Paddleboarding in the Pilbara, North West Australia

Famous for its bright red rock this paddle from Setters Beach is a magic paddle and sometimes you’ll have the beach all to yourself. Settlers Beach is a sandy beach which is hugged by the red rock that the Pilbara is known for. On the left is the port where iron ore leaves the shores and stands out proudly in the not so far distance. As you look out to the open ocean you can often see Iron Ore ships in the distance as they enter the port or embark on their long journey home.

To access Settlers Beach, you pass through the historic townsite of Cossack once the North West's first shipping port. With a view of Jarman Island off the coast where the lighthouse still stands, you can really feel that the water holds many stories of a somewhat chequered past. The Pilbara region, depending on the time of year can be extreme in terms of weather. Red Paddle Co boards are perfect for the harsh region as you can store away for travel protected from the heat when needed. I recommend taking an insulated water bottle (with extra water), a cap and dry bag to take your phone and of course camera out with you to snap the wondrous things you will see!

• Sat nav
  20.6712265,117.192158
• Launch point
  

  Settlers Beach

• Places to stay
  

  If you want the full Cossack experience there is some accommodation on site, short stay bookings are accepted in high season from April through to December.

• Places to eat and drink
  

  There is a cafe at Cossack. Point Samson or Wickham is not too far a drive where there are more options for food and drinks.