Fotheringate Beach (FI 38) commences at the low rocks and curves initially to the northeast (Fig. 4.298), then east for 5.9 km to Lagoons Point, the long low sandy foreland formed to the lee of Big Green Island. The wide low tide terrace continues for the first few hundred metres past the shallow sandy mouth of Fotheringate Creek. As the beach trends north wave energy increases sufficiently for rips to form during periods of higher waves, their morphology often remaining for some months during the ensuing lower wind waves. Up to 10 rips extending 100 m seaward and spaced 200-300 m can occupy the centre of the beach. The northern section becomes increasingly sheltered by the island and maintains a 50 m wide low tide terrace. The beach is backed by a continuous foredune, which is scarped in places and has transgressed up to 100-200 m inland reaching heights of 20 m, with a drained wetland and farmland behind. The northern wetland is drained by Fergusons Creek across the centre of the beach. The only public access to the beach is in the southern corner. read more

Beach Length: 5.9km