the rising moon shines across exposed tidal flats. It is best seen at Roebuck Bay in Broome where it is most famous for, but can also be seen at Cossack, Dampier, Onslow, Point Samson, Port Hedland, and of course, here at Hearson’s Cove.
If fishing is your thing, Hearson’s Cove is a popular fishing spot with a variety of fish caught here.
The tides play a big part in what you do here. Swimming is a popular activity during the high tide while walking out along the flats that extend for hundreds of metres is possible during the low tide.
Hearsons Cove is a day-use area so camping is not allowed. Camping would be handy when staying to see Staircase to the Moon, however, it is only about 30 minutes back to Karratha. Camping is being considered for the Murujuga National Park but is not available at this time. Hearson’s Cove itself is not part of the Murujuga National Park but the surrounding hills are.
The gravel road into Hearson’s Cove is suitable for normal cars. A four-wheel drive will let you get closer and onto the beach when you get there but it is definitely not essential to go.
To get there:
From Dampier, head south on the Dampier Hwy and 1.7km after the Red Dog statue turn left into Burrup Rd. Follow Burrup Rd for 9.3km, driving through Burrup, and turn right at the brown sign for Withnell Bay. Follow the road/track for about 2.5 to 3km to reach the beach of Withnell Bay.
From Karratha, head west along Dampier Hwy towards Dampier. After passing the cemetery (Madigan Rd) continue for 16.2km and turn right into Burrup Rd with the brown sign for Withnell Bay. Follow Burrup Rd for 9.3km, driving through Burrup, and turn right at the brown sign for Withnell Bay. Follow the road/track for about 2.5 to 3km to reach the beach of Withnell Bay.
