The sand waves slowly migrate eastward along the bay, causing the adjacent shoreline to oscillate. Unfortunately structures and roads were built unwittingly in this zone of natural oscillation resulting in the need for seawalls and groynes to protect the road and property along parts of the beach.
Most of the beach is backed by a wide foreshore reserve. It contains a bike path, and either side of the jetty numerous amenities, including an oceanarium and entertainment centre at the jetty, as well as boat ramps and sporting facilities.
The beach along the Busselton shoreline lies in the apex of north-facing Geographe Bay and initially faces northwest, then north and finally northeast against the eastern groyne. Owing to protection from Cape Naturaliste, it generally receives no to very low swell and only small local wind waves during northerly wind conditions. These result in a moderately steep narrow beach, fronted by the extensive sand flats and sand waves, with boats often moored off the beach. Seagrass is commonly washed up onto the beach, and at the far eastern end of the beach is causing major problems as it piles up against the Port Geographe groyne.
