Waratah Bay consists of an open, southerly facing bay that contains a 15 km long beach. The beach runs from the Shallow Inlet entrance to the small settlement of Waratah Bay, at the western end of the beach. The beach is exposed, with high waves averaging 1.6 m at Shallow Inlet. Waves remain high as far as the settlement of Sandy Point in the centre of the beach, where Waratah Beach SLSC is located. From this point, wave height gradually decreases to 1.4 m, toward the western end where the small settlement of Waratah Bay is located. The high waves and fine sand combine to produce a wide, low gradient beach, fronted by a 300 m wide surf zone consisting of two shore parallel bars. The inner bar is cut by large rips every 300 m and is detached from the shore following high waves. A 100 m wide trough separates this from the outer bar, which is cut by rips every few hundred metres. Toward the eastern end of Waratah Bay, the inner bar becomes more continuous and the rips less active. The entire beach is affected by westerly winds which, when blowing, intensify the waves and rip currents. The Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club, formed in 1963, is located at the Sandy Point settlement. It provides the only good beach access and parking in this area, and the benefit of a patrolled section on this potentially hazardous beach. Access and a beach boat ramp are also provided at the Waratah Bay settlement. read more

Beach Length: 15km