Orchid Beach (FR3) runs for 14.5 km from the South Ngkala Rocks to rocky Waddy Point. The wreck of the Marloo is located down the beach. The beach undergoes a transformation as it heads south and curves into the lee of the point. The first several kilometres are identical to Manann, with an energetic, rip-dominated double bar system. However, as waves are lowered and refracted around the point, the beach begins to swing around to face north-east, then north, while the lowering waves cause the inner bar to become more continuous with fewer, smaller rips. A deep trough parallels the bar and separates it from the outer bar that runs to within 2 km of the point. Over the last 2 to 3 km of lower energy, north facing beach, another phenomenon contributes to the beach. Large, submerged sand waves periodically move around Waddy Point and manifest themselves as a long sand spit that parallels, then joins, Orchid Beach, often enclosing a backing, elongate lagoon (Fig. 2.1b). The surf zone also widens considerably over the shallow sand wave. As these sand waves move along and merge with the beach, they cause it to vary considerably in width and topography. At times they produce an excellent surfing break along the edge, in lee of the point. Orchid Beach is also the location of the national park headquarters and the Orchid Beach Resort; a low profile resort set in amongst the casuarina trees, with its own landing strip. The southern end, in lee of the point and sand waves, is also a very popular sheltered camping area, used by fishers and surfers. read more

Beach Length: 14.5km