Waitārere Esplanade Reserve, Foreshore and Surf Club, Waitārere Beach

Waitārere Esplanade Reserve is an ideal spot to park up and go for a wander along the beach. Here you can visit the remnants of the Hydrabad shipwreck which foundered after a gale on 24 June 1878 while on a voyage from Lyttleton to Adelaide. The wreck has been almost completely covered by sand over the years, a testament to the power of wind, sand and ocean.

It’s also a good place to see dunes covered in the native sand grasses such as pingao and spinifex which are much lower than the marram dunes you’ll see in most other parts of the country.

There are good swimming spots nearby and this is a patrolled beach during summer. Toilets and carparking available at the Waitārere Beach Surf Life Saving Community Facility. Horses allowed on the beach but please keep off the dunes. Dogs allowed off leash on the beach outside of patrolled swimming areas. Freedom Camping allowed: Maximum stay 2 nights. Maximum number of vehicles 4.