About this place
Walk an unspoilt beach with thundering surf beneath rugged cliffs or take in the dramatic coastal scenery from several lookouts.
Salmon Beach is just west of Windy Harbour along D’Entrecasteaux Drive and often bears the brunt of the winds and swells from the Southern Ocean. Although it is a popular destination in holiday periods, the sense of isolation and space is never lost.
A short walk from the parking area through dunes takes you to the beach. In one direction, limestone cliffs rise out of the sea, waves crashing at their feet and, in the other, a stretch of sand is backed by dunes. Walk the length of the beach and soak up the sights and sounds of this wild place.
For those looking for adventure, Salmon Beach provides decent surfing opportunities. Anglers might like to try their hand at catching dinner from the beach. The beach offers no protected areas for swimming.
A whale watching platform is set high on the limestone cliff at Tookulup providing unbeatable views of the southern coastline and limestone cliffs. The best time for whale watching is September to June.
There are three walk trails at Point D’Entrecasteaux. Each offers a different experience. You can choose your own adventure to suit your time frame and ability.
The Cliff Top Walk winds its way along the cliff top, connecting Tookulup with Point D’Entrecasteaux. At the calmer times of the year, this is a pleasant sunny walk. During winter and spring, you can experience being buffeted by the winds which roar across the cliffs, while looking down at the churning Southern Ocean below.
Learn about the coastal plants and animals and their adaptations to this most demanding of environments along this walk trail. This coastal walk takes you along the dunes and cliff tops and links Point D’Entrecasteaux and Windy Harbour via Cathedral Rock.
- Distance: 2.8km one way
- Class: 3 – moderate
- Time: Allow 1.5 hours
Safety information
Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!
Western Shield - The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife.
Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Pets are not permitted in this park.
For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.
Gallery
Facilities
Toilet
Activities
Fishing
Plants, wildlife and fungi
Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Salmon Beach.
Traditional Owners
We recognise and acknowledge Minang and Bibbulman people as the traditional owners of D'Entrecasteaux National Park.
There is evidence that Noongar people have lived in South-West Australia for over 47,000 years. The oldest archeological evidence at D’Entrecasteaux is dated at 6000 years, although this does not mean it wasn’t occupied early than this. Erosion of sand dunes within the park has revealed numerous stone artifacts, fish traps, quarry sites, mythological and burial sites. The majority of these are located around the Lake Jasper/ Meerup Dunes area, an area of particular archeological and cultural significance to the Noongar people. Artifacts have been found 10 metres below Lake Jasper’s current water levels, indicating a number of major campsites existed here when the lake was a prehistoric forest.
Wandjoo ngaalang kwoba/moorditj boodjar,
Nyoondool djinang ngaalang kwobidak Wardan, balyoongar, bilya, worl wer djinda kada werda ngaalang miya,
Ngaalang koort kalyakoorl nidja.
Welcome to our good/strong country,
You will see our beautiful sea, sand, rivers, sky, and stars across our place,
Our heart always here.
