Burnie is the second largest city in northwest Tasmania with a population of over 20 000. It has a major port and associated industries and is a major service centre. The town is located on low ground in lee of Parsonage and Blackman points, with the port in lee of Blackman Point. Wharfs and breakwaters extend nearly 1 km east of Blackman Point providing more shelter and anchorage for shipping. Today the port and its facilities form the eastern boundary of Burnie, while West Beach forms the northern (Fig. 4.235). The beach is located adjacent to the main business area and is backed by both a road and railway line. Wedged in between the railway and the sand is a reserve containing the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club, which was established in 1921, a large elongate car park , playground and picnic facilities (Fig. 4.236). West Beach (T 1087) is a 700 m long northeast-facing sandy beach bounded to the west by the low Parsonage Point, while a seawall, Blackman Point and port facilities form the eastern boundary. In addition rocks lie across the centre of the beach, just west of the surf life saving club. The beach is composed of medium sand, which combines with the usually low waves to produce a moderately steep narrow high tide beach, which widens up to 100 m at low tide. read more

Beach Length: 0.7km