Ocean Beach (Tasmania) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ocean Beach Tasmania
Ocean Beach Location in Tasmania

Ocean Beach is a very long sandy beach on the west coast of Tasmania, an island state in Australia. It stretches north from a place called Macquarie Harbour and a narrow entrance known as Hells Gates. This beautiful beach is quite close to the town of Strahan and runs alongside the Strahan Airport runway. It goes all the way north to Trial Harbour and the coast near Zeehan.

Exploring Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a special place known for its natural beauty and wild conditions. It's a popular spot for visitors and locals who want to experience Tasmania's rugged coastline.

Wild Weather and Ocean Waves

Ocean Beach faces the open ocean with no land between it and South America. This means it can experience some truly extreme weather! When big storms hit, you can see huge waves crashing onto the shore. Sometimes, a special buoy near Cape Sorell has measured waves over 20 meters (about 65 feet) high! Imagine waves taller than a five-story building!

Fun in the Sky: Gliding

Back in the 1940s, people used Ocean Beach for a fun activity: gliding! Local clubs would use the wide-open beach area for their gliders, which are like airplanes without engines. They would soar through the sky, powered only by air currents.

Rescuing Whales on the Coast

Sometimes, whale stranding happens along this part of the West Coast. This is when whales get stuck on the beach. It can be very hard to help them because the area is isolated. There aren't many people living nearby to assist in the rescue efforts.

A Railway Stop in the Sand

Ocean Beach was also the name of a stopping place on the old Strahan–Zeehan Railway. This part of the railway line often had problems because shifting sand dunes would cover the tracks. It shows how powerful nature can be, even against human-made structures.