Nine Mile Beach - Untamed Beauty from Tuncurry to Black Head

Nine Mile Beach is one of the Mid North Coast’s Most Striking Natural Assets

A raw and wild strip of coastline stretching for nine miles between Tuncurry and Black Head. 

This expansive beach delivers a different mood each day, from glassy calm mornings to booming surf that pounds the shore with primal force.

The beach is not patrolled and it has lots of rip tides so extreme care is needed if swimming.

A Beach of Many Moods

Not patrolled and often subject to strong rip currents, Nine Mile Beach is best enjoyed with caution if entering the water. But for those walking its length, beachcombing, or casting a fishing line, the setting is unforgettable. Sunrises here are particularly breathtaking, with golden light reflecting off wind-sculpted sand and shifting sea foam.

Some mornings the ocean is gentle and lapping; on others, it’s alive with rolling swells that thunder ashore. After big tides, the beach can reveal a scatter of shells, driftwood, and marine treasures washed up from the deep.

Birdlife and Wildlife Encounters

It’s not uncommon to share the shoreline with local birdlife, including terns, galahs, crows, and, of course, a watchful line of seagulls. Dolphins are frequently spotted here too, often cruising the waves or playfully surfing the swell just offshore — a magical experience for early morning walkers.

A Prime Spot for Fishing – Especially During the Mullet Run

Nine Mile Beach is a favourite among local fishers, offering opportunities to catch tailor, bream, and whiting year-round. One of the highlights of the calendar is the Mullet Run in April, when schools of fish move along the coast and the beach comes alive with fishing action.

Access Points and 4WD Information

The main entrance to Nine Mile Beach is near Tuncurry Sporting Complex, which includes a lookout and beach access for both pedestrians and four-wheel drive vehicles. From this northern access point, 4WDs can drive north along the beach. South of this point, however, beach driving is prohibited — this area leads toward Tuncurry Breakwall, popular with walkers and those looking to spot pelicans or fish off the rocks.

Tips for Visitors:

• Swimming not advised due to strong rips; check local conditions

• Best enjoyed during low tide for easier walking

• Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching or dolphin spotting

• Always check 4WD entry conditions with the local council before driving on the sand

• Be cautious walking on the breakwall when there rough seas

Why Visit Nine Mile Beach?

This is a beach for those who seek space, solitude, and a connection with nature. There are no cafes, shops or crowds — just the salt air, shifting sands, and that endless view north and south. If you’re in the Forster–Tuncurry region and looking to escape into the wild, Nine Mile Beach offers a rare chance to feel completely untethered.