Hamelin Bay Stingrays

Oceania, ,
aerial drone photo of two Hamelin Bay stingrays visible in the clear blue water. there is dark seaweed at the top of the image and and some old jetty pylons in the bottom left of the image

One of the loveliest beaches along the Australian South West Coast is Hamelin Bay due to its friendly local residents known as the Hamelin Bay Stingrays.

Low tides, a vast expanse of bright white sand and the turquoise waters entice people. Throw in the chance to wade with the stingrays and you’ve got a tourist hot spot. Hamelin Bay offers so much! The protected aquatic environment is officially known as Ngari Capes Marine Park. Set against a backdrop of Australian bushland, a lovely cliff walk, a beautiful campground and the ability to witness beautiful creatures in their natural habitat

A drone shot of two sting rays and gliding from right to left of the image. swimming away from them on left is a shark! They are all close to shore with the beach visible at the bottom of the image and dark seaweed visible at the top. the old jetty pylons are also visible in the bottom right of the image

Table of contents

How to get to Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay is a three to four drive from Perth. Follow the highway from Perth straight down the west coast of Western Australia. Passing towns like Bunbury, Busselton and through the gorgeous Margaret River.

Hamelin Bay is a secluded area accessible by one road in and out, imaginatively name Hamelin Bay Road. Making it the perfect quiet getaway destination!

Hamelin Bay Address: Hamelin Bay Road, Hamelin Bay, Western Australia, 6288 

What kind of stingrays visit Hamelin Bay?

Black Stingrays, Eagle Rays and Smooth Stingrays are a common sight at Hamelin Bay.

They inhabit the shallow waters near the old jetty pylons and boat ramp predominantly. However, can also be seen floating gracefully on the soft ocean waves. 

The local fisherman would feed them as they were returning to the boat ramp after a day of fishing. And so it came to pass that the sting rays are now always on the lookout for their next meal.

Feeding the stingrays no longer occurs and is definitely not allowed or encouraged!

The local rays are so popular and such a part of Hamelin Bay, that they are now protected. It is illegal to catch or harm them.

Information board highlighting the different stingrays in the Hamelin Bay area. The boat ramp is to the right of the image and the jetty pylons are to the left. directly in front is the beach and the ocean. there a few boats floating out on the blue water

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The best time to see the stingrays

The Hamelin Bay Stingrays are happiest in summer when the water has less seaweed and the tides are calm.

The best time to spot friendly stingrays is in the mornings. They seem to be more active and in higher numbers. You have a better chance of getting a car park and having fewer people around, jostling to see them.

Try to get there by 8 am to beat the people staying at the nearby holiday park too.

the white sand of Hamelin bay beach with a bench seat on the sand. in front of the bench are the old jetty pylons. beyond the jetty is he clear blue water of Hamelin Bay with a few boats floating in the ocean

Pack up your beach essentials, find a spot on the beach, and make a day of it! Or better yet stay at the nearby holiday park for a few days. Give yourself the best chance to see them over several days.

However with anything to do with nature and wildlife these things can’t necessarily be predicted. If the beach is busy or there are no sting rays when you visit there are other things to do. Don’t despair.

Times you definitely want to avoid are school holidays! Just don’t do it yourself!

What to expect from your Hamelin Bay stingray experience

Expect to see a few rays cruising up and down the shoreline. As well as floating around the old jetty pylons and boat ramp.

the Hamelin Bay boat ramp leading down the centre of the image into the clear blue water. there is white sand either side of the boat ramp. In the water are a few boats against the blue sky. there a few white fluffy clouds top right of the image

They are very inquisitive so may glide in close to you to see what you’re all about. However, as they are protected do not attempt to touch or feed them.

There may be a few people on the beach all trying to catch a glimpse of the beautiful stingrays. Don’t overcrowd the rays.

Luisa is standing ankle deep in the clear blue water. There are two stingrays in the water behind her. one large and one small sting ray with the larger one closer to Luisa. She is wearing an orange and white striped summer dress and straw hat. she has her canon camer slung over her right shoulder and is pointing to the stingrays with her left hand. She is so excited she has her mouth open in a huge smile

They move up and down the beach. Therefore give them space, wander up the beach a little and you’ll be sure enough to see some glide neat your.

For your comfort, while visiting there are several toilet blocks near the car park as well as the kiosk at the nearby holiday park for drinks and snacks.

How to photograph the stingrays

There are the traditional ways such as your smartphone and DSLR camera. Of course, these are great options and probably all you need for some fabulous photographic memories.

However! If you want to level up your photos consider adding these to your photography kit.

  • Drone
  • GoPro
  • Water Dome

Firstly, drones will give you an aerial perspective. Therefore you can clearly see the stingrays in the water. Flip between photo and video to capture movement and the incredible glide that stingrays have. Also, change the height and angle you shoot at. Furthermore, always be conscious of flying over wild animals and not getting too close or low with the drone!

two stingrays gliding in the water close to shore. There is one large stingray at the bottom of the image following a smaller stingray closer to the top of the image. there is dark seaweed to the left of the image and white sand on the right of the image

Secondly, a GoPro will get those all-important underwater shots! Therefore between the drone your Gopro and your smartphone, you have all angles and perspectives covered. Because the GoPro can go underwater but you need to keep a safe distance, invest in a pole attachment that you can sweep under the water. Follow the stingrays as they glide underwater from a safe distance and capture a unique perspective.

two Hamelin Bay stingrays close to shore. one in the foreground is half out the water and showing his wing out the water. the stingray at the back is totally under water but still visible

Finally, a water dome! A dome attachment for your GoPro will give you that under-over effect in the water. Undoubtedly the most unique perspective of them all. Capture the stingrays and the wonderful world underneath the water whilst also capturing what’s happening above the water. Whether that’s boats, the cliffs on the horizon or you!

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What to bring

Like any day at the beach, it pays to be prepared with everything you may need. As well as avoiding having to pay for too many (expensive) items at the local kiosk!

  • bathers
  • clothes to throw over your bathers
  • beach towel
  • sun cream
  • hat
  • snorkelling gear
  • reef shoes
  • shoes/things to do the cliff walk
  • picnic food and drinks
  • plenty of water
  • beach umbrella for those long days on the beach!

Other things to do in Hamelin Bay

If the sting rays aren’t around when you visit there are other things you can do, such as;

  • Have a swim or a snorkel in the bay
  • Go for a beach walk along the beautiful white sand
  • Walk along the boardwalk on the cliffs to the Hamelin Bay Observation Deck
  • Grab a coffee or an ice cream at the Hamelin Bay Holiday Park kiosk
  • Visit the Margaret River Sculpture park
  • Jump back in the car and head to the Boranup Forest Maze for a bit of nature-based fun
a view along the waters edge of Hamelin Bay beach looking towards the cliffs.. The white cliffs are on the left of the image and the ocean to the right. In the water is an island. On the white sandy beach are a few people walking in the water
An aerial view of the white cliffs and the board walk and lookout on top. The cliffs edge is left to middle of the image and surrounded by beautiful blue ocean in shades ranging from light turquoise to deep blue
an aerial view from on top of the cliffs looking back toward Hamelin Bay beach and the old jetty pylons. The ocean is to the left of the image with one boat is visible in the water. the vegetation at the bottom of the cliffs are visible to the bottom of the image. The jetty pylons are in the far background to the top left of the image

Accommodation options in & around Hamelin Bay

There are multiple options for accommodation in and around Hamelin Bay. The gorgeous and world-renowned Margaret River Region is a mere 30-minute drive from Hamelin Bay. If there is no availability at the Hamelin Bay Holiday park or that’s simply not your style, Margaret River is a great alternative.

Hamelin Bay Holiday Park

You can’t get any closer to the action than the Hamelin Bay Holiday Park. It is mere steps from the park to the beach. Offering accommodation ranging from cottages to powered and unpowered campsites. Nested in Australian bushland and under a canopy of peppermint trees, it’s a beautiful secluded location to rest and relax. There’s something for all budgets, travel styles and nature lovers amongst us.

Hamelin Bay old jetty pylons to the right of the image. the white sand beach is in the foreground and the blue ocean in the background

Heritage Trail Lodge Margaret River

The Heritage Trail Lodge has ideally situated accommodation on the edge of the beautiful Bramley Forest overlooking the towering Karri trees and abundant birdlife of the National Park. As well as being only a brief walk to Margaret River township, it is perfectly placed for day trips to Hamelin Bay.

Offering a range of different accommodation options as well as Spa Suites, Heritage. Suites and Forest View spa suites

Booking.com

Prideau’s of Margaret River

Located about a 30-minute drive from Hamelin Bay it is perfectly placed in Margaret River. Therefore making it a great base location for day trips to Hamelin Bay while having all the modern conveniences and shops nearby. There are several different room options available. As well as offering Free Wifi, Air Conditioning, Parking, DVD, free infant beds, microwave, and refrigerators. 

Hamelin Bay Seaclusion

Nestled amongst the Karri trees and where the first meets the sea, you’ll find Hamelin Bay Seaclusion. A home featuring 4 bedrooms, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, bbq and an outdoor deck. As well as bunk beds, a playground and other amenities for kids. It’s the perfect place for a visit to Hamelin Bay

What are you waiting for then? Book your next holiday and enjoy your time with the stingrays – we assure you, it will be a remarkable one!

Hamelin Bay Stingray do’s and don’ts

These animals are wild and will defend themselves with the dangerous barb on their tail if disturbed. They are not normally aggressive but it is important to remember they are wild creatures.

  • Look but don’t touch
  • Take lots of photos
  • Always keep your distance, at least a few metres away
  • Do not feed the sting rays. They are wild animals and need to be able to forage and source their own food
  • Do not walk too close or swim with the rays
two stingrays close to the waters edge, one larger in front of a smaller one. In the background are boats and yachts floating in the distance

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