What are the things to do and see at Horrocks? Horrocks is a lovely, very quiet, small beachside community, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
1. Horrocks Beach
Horrocks Beach with its white sand, is a great place to swim in the sheltered bay or snorkel on the reef. The jetty is ideal for fishing off too. In the summer there is a floating pontoon to jump off or slide into the water. When the weather is too cold for swimming, beach walking, collecting shells, building sandcastles and my favourite, taking photos are all great things to do and see in Horrocks.
Horrocks Beach
2. Grab a coffee or lunch at the Horrocks Beach General Store.
Horrocks General Store
Interesting Fact
In 1958, when the Big Bell Mine, near Cue, closed down the people left town, which forced the very grand Big Bell Hotel to close. The owner, Eddie Hannah, took the timber and anything else he could salvage from the hotel to Horrocks and built the General Store and some cottages. You can still see the hotel ruins today.
The Big Bell Hotel.
3. Willi Gulli Cave.
Willi Gulli Cave Handprints.
Willi Gulli Cave.
Entrance to the Willi Gulli Cave.
4. Horrocks Beach Sunset
Stunning Sunset on Horrocks Beach
Ending the day with fish and chips on the beach, watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean has to be one of the best experiences at Horrocks Beach. You will need to order the fish and chips at the General Store, before 5.30pm plus they close at 6.30pm.
5. Whale Watching
Every year from June to September, humpback whales can be seen going up the coast to give birth and returning with their calves. The Whale Watching Lookout is on Horrocks Road, at the top of the hill and the coastal views are beautiful.
The view from the Whale Watching Lookout.
Interesting Fact.
Horrocks was named after a convict, Joseph Lucas Horrocks. In 1852, he was sentenced to 14 years for forgery (about 1200 pounds that’s about $200,000 today!) when his business was going bankrupt. Joseph worked in the medical station at the Fremantle Convict Settlement, having had some experience from helping in the sick bay in the Royal Navy but no qualifications. The following year, he was sent to the new settlement at Port Gregory where he applied for a medical position and later became the unofficial Medical Superintendent. Joseph was given a Pardon in 1856 and spent the rest of his short life in Northampton. He died in 1865.
Travel Tips-
- The road from Northampton to Horrocks is winding- slow down on the bends.
- In Summer there are lots of insects especially flies- take a fly net and repellent.
- Watch out for kangaroos, emus and other wildlife on the road- don’t drive at dawn or sunset when they are most active.
- Horrocks has beach shelters, a playground and bbq- but still take your hat, sunscreen, water, and long sleeved t-shirt.
If you are travelling back to Perth check out the twin beach towns, Dongara and Port Denison at Top 5 things to do and see in Dongara-Port Denison.
Safe travels
Jo