Hearson's Cove

Hearson's Cove is a sheltered coastal beach on the Burrup Peninsula near Karratha in Western Australia's Pilbara region. Located about 15 kilometres from the Karratha town centre, it is known for its expansive tidal mudflats, red rocky cliffs, fringing mangroves and wide sandy shore. The cove is famous for the natural 'Staircase to the Moon' effect visible on full moon nights between March and October, and lies adjacent to the Murujuga cultural landscape.

Visitors can expect a wide, shallow beach with extensive tidal flats that are exposed at low tide and covered at high tide, backed by low red cliffs and mangroves. The area offers open views across Nickol Bay, sandy and muddy foreshore for walking, picnic shelters and lookouts, and clear night skies. At high tide swimming and paddling is possible, while low tide reveals vast mudflats. On full moon evenings between March and October, the Staircase to the Moon reflection can be observed over the water.