Why does the sand squeak at Squeaky Beach?
The sand at Squeaky Beach, in Victoria's Wilsons Promontory National Park, squeaks underfoot because its grains are very round, clean and similar in size, so they rub together and vibrate.
The sand is made of fine quartz grains, worn smooth and round by waves over thousands of years. When people walk on dry sand, the grains slide against each other in layers, producing a high-pitched squeak.
For the effect to work, the sand must be dry and free of dust, clay and shell fragments. Wet sand or sand mixed with other particles does not squeak.
About the beach
Squeaky Beach is a small, sheltered bay framed by huge orange-tinged granite boulders. It is one of the most photographed spots in Wilsons Promontory.
A short walk leads from a car park to the beach, and a coastal track links it to Tidal River, the Prom's main campground. Swimming can be risky because of rips, and there are no lifeguards.
Squeaking sand has also been reported on other Australian beaches with clean, fine quartz sand.
Did You Know?
Squeaky sand is sometimes called singing sand, and it is found on beaches and dunes in several countries.