Tunkalilla Beach is a 4.5km long straight beach backed by a small grassy alluvial plain beneath steep slopes. The eastern end of the beach is also backed by low sand dunes on private property. The beach is part of the Heysen / Wild South Coast Way walking trail but the plain is private properties.

The public car park for this beach is about 110m above sea level, at the bottom of a very steep unsealed road (Tunkalilla Beach Road). 2WD access during dry weather only; otherwise 4WD or AWD. A steep walking trail goes from the car park to the middle of the beach. The driveway behind the locked gate is private property.

This is not a swimming beach, and it is unpatrolled. There are several reef-controlled rips along the eastern half of the beach, plus semi-permanent rips every 200-300m along the western half. Also watch out for occasional large waves even on calm days. The beach is popular with shore fishers & surfers who are willing to do the steep walk back to the car park. The car park is popular with hang gliders & para gliders during suitable winds