About this park
Mirning Marine Park spans approximately 400km of Western Australia's south coast from Caiguna to Eucla in the Shire of Dundas and has exceptional cultural and ecological value. Mirning Traditional Owners have cared for Sea Country for many thousands of years and have a continued connection and a responsibility to protect its lands and waters.
Ancient geological forces have shaped the coastline into a diverse and ever-changing landscape. In the west, limestone cliffs, sandy shores and reefs create important habitat for wildlife. To the east, powerful surf washes onto coarse sandy beaches where nutrient rich seaweed provides food and shelter for many species.
The impressive Baxter Cliffs, which rise 80m high from the ocean at the western end of the park, extend almost 200km along the coast from Point Culver (within the adjacent Western Bight Marine Park) to Twilight Cove, south of Cocklebiddy. Rock platforms, beaches, seagrass and reef habitats support western rock lobsters, rays, salmon, herring, white sharks, whales and Australian sea lions. Ospreys, sea eagles, and seabirds of the Southern Ocean, including little penguins and great-winged petrels, can also be found here.
Beach and boat fishing are popular for visitors looking for that quiet, unspoilt, remote adventure. It is recommended that visitors have experience travelling in off-grid, remote locations and four-wheel driving. There are no formal boat ramps along the coast, and road access is limited to rugged four-wheel drive tracks.
The closest coastal access from Eucla is via a 5km 4WD track to the ruins of Eucla Jetty. Head 12km east to Eucla National Park and take in the views of Mirning Marine Park from the top of the limestone cliffs.
There are three sanctuary (no take) zones but recreational fishing from the beach or boat is permitted in many areas. Know before you go, download the zoning map, read How do marine parks work and Zoning in Western Australian marine parks, and check DPIRD rules recreational fishing for rules on licences, size, bag and possession limits.
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Read this safety information about swimming, surfing, fishing, paddling, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
- Coastal and cliff risks are significant along this remote coast.
- Travelling in remote locations - be well prepared and self-sufficient. Carry camping gear, fuel, water, non-perishable food, first aid and tool kits, spare tyres and parts, recovery gear and two-way communication.
- Be aware that beaches are notoriously treacherous for vehicles in wet conditions and it is easy to become bogged when the seaweed has built up and the sand is wet and soft. Beware of being trapped by rising tides. Tide predictions can be found at Bureau of Meteorology.
- Mobile reception is not available in most remote areas. Roadhouses along the Eyre Highway have phone coverage. Consider taking a PLB or satellite phone.
- Travel plans should be left with trusted contacts such as family or friends.
- Know before you go and read safety information on coastal conditions and natural hazards.
- Shark safety and information can be found at SharkSmart.
- Look out for BEN signs along the coast. Use these signs to guide emergency services to a specific location with the Beach Emergency Number on the signs.
- Download the free Emergency + app before your visit which can be used in the event of any emergency to call for assistance. If there is no mobile phone coverage you WILL NOT be able to call 000 but the app will provide you with GPS location details.
Gallery
Commonwealth Waters
Offshore from Twilight Cove Beach and seaward of the Mirning Marine Park boundary, the Commonwealth-managed Twilight Marine Park features a seafloor that is a shallow continental shelf. The marine park is a haven for nutrient-rich habitats that support rock lobsters, fish, small sharks and rays, and important foraging areas for Australian sea lions and white sharks.
Facilities
No toilets at this location. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
Activities
Bird watching
Boating
Canoeing and kayaking
Fishing
Kite boarding
Nature photography
Scenic flights
Scuba diving
Snorkelling
Surfing
Swimming
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Large seagrass meadows, macroalgae assemblages and temperate reefs are found in the marine park which is part of Australia's Great Southern Reef.
Rock platforms, beaches, seagrass and reef habitats support western rock lobsters, rays, salmon, herring and white sharks, whales, Australian sea lions. Ospreys, sea eagles, and seabirds of the Southern Ocean, including little penguins and great-winged petrels can also be found here.
From June to November each year, Southern right whales use sheltered bays for breeding and calving. Humpback whales migrate along the south coast between May and November, between the Antarctic summer feeding grounds and northern Western Australian breeding and calving grounds. Threatened Australian sea lions also breed and forage in the area.
Discover fun facts about Western Australia's marine plants and animals and what makes them so special.
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded in Mirning Marine Park.
Traditional Owners
Mirning Marine Park is jointly managed with the Mirning Traditional Owners, who have depended on and cared for their Sea Country for thousands of years.
Join local communities in mindful appreciation of Mirning Sea Country and respectful exploration of natural places, plants and wildlife.
