Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
50 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
6 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Scarness Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity moderate, average temperature +22.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Scarness Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.3 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Scarness Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 50 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Scarness Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 6 000 metres.
Scarness Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in September. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is August. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Scarness Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Scarness Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: mosquitoes, sandflies. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Scarness Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Scarness Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Scarness Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: The Beach House Hotel, Salt Café, Scarness Jetty Kiosk. Cuisines available: Modern Australian, Seafood, Italian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Scarness Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Headwear, Insect repellent, Cash.
Scarness Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to swim is from September to April, when the water is warmest. For whale watching — from June to October. Early morning the water is calmest.
Scarness Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is recommended in the patrolled zone. Swimming in unpatrolled areas is prohibited. Dogs on the beach must be kept on a leash.
Scarness Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Scarness Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children thanks to calm stinger-free water and shallows. Suitable for kayaking, fishing and whale watching. Not suitable for surfers — there are almost no waves.
Scarness Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is one of the best places in Australia to watch humpback whales during their migration from June to October. The Scarness Jetty, built in 1917, is 870 metres long and once connected trains to ships.
Scarness Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: 6 km of golden sand, Calm stinger-free water year-round, Lifeguard patrolling, Well-developed infrastructure: cafes, shops, toilets, Scenic Scarness Jetty from 1917, Whale watching from June to October, Shady foreshore reserve. Cons: Shallow water, not suitable for surfing, Water can be murky after rain, Crowded in high season, Limited parking on weekends, No natural shade on most of the beach, Mosquitoes and sandflies in the evening, The beach is geared towards quiet family holidays.
Scarness Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Scarness Jetty, Whale Watching, Hervey Bay Historical Village, Fraser Island (K-gari). Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Scarness Beach: how do I get to the city of Hervey Bay?
The beach is located near the city of Hervey Bay. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Hervey Bay.