This beach was hailed as the finest in Australia, but is it suffering from too much affection?
February 5, 2026 — 11:45 AM
With its stunningly pure white quartz sands that make a delightful squeaking sound underfoot, Squeaky Beach stands out as a natural wonder. The beach, located on the eastern side of Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, offers visitors a mesmerizing view of water that glimmers in shades of green and blue, thanks to the pristine sands.
In 2024, this beautiful spot earned the title of Best Australian Beach from Tourism Australia and was celebrated as the runner-up for Lonely Planet's list of the top beaches worldwide in 2025.
However, as locations like Squeaky Beach gain popularity, advocates are raising concerns that these natural treasures are at risk of being "loved to death."
A recent incident involving K-pop sensation Jennie from Blackpink serves as a case in point. In 2023, she shared images of herself perched on the edge of the unprotected Lincoln’s Rock lookout at Wentworth Falls, a popular spot in the Blue Mountains near Sydney, with her massive following of over 80 million on Instagram. This post garnered more than 4.5 million likes, leading to a significant surge in tourists, according to Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill.
The influx of visitors has resulted in a range of issues, including increased litter, illegal parking, traffic jams, and even vandalism, with numerous individuals carving their names into the rock. With the site lacking restroom facilities, some visitors resorted to relieving themselves in the nearby bushland.
Due to safety concerns, the council took the drastic measure of closing the lookout last month for a minimum of three months. There have been incidents where two people fell from the lookout, surviving but suffering severe injuries, leading Greenhill to express fears that fatalities could occur if the situation continues unchecked.
While the number of tourists at Wilsons Promontory is significantly lower than the 5 million annual visitors to the Blue Mountains, the numbers are rising swiftly. In 2024, the Victorian government estimated that around 400,000 visitors made their way to Wilsons Promontory. This figure climbed to an estimated 500,000 last year and is expected to exceed 600,000 this year.
As news spreads about the breathtaking allure of Squeaky Beach, so too does the impact left by tourists on this once-pristine area. During the peak summer season, throngs of tourists arrive by shuttle bus, eager to experience the unique sound of the beach and marvel at its beauty.
A former ranger, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed deep concern over the potential destruction of the beach, fearing it may be loved beyond repair. On a recent Friday, our team observed numerous tourists arriving by bus, curious to explore the beach. Despite clear signage indicating the fragility of the dunes, children were seen playing on them, causing sand to cascade down the slopes.
Brett Mitchell, the chief ranger of the area, noted that while visitors are keen to experience the famous squeaks and enjoy the crystal-clear waters, the surrounding sand dunes are fragile ecosystems rich in cultural heritage. These dunes provide essential feeding and nesting grounds for small animals such as the endangered hooded plover and the southern brown bandicoot.
“When tourists leave behind rubbish or trample through the dunes, it accelerates erosion and damages the coastal vegetation that stabilizes the dunes,” he explained.
A spokesperson for Parks Victoria stated that erecting fences around the dunes is not a feasible solution due to their dynamic nature and constant changes caused by wind and rain. Rangers regularly patrol the area and collect litter from key visitor spots like Squeaky Beach.
So, what can be done to protect this beautiful location?
In 2023, Parks Victoria initiated a consultation process to create a new management plan for the Prom. A major suggestion from the discussions involved limiting visitor numbers to ensure the park's long-term sustainability—a proposal that has been delayed by the state government twice since its initial promise in 2024.
The Parks Victoria spokesperson mentioned that the agency is collaborating with traditional landowners to develop this plan, which will require considerable time and effort due to its complexity and significance.
Jordan Crook, a campaigner from the Victorian National Parks Association, emphasized the need for an increase in park rangers to handle invasive species, maintain trails, and safeguard national parks as population and tourism numbers rise. However, according to annual report data, the number of full-time staff at Parks Victoria has diminished, with only 801 employees in June 2022 compared to 913 in June 1998, despite a dramatic increase in Victoria's population—from 4.6 million in 1998 to over 7 million in 2025.
"It's alarming to see the rise in visitor numbers alongside a decline in the workforce meant to protect these parks, leading to the phenomenon of parks being loved to death," Crook remarked.
As we reflect on the situation, it begs the question: how do we balance the allure of natural wonders with the need to protect them from the very love they inspire? What are your thoughts on managing tourism in such cherished locations? Share your opinions in the comments!
