Misery Beach, Beach in Torndirrup National Park, Australia.
Misery Beach is a sandy cove within Torndirrup National Park, framed by large granite outcrops and sheltered by rocky formations on both sides. The shoreline features white sand sloping into clear water, with the granite walls creating a defined natural boundary around the swimming area.
The beach was named during the 1800s when the whaling industry operated offshore, with blood and waste from processing washing onto the shore. That industrial period gave the place its stark name, though the cove is now far removed from those operations.
The Menang, the traditional owners of this coastal land, used the area across many generations for spear fishing, camping, and hunting kangaroos. Visitors today can sense this deep connection to the land in how the place remains shaped by these practices and knowledge.
Reaching the beach involves descending multiple steps and a wooden ramp from the gravel parking area, which requires reasonable physical effort. Visitors should wear good shoes and allow extra time to navigate safely down to the shoreline.
The beach was selected by Tourism Australia as the nation's Best Beach in 2022, reflecting its transformation from an industrial past to a protected natural space. This recognition brought fresh international attention to the qualities that make it stand out among other coastal destinations.
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