Stingrays at Hamelin Bay, WA, Australia

IG: @bethsandland

Western Australia has some of the most stunning beaches in the world and Hamelin Bay, with its impeccable white sand and crystal clear water, is no exception. Just a half hour drive from the popular Margaret River wine region, what makes Hamelin Bay extra special is that it’s home to giant stingrays!

Head down to the beach first thing in the morning and if you're lucky you’ll be graced with the company of these gentle giants. The stingrays were initially attracted by discarded fisherman catches and now frequent the spot out of habit. They’re incredibly inquisitive and will happily swim right up to the shore, brushing over the toes of visitors.

The beach has good facilities too

Be calm and gentle and this close up encounter will easily become one of the highlights of your time in Western Australia. The beach itself is very wide and the waters calm, so it’s a great spot for a morning dip too. There’s a carpark (again, the early bird catches the…stingray?), toilet facilities and a beach side shower too.