Sheringa Beach

The salmon beach

Forty kilometres south of Elliston, a turn off the Flinders Highway at the old Sheringa settlement leads down to one of the west coast's classic wild beaches. Sheringa Beach is long, white and pounded by Southern Ocean swell — and it is one of the most famous Australian salmon beaches in the state, drawing dedicated beach fishers from across the country when the schools run. The name comes from Tjeiringa, an Aboriginal word for a yam-like root that grew in the district.

Surf and respect

The same swell that stirs the salmon makes Sheringa a respected surf spot, with powerful beach breaks and a left-hand reef that works on its day. This is unpatrolled, serious ocean — rips are constant, and swimming is only sensible in the corners on small days. Surfers chasing the full west coast circuit can find the bigger picture in our story on surfing the west coast.

Stay the night

Bush camping is available behind the dunes — basic, cheap and magnificently positioned, with the sound of the surf all night and sunsets that fill the whole western sky. There are no facilities to speak of, so come self-sufficient. The cliff-top salmon ledges at Locks Well, 25 km up the coast, complete the salmon pilgrimage.