A rugged van is parked amidst tall trees under a bright blue sky, showing the lush forest setting near Mount Chudalup in Windy Harbour WA.
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Windy Harbour (WA): 6 Things To Do + Tips To Plan Your Visit

Windy Harbour (WA) is a small settlement surrounded by the stunning D’Entrecasteaux National Park.

The town itself is a series of small shacks with a caravan park, but the scenery surrounding is breathtaking.

Rocky coastal cliffs at Tookulup Lookout, Windy Harbour WA, with vibrant blue waters and waves crashing along the rugged shoreline, showcasing the scenic beauty of Western Australia's coastline.
Tookulup Lookout, Windy Harbour, WA.

The beaches are unspoiled and serene, while the towering cliffs make for the most epic hikes. But it’s called Windy Harbour for a reason – it’s VERY windy!

Most people go there as a full-day trip from Pemberton, which is a 40-50 minute drive along a sealed road. There’s no need for a 4WD but if you’re into off-roading, you’ll find some great tracks nearby.

We recommend staying overnight, though – the camping here is superb. We’ll tell you all about it further down, as well as other things to do, the best time to visit, and all the info you need to plan your visit!

6 Epic things to do in Windy Harbour

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Bibbulman and Menang.

1) Four-wheel driving

This is where the real beauty of this place shines! Windy Harbour is any 4WD driver’s paradise, with huge sand dunes and tracks to test your skills.

White van parked in a forested area near Mount Chudalup, Windy Harbour WA, surrounded by tall, dense trees under a clear blue sky.

The tracks are well maintained, but they’re sandy and boggy, so it’s best suited for experienced drivers.

2) Swim at Cathedral Beach

This stunning spot is a serene swimming beach, a short drive from the main settlement.

There are some beautiful, huge rock formations in the area, which make for excellent pictures! It’s a great spot for a nice stroll on the beach, too.

3) Surf at Salmon Beach

Salmon Beach is a beauty, but swimming here isn’t the best idea. The waves are rough, making it better for surfing. Fishing here is also top-notch!

The beach is usually pretty empty, so you can enjoy the beach without crowds. It’s perfect for those looking for some peace and quiet.

4) Go for one of these hikes

Most of the hikes in Windy Harbour take you along the cliffs. They’re absolutely incredible for wildlife spotting – depending on the season, you might see whales, dolphins, and seals!

These are the 3 most popular ones:

  • Pupalong Loop Walk. A quick, 400m scenic hike with stunning views. It’s a great spot to do some whale-watching when in season (May to August). Trail map here.

  • Cliff Top Walk. A 2.6km walk (1-2 hours) with the most mindblowing views of the ocean and the harbour. Trail map here.

  • Coastal Survivor’s Walk. This is the longest one, a 7.2 km return walk that links up the Pupalong Loop Walk, Point D’Entrecasteaux Lookout, and Windy Harbour Township. You’ll be in for a treat! Trail map here.

Hiker on the summit of Mount Chudalup in Windy Harbour WA, overlooking a vast wilderness of green forest stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky.
Mount Chudalup – a 17-minute drive away from Pupalong Loop Walk.

Regardless of which hike you choose to do, we honestly recommend going when the wind is strong.

You’ll see the huge waves crashing onto the big cliffs down below, it’s exhilarating to see all that power come through.

Just make sure to hang onto your hat!

5) Go fishing

There’s excellent fishing in Windy Harbour, especially at Salmon Beach. You can catch herring, whiting, and skippy all year, plus salmon in autumn.

Fishing here is a tradition that comes back to the times the town was founded! Just remember to respect the rules and the environment while you enjoy the bounty.

6) Camping in Windy Harbour

There’s a small local campground with powered and unpowered sites, as well as most amenities. But we recommend camping off-grid if you’re self-sufficient.

You’ll be off-grid and battling the elements, but the experience is unmatched! The campsites are amazing, especially if you’re into four-wheel driving. Just be ready for wild weather, even in summer.

When is the best time to visit Windy Harbour?

The best time of the year to visit Windy Harbour is definitely summer, as the weather is perfect for all the outdoor activities available.

We recommend avoiding winter, as the weather gets very intense. You might want to stick to Pemberton’s trees.

Natural rock arch known as "The Window" at Windy Harbour WA, framing a view of the bright blue ocean beyond, showcasing the unique geological formations along the rugged coastline.
A nice weather in Windy Harbour!

As for the best time of the day:

  • Go in the morning if you want to swim. The waters are calmer as the wind is not as rough.

  • Go in the afternoon if you’ll go on a hike. The wind picks up and the waves are incredibly powerful, it’s mindblowing.

How to get to Windy Harbour?

Most people get to Windy Harbour from Pemberton – it’s a 40-50 minute drive from there. It’s one of the few places on this coast where the road is sealed, so you can get there even if you don’t have a 4WD.

Top Tips

Windy Harbour is part of D’Entrecasteaux National Park, so entry fees apply. You can purchase the park pass here.

The nearest petrol station is in Northcliffe, a 20-minute drive from Windy Harbour. Make sure to fuel up there before continuing the drive!

Hiker walking along a rocky path surrounded by lush vegetation on Mount Chudalup, Windy Harbour WA, with dense forest and native plants creating a rich, natural landscape.

Windy Harbour has a small general store, where you can stock up if you’re planning on camping.

Bring your own food, drinking water, and gear. The weather’s unpredictable, so pack for all conditions. And hey, always travel with a mate – safety in numbers, especially in the wild.

The reception isn’t good, though. So make sure you have offline access to any maps you need and let others know you’ll be there.

Did you know?

Windy Harbour was first settled in the 1920s by local timber workers who made trips there for fishing and inexpensive camping holidays.

By the late 1930s, holiday fishing huts started popping up, leading to about 80 huts by the 1950s. These evolved into the small settlement we know today.

The area is part of D’Entrecasteaux National Park, named after French explorer Bruni d’Entrecasteaux. He explored the region in the late 18th century, mapping much of Australia’s south coast.

FAQs

Can you swim at Windy Harbour?

Yes, you can swim at Windy Harbour! Mornings are the best time for this, as the waters are calmer. But the wind can pick up quickly and roughen the conditions, so be careful.

Is there accommodation available at Windy Harbour (WA)?

Yes, there’s plenty of accommodation available at Windy Harbour. There are some houses for hire and campgrounds, one with amenities like hot showers.

The bottom line

Windy Harbour is a hidden and rugged gem of Western Australia, perfect for those who want to truly connect with nature.

The four-wheel driving is excellent, Salmon Beach is epic for surfing and fishing, and there’s Cathedral Rock if you need a peaceful break.

The hikes are excellent as well, all showing off the raw beauty of D’Entrecasteaux National Park.

Camping in Windy Harbour is next level, especially if you’re into off-grid adventures. Be ready for some wild weather, even in summer.

Remember to fuel up in Northcliffe and bring all your gear – you don’t wanna get caught unprepared!

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