North of Balcombe Creek is a near continuous strip of beach, including 900 m long Mount Martha North, 600 m long Hawker Beach and the smaller, 120 m long Craigie Beach. They all face west-north-west and are separated by small sandstone bluffs, with bluffs behind the beaches that steepen and increase in height towards Hawker Beach. The Esplanade parallels the shore on top of the bluffs. There is a car park and easy access on the north side of the creek. However, to reach Hawker and Craigie Beaches requires a walk up the beach or a steep climb down the 20 m high bluffs. There are numerous boat sheds lining the rear of Mount Martha North and Hawker Beaches. At Hawker Beach, a seawall fronts the boat sheds to protect them from erosion that has narrowed the beach, as far as the seawall in some places. The three beaches are exposed to westerly winds and waves, with storm waves building the rhythmic bar and beach. The rips are inactive under low waves, but will contain strong currents during strong winds and accompanying waves. read more

Beach Length: 0.6km