Western Australia · Attraction
Hearson Cove
Staircase to the Moon beach
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Hearson Cove is a sheltered sandy beach on the Burrup Peninsula, roughly 15 minutes north of Karratha, combining reliable family swimming with one of Australia's most photographed natural light shows. Between April and October, when a full moon rises over exposed tidal mudflats at extreme low tide, its reflection creates an optical staircase that appears to climb all the way to the moon. The cove also sits adjacent to Murujuga National Park, making it a natural base for exploring the peninsula.
At high tide the water is calm, clear, and warm - ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. At low tide the mudflats stretch wide, revealing a shell-scattered landscape that is fascinating to walk across, and patient observers often spot turtles resting near the coral cay at the cove's edge. Shade shelters, gas barbecues, and public toilets at the car park make this a genuinely comfortable full-day destination for families.
The Staircase to the Moon phenomenon draws large crowds on the two to three nights around each full moon from April through to October. The City of Karratha publishes an annual schedule of exact viewing times on its website. The phenomenon is also visible along other parts of the Pilbara coast, but Hearson Cove's broad flat mudflats and unobstructed northern horizon make it one of the finest viewing locations in the region. No entry fee applies and no booking is required - simply arrive before sunset, find a comfortable spot on the beach, and watch the spectacle unfold.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Hearson Cove.
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