Published on Tuesday, 4 March 2025 at 4:06:54 PM
The Shire’s Environmental team have been working on Coastwest-funded coastal protection projects at Tjaljraak Boodja Park and surrounds since 2020. Efforts have been concentrated on halting out-of-control erosion on a maze of tracks, reducing the spread of dieback, replanting dune vegetation and protecting replanted areas with fencing.
Recent initiatives have addressed the damage caused by a network of 4WD tracks that cross over Hammer Head between the bay east of Little Wharton Beach and Hammer Head East Beach, also known as Yellow Sands Beach. Following the closure of these 4WD tracks, the construction of a walk trail to access Hammer Head East Beach from the east was prioritized to ensure continued community access to this valued location.
The 4WD tracks to Hammer Head East Beach were initially closed in the winter of 2021 due to dangerously advanced erosion, which posed significant safety concerns for users. The accompanying photo illustrates one of the dramatic drop-offs that awaited unsuspecting or novice 4WD drivers.
As is often the case with 4WD tracks, when an issue arises on the original route, drivers tend to detour around the problem area, creating an additional track. When this area deteriorates drivers go around again, pushing the track even wider. Unchecked, this can turn large areas of bushland into a maze of degraded trails, as shown in the photo below. In the photo, a member of the Shire’s Environmental team illustrates the depth of erosion on one of the many tracks, where the original ground level is now above head height. The image also highlights a large sandy area where three 4WD tracks converge behind the staff member, starkly contrasting with the pristine coastal heath in the background. This area has clearly suffered severe degradation.
To add to the urgency of closing these tracks, it has been discovered that Phytophthora dieback is present in this area. Continued use of the 4WD tracks would risk spreading the dieback disease across this reserve, which is not only a beloved playground for locals, but also features an exceptional display of Kwongkan shrublands forming a nationally-protected Threatened Ecological Community.
The short scenic walk trail constructed after closure of the 4WD tracks may be accessed from the track heading south off Nares Road. This new walk trail provides a peaceful route to a relaxing time on the beach, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a safe, car-free beach. After the hustle and bustle of Wharton Beach on a warm summer’s day, this quieter spot will be a welcome retreat for many.
The Shire’s Environmental team are now working to restore the maze of eroded tracks. Fencing has been installed to protect the seedlings being planted to stabilise dunes and return the area to the spectacular natural bushland environment we value so greatly.
The Duke of Orleans Bay, Tjaljraak Boodja Park, Wharton Beach and surrounding areas are treasured community assets – we think of them as our backyard, and we all want to preserve our favourite spots so we can bring our kids and grandkids back to share and rediscover with them just how good it is!
You can help protect our unique environment from erosion, dieback and other forms of destruction, by respecting these track closures. Together, we’ll make it happen – and together we can enjoy the fantastic new scenic walk trail to a car-free beach!
Read our earlier story on the new Hammer Head East Beach walk trail here.
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