Western Australia · Attraction
Point Samson and Honeymoon Cove
Coral gardens and seafood village
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Point Samson is a relaxed coastal village at the eastern edge of the Dampier Archipelago, roughly 50 kilometres from Karratha, built around some of the finest snorkelling beaches in the Pilbara. Honeymoon Cove, a 150-metre pocket of pale sand facing north-east, offers clear protected water at high tide and an exposed coral reef running the length of the beach at low tide - coloured with fish and coral that earn regular comparisons to the Great Barrier Reef. The village also has a strong reputation for fresh seafood, with the Point Samson Tavern and local eateries drawing visitors who make the drive specifically for the prawns and reef fish.
The reef at Honeymoon Cove is accessible directly from the beach - no boat required - making it one of the most beginner-friendly snorkel sites in Western Australia. Coral trout, red emperor, and spangled emperor are commonly spotted in the shallows, and dugongs and sea turtles are regular visitors to the bay. John's Creek, a short walk further along the headland, offers additional snorkelling and is a popular spot for shore-based fishing. Public toilets, outdoor showers, and a small car park are provided at Honeymoon Cove.
Between July and October, humpback whales migrating southward are frequently spotted from the jetty lookout, and the village's heritage trail traces its history as a deep-water port built in 1902 to service pastoral and pearling operations that Cossack could no longer accommodate. The Staircase to the Moon is also visible from the peninsula's viewing platform during full moon periods between April and October. Point Samson is entirely free to visit - simply drive in, park, and explore at will.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Point Samson and Honeymoon Cove.
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