Whiting Beach

Whiting Beach is a low, south-facing 50-metre strip of sand in a quiet bay, tucked beneath dense forest. The fairly shallow water makes it a good swim or snorkel stop when conditions are calm. A small freshwater waterfall sometimes reaches the back of the beach, but its flow is not dependable. Come for a secluded shore and a swim, not a long stretch of open sand.

You can arrive by boat or walk in from Steamers Beach car park along the marked Booderee Circuit and Whiting Beach side trail. Allow a little over 4 km each way on foot; the full headland circuit is 11.4 km and takes about four hours if you visit all the main sites. Set aside at least half a day if you want time at the beach as well as the walk. Carry food and drinking water for the outing and stay on marked tracks.

Most of the approach is undulating fire trail, with some exposed sections. Near the beach, a narrow sandy path drops to about 150 metres of uneven rock shelf, with small rock hops before the sand. Wear enclosed shoes for this final section.

The dark tree line behind the small sweep of sand is the beach's distinctive frame. When the little freshwater waterfall is running, look for it against the forest at the back; you may only catch a glimpse, so don't plan your walk around seeing it.