The Thurra River reaches the coast 1.5 km west of the Mueller River. It also has a shallow lagoon and flows across the beach as a shallow channel. The dunes have been blown for up to 3 km across Point Hicks and now descend up to 80 m into the river, producing a sand choked river mouth. During floods, the sand is washed out onto the beach to continue its movement along the coast. This whole process is known as headland bypassing. Thurra Beach is 3 km long, beginning at the rocks just east of the river mouth and running west then south-west to the first rocks of Point Hicks. The beach receives waves averaging 1.4 m at the river mouth, which decrease in height toward the western end. The beach is composed of fine dune sand and is low and flat, with a 200 m wide surf zone containing a usually attached inner bar, cut by rips every 300 m; and an outer bar with more widely spaced rips. The outer bar is only active during big seas. The Thurra or Lighthouse gravel road reaches the coast at the river mouth and runs along the back of the beach to the lighthouse gate. The Thurra River Camping Area begins at the bridge and follows the river mouth around to the beach. This is the largest camping area in Croajingolong National Park and is very popular in the holiday periods. Bookings are essential. read more

Beach Length: 3km