Three Bays Walk

Three Bays Walk is a 12.4 km out-and-back from Tidal River footbridge to Whisky Bay via Squeaky Beach and Picnic Bay. It stitches headland track, short connecting paths and beach walking into a coastal walk that pays off in three different bays instead of one quick beach stop. The corridor is about 6.2 km each way; without a car shuttle, you turn around at Whisky Bay and retrace the whole line, allowing about four hours for the return. This is a good half-day pick if you want to see more of the coast and don't mind repeating the way back. If Squeaky Beach is your main draw, the shorter 4.2 km return walk from the same footbridge is the simpler call.

Cross the Tidal River footbridge and follow the coastal track up the headland between Norman and Leonard bays. A short, steep pitch leads to a viewpoint over Tidal River with Mt Oberon behind it. At the Pillar Point junction, keep to the Three Bays route; the optional Pillar Point spur is 720 m each way and adds a worthwhile detour only if you want more walking. Descend to Squeaky Beach, where the rounded quartz grains squeak underfoot. The sand is part of the walk, not just a view from above. At its north end, the route turns inland, crosses a creek and climbs to the connector toward Picnic Bay.

Picnic Bay is a smaller stop in the sequence, with intertidal rock-pool habitat at its northern end. From there, a connecting path leads to Whisky Bay, crossing Whisky Creek on a bridge before reaching the beach. At the north end, red-lichen-coloured rocks make a distinctive finish. For a phone photo, include a strip of surf beside those rocks so their colour reads against the water; a close crop of rock alone could belong to any coast. These short beach and track transitions are what make the route feel like a linked shoreline walk rather than a long approach to one destination.

This is a Grade 3 route with short steep sections and real stretches of sand. The four-hour return estimate is a reasonable target, but leave time to pause at each bay and for the climbs you repeat on the way back. The beaches are not patrolled, and strong currents and wave surges can make the exposed rocky edges dangerous; don't treat the beach stops as protected swimming spots. Dogs are not allowed in the national park. Start at Tidal River footbridge in the main visitor area. The Tidal River General Store is close to the start and sells basic supplies and takeaway food and drinks; at the other end, a toilet is available up the short access track to the Whisky Bay car park. A one-way walk needs a car shuttle. On busy summer days, parking at Tidal River can be difficult and the park limits the number of vehicles entering.