Pyramids Beach, located in Port Bouvard, Dawesville, is a picturesque 1.4 km stretch of sandy shore that begins at the northern beachrock boundary of Florida beach and ends at the Dawesville Channel training wall. 

The Dawesville Cut and Channel

The Dawesville Channel is a marvel of modern engineering and a key component of the Port Bouvard and Dawesville development. This ambitious project involved cutting a 1km long, 200-meter-wide channel to connect the Harvey Estuary with the Indian Ocean. Today, it serves both recreational boaters and commercial vessels, significantly enhancing access and navigation.

Lifesaving Services and Safety

The Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club has been patrolling Pyramids Beach since its founding in 2004. Patrols are conducted over weekends and public holidays between October and April, ensuring the safety of beachgoers. With strong currents and several rips, particularly towards the northern end, swimming within the patrolled areas is highly recommended for your safety.

Beach Characteristics

Backed by Pleistocene calcarenite dunes rising up to 40 meters, Pyramids Beach offers a scenic backdrop for visitors. The beach features a low tide terrace and waves averaging just over 1 meter, which increase in height towards the channel. The northern half of the beach includes a central beachrock section with a boundary rip and a 50-meter wide bar cut by a central beach rip. Additionally, there's a permanent rip against the training wall, contributing to the area's dynamic coastal environment.

A Dynamic Coastal Environment

Pyramids Beach is not only historically significant but also a dynamic coastal environment shaped by human intervention and natural processes. The beach system extends northeast for 11 kilometers to Robert Point at Mandurah, with sand naturally moving around the point into the next sediment cell. This connection includes 13 near-continuous beaches separated by low beachrock reefs and calcarenite outcrops.

Northern Side and Erosion Challenges

On the northern side of the Dawesville Channel, there’s a shorter training wall (50 meters) and a 150-meter-long groin located 100 meters to the north. A seawall links these structures and extends for 500 meters to the north. The training wall controls the channel flow, while the groin aims to prevent southward sand movement into the channel. Despite these efforts, erosion remains a challenge as the northern side continues to be starved of sand.

Sand Management and Erosion Control

Sand movement is essential for maintaining the beach system at Pyramids Beach. Sand is periodically pumped under the channel from Pyramids Beach to the northern side to combat erosion. Without this ongoing process, the northern beaches would be deprived of sand and continue to erode. However, despite these efforts, ongoing beach erosion remains a challenge, highlighting the importance of continued sand management practices to preserve the beach's natural beauty.

Surfing and Recreation

Pyramids Beach is a haven for surfing enthusiasts, offering a small reef break at the southern end and beach breaks along the bar. The spur groin off the training wall causes the beach to spiral around, facing south against the wall. This configuration creates ideal conditions for both novice and experienced surfers to enjoy the waves.

Visiting Pyramids Beach

Pyramids Beach is more than just a beautiful coastline; it's a community hub that brings people together. Whether you're interested in joining the Port Bouvard Surf Life Saving Club, participating in the Woodside Nippers program, or simply enjoying a day by the sea, there's something for everyone. For the latest updates on beach closures and safety advice, be sure to visit beachsafe.org.au.

Embrace the local pride and enjoy all that Pyramids Beach has to offer. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant community activities, this coastal gem is an essential destination for both locals and visitors alike.