Squeaky Beach: Australia’s Best Beach ‘in Danger of Being Loved to Death’ by Overtourism After Lonely Planet Listing
Squeaky Beach, nestled on the western edge of Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, Australia, has long been a hidden gem for nature lovers. Its name derives from the unique squeaking sound produced when visitors scuff their feet on the ultra-fine white quartz sands. But since being crowned Australia's best beach by Tourism Australia in 2024 and earning runner-up status on Lonely Planet's 2025 global list, this paradise is grappling with the double-edged sword of fame: overtourism.
The Allure of Squeaky Beach
What makes Squeaky Beach so irresistible? Picture this: sparkling turquoise waters that shift from deep green to brilliant blue under the sun, framed by massive granite boulders and rolling sand dunes. The beach's quartz grains, polished smooth by natural forces, create that signature squeak—a auditory delight that's become Instagram gold. Offshore, the sands infuse the sea with a crystalline shimmer, drawing photographers, hikers, and families alike.
Located within the 50,000-hectare Wilsons Promontory National Park—affectionately called 'The Prom'—Squeaky Beach offers more than just a beach day. It's a gateway to diverse ecosystems, including coastal heathlands teeming with wildlife. Visitors can spot endangered hooded plovers nesting on the shores or southern brown bandicoots foraging in the dunes. The area's cultural significance to the Indigenous Bunurong people adds layers of heritage, making it a site of both natural and historical reverence.
The Surge in Popularity and Its Consequences
The accolades have supercharged visitor numbers. In 2023, the park saw around 400,000 annual visits. By 2024, that figure climbed to 500,000, and projections for this year exceed 600,000. Summer weekends tell the tale: shuttle buses unload waves of tourists, transforming the once-serene beach into a bustling hotspot. Rangers report hundreds arriving by the busload, eager to test the sands' squeak and snap selfies against the boulders.
This boom mirrors broader trends in Australian tourism. Take the Blue Mountains, where K-pop sensation Jennie from Blackpink's 2023 Instagram post from Lincoln’s Rock lookout—seen by over 80 million followers—sparked a 4.5 million-like frenzy. The result? Exploding crowds led to rubbish piles, illegal parking, vandalism (including carved initials on rocks), and even human waste in the bush due to absent facilities. Fearing fatalities after two near-death falls, authorities closed the site for three months, citing 'inherent danger.'
While The Prom's numbers are lower than the Blue Mountains' 5 million yearly visitors, the rapid growth is alarming. A former ranger, speaking anonymously, warned that Squeaky Beach is being 'loved to within an inch of its life.' Observations from a recent visit revealed children sliding down fragile dunes, despite prominent warning signs, accelerating erosion and disturbing native plants that stabilize the landscape.
Environmental Impacts Unfolding
The dunes aren't just pretty backdrops; they're vital ecosystems. Chief Ranger Brett Mitchell emphasizes that trampling, sliding, or jumping on them hastens erosion, harming coastal vegetation like spinifex grass that binds the sand. This not only exposes the beach to storms and tides but also endangers species. The hooded plover, a shorebird on the brink, relies on these dunes for nesting. Bandicoots, small marsupials, use them for foraging and shelter. Rubbish left behind—plastic bottles, snack wrappers—poses ingestion risks to wildlife and pollutes the pristine waters.
Parks Victoria notes that fencing the dynamic dunes is impractical; they shift with winds and rains. Instead, rangers patrol daily, removing litter and educating visitors. Yet, the pressure mounts. Erosion scars are visible, and cultural sites with Indigenous significance risk degradation from foot traffic.
Conservation Efforts and the Path Forward
So, how to balance beauty with sustainability? In 2023, Parks Victoria launched a public consultation for a new management plan, with visitor caps emerging as a hot topic. The plan, initially slated for 2024, has been delayed twice as stakeholders, including traditional owners, refine it. Collaboration with the Bunurong Land Council ensures Indigenous voices shape protections for sacred sites.
Broader strategies include timed shuttle services to stagger arrivals, enhanced signage, and eco-education programs. Tourism operators are urged to promote off-peak visits and low-impact practices, like sticking to boardwalks. Globally, similar overtourism woes—think Venice's entry fees or Bali's beach cleanups—offer lessons. Australia's Great Barrier Reef, strained by divers, has implemented permit systems; The Prom could follow suit.
Experts like environmental advocate Dr. Sarah Thompson argue for data-driven limits: 'We must cap numbers before irreversible damage occurs. Squeaky Beach's squeak could fade if dunes vanish.' Meanwhile, the Victorian government invests in infrastructure, like more composting toilets and waste bins, to mitigate human impacts.
Lessons from Comparable Sites
Comparing to the Blue Mountains underscores urgency. Mayor Mark Greenhill there decried the 'explosion' post-Jennie's post, leading to closures. At The Prom, social media amplifies risks; influencers' shares can spike visits overnight. Parks Victoria is piloting social media guidelines for creators, encouraging responsible promotion.
A Call for Mindful Tourism
Squeaky Beach embodies Australia's wild allure, but its fame tests our stewardship. As visitors flock to hear that magical squeak and bask in turquoise glows, the onus is on all—tourists, influencers, and policymakers—to tread lightly. By supporting sustainable practices, we can ensure this crown jewel endures for generations. Next time you plan a trip, consider: Is your visit preserving the squeak, or silencing it?
In the end, Squeaky Beach isn't just a destination; it's a reminder that natural wonders thrive when loved responsibly. With proactive management, Victoria's gem can continue sparkling without the scars of overtourism.
