A Remote Coastal Journey Through Sand Dunes to a Pristine White Beach
| Activity | Walking (Intermediate) |
| Distance | 20.0 kilometres return |
| Duration | Approximately 7 hours return |
| Region | Eyre Peninsula |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Start Point | Yangie Bay Camping Area, Coffin Bay SA 5607 |
| End Point | Yangie Bay Camping Area (return) |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Dogs Allowed | No |
Overview
If you’ve ever wanted to walk to a beach that feels like the edge of the world, the Yangie Bay to Long Beach Hike delivers exactly that. This 20-kilometre return walk begins at the Yangie Bay Camping Area in Coffin Bay National Park and winds through vegetated sand dunes, samphire flats, and coastal mallee scrubland before arriving at Long Beach — a vast, empty stretch of white sand backed by towering dunes and lapped by the cold waters of the Southern Ocean.
This is not a walk for those seeking crowds or convenience. Long Beach is one of the most remote and inaccessible beaches in the park, reachable only on foot or by high-clearance 4WD from the opposite direction. The trail is flat but sandy in places, and the 10-kilometre approach builds anticipation with every step — the bush gradually thins, the sound of surf grows louder, and then the trail opens onto a beach so vast and empty that the only footprints in the sand may well be your own.
The Walk
From Yangie Bay into the Dunes
The trail departs from the Yangie Bay Camping Area, heading east along a walking trail near the picnic shelter. Within 150 metres, you reach a junction signposted for the various Yangie Bay trails. From here, the Long Beach trail heads slightly inland, following sandy tracks between vegetated dunes. The landscape is low and scrubby — coastal mallee, tea-tree, and native grasses that have adapted to the relentless wind and salt spray that defines this coastline.
The going is mostly flat but the sandy surface can be slow underfoot, particularly in warmer weather when the sand is dry and loose. Good walking shoes are essential, and poles can be helpful for maintaining rhythm over the longer sandy sections.
Through Samphire Flats and Scrubland
As the trail pushes further from Yangie Bay, it passes through samphire flats — low, salt-tolerant vegetation that glows in vivid shades of red, orange, and green depending on the season. These flats are ecologically important, providing habitat for a range of shorebirds and small reptiles. Between the samphire zones, the trail weaves through denser coastal scrub where kangaroos are commonly seen resting in the shade during the heat of the day.
Birdlife is a constant companion along this stretch. White-bellied sea eagles circle overhead, ospreys hunt along the shoreline nearby, and smaller bush birds — honeyeaters, fairy-wrens, and thornbills — dart through the flowering scrub.
Arriving at Long Beach
The arrival at Long Beach is one of those moments that makes the effort worthwhile. The trail emerges from the final band of dune vegetation onto a beach that stretches for kilometres in both directions, with nothing but white sand, rolling surf, and an unbroken horizon. In the early morning, the sand has a faint pinkish hue from the shell grit, and the only movement is the occasional pelican gliding low over the waves.
Long Beach is an ideal spot for a long rest before the return journey. Bring lunch, shelter from the wind behind a dune, and take time to explore the beach in both directions. The sense of isolation here is profound — this is one of the few places on the Eyre Peninsula where you can genuinely feel like you’ve left the modern world behind.
Planning Your Walk
Timing and Fitness
Allow a full day for this walk. While the terrain is not steep, the 20-kilometre round trip through sandy tracks requires a reasonable level of fitness and stamina. Start early in the morning, particularly during warmer months, to avoid the heat of the middle of the day and to give yourself plenty of daylight for the return. Some walkers arrange a 4WD pickup at Long Beach rather than completing the return on foot, which is worth considering if you prefer a one-way walk.
What to Bring
Carry at least three litres of water per person, as there is no fresh water available along the trail. A hat, sunscreen, and wind protection are essential — the coast can be exposed and the wind persistent. Pack lunch and snacks for a beach stop at the turnaround point.
Getting There
The trail starts from the Yangie Bay Camping Area, accessible by 2WD from the township of Coffin Bay, approximately 50 kilometres west of Port Lincoln. The camping area has toilets, picnic shelters, and a kayak launch.
The Yangie Bay to Long Beach Hike is a walk for those who love solitude, ocean, and the simple pleasure of earning a beautiful destination on foot. It rewards patience and endurance with one of the most pristine and untouched beaches on the Eyre Peninsula — a place where the sand stretches endlessly and the silence is broken only by wind and surf.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Eyre Peninsula Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.