21 Best Beaches in Western Australia You Must Visit!

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The Best Beaches in Western Australia

No matter the season, a visit to Western Australia’s coastline is always a must!

Western Australia is home to some of the best beaches in the world and if you’re looking for a beach holiday, it has something to offer all types of beach-goers!

Whether you want a secluded gem that is perfect for surfing or just want an isolated stretch where you can lay in the sun all day (don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!), Western Australia has beaches that will suit your needs.

From white sand beaches to those with a rugged coast and everything in between, you’ll be able to find something for everyone!

While Perth is considered one of Australia‘s most popular travel destinations, there are many spectacular beaches throughout Western Australia that deserve just as much attention!

Here are some of the best Western Australian beaches to visit:

Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula

Contributed by Eddie of The Vanabond Tales

The red earth of the Kimberleys meets the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, 200-hundred kilometres north of Broome at Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula.

A true coastal wilderness, this special place offers breathtaking natural beauty, untouched and undisturbed by overdevelopment or relentless tourism.

As native title land, Cape Leveque is operated by a number of indigenous communities as a low-key and low-impact tourist project.

The custodians have a focus on minimizing environmental impact and a mandate to demonstrate the beauty of the area and the unique experiences on offer here.

Accessible only by four-wheel-drive down kilometres of red sand tracks, reaching this remote corner of Western Australia is no doubt an adventure, but one well worth the effort.

You won’t find resorts, hotels, or even an IGA out here. Rather, a number of basic beach camping resorts are scattered across the cape each offering something a little different.

The common theme that connects them, back to basics camping in one of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.

Discover absolute beachfront camps or sites perched on cliffs, with sweeping views of the stunning peninsula and far out to sea.

Some campsites feature surprise touches, like the ‘ensuite’ campsites at Pender Bay Escape with outdoor hot water tubs taking views of the beautiful beach.

There are both guided and self-directed activities on offer throughout the Dampier Peninsula.

Watch for migrating humpback whales from the headlands. Swim and snorkel in the warm waters. Walk the incredible beaches to discover rock pools, caves, and sea cliffs. Fish from the beach, launch your small boat or take a fishing charter to deeper waters.

Enjoy a guided tour to the locally run turtle hatchery or pearl farm, or follow a ranger lead walk to discover the history and natural wonder of this great place. 

Most of all Cape Leveque on the Dampier Peninsula offers a chance to relax and unwind in a rare slice of paradise.

Eighty Mile Beach, Western Australia

Eighty Mile Beach is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It is a sandy beach that stretches for 80 miles along the coast. Being halfway between Broome and Port Hedland makes this a great beach stop during a Western Australia road trip adventure!

The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing. It also draws in crowds for camping and beach four-wheel driving.

Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park is an essential feeding ground for small wading birds that migrate here each summer, travelling from other countries that are thousands of kilometres away.

It is also a significant nesting area for flatback turtles – only found in northern Australia. Within the water, you might even be lucky to spot dugongs, dolphins and sawfish.

Turquoise Bay

Contributed by Ann from The Road Is Life 

Located within the amazing Cape Range National Park near the town of Exmouth, Turquoise Bay is just as beautiful as it sounds.

With soft white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, it’s consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in Australia. When it comes to the perfect beach day, it’s hard to find a more scenic spot than this!

The highlight of visiting Turquoise Bay is exploring the incredible coral reef which can be found only metres from the shore.

A short swim from the beach will bring you to the most beautiful coral gardens. Swim alongside a huge array of colourful fish, turtles and if you’re lucky, maybe even a few reef sharks!

To snorkel at Turquoise Bay nature reserve, you should be a fairly confident swimmer.

Due to the strong currents, it is classified as a drift snorkelling spot. If you jump in the water at one end of the beach, you will be carried across the coral reef to the other side.

A visit to Turquoise Bay is best combined with a trip to Exmouth, the perfect place to catch some winter sun. It is a 13-hour drive north of Perth making it an ideal stop on your west coast road trip.

Alternatively, you can catch a flight from Perth which will have you there in 2 hours.

Monkey Mia Beach

Contributed by Shandos from Travelnuity

Western Australia is home to many amazing beaches, but one of the most special is Monkey Mia Beach. Every day, the local dolphins come to visit the beach, hoping for a feed of fish, and visitors can watch and take part in the experience.

The first dolphin feeding of the day takes place around 8 am, with up to two more feedings until midday.

There’s a strict system in place these days to feed the dolphins in a sustainable manner, with local researchers and volunteers running the program. To help fund the program, an entrance fee applies.

However, feeding the dolphins isn’t the only activity on offer at Monkey Mia.

The gorgeous beach is also perfect for walks, and for swimming during the warmer months. When the water is calm consider hiring a kayak or SUP. You can also join morning wildlife or sunset cruises from the jetty.

Kids particularly love Monkey Mia, but it’s a terrific destination for all ages.

If you are planning to visit Monkey Mia with your dog, get tips for making this a safe and memorable experience.

To best enjoy all that Monkey Mia has to offer, consider staying in the adjacent RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort. There’s a wide range of accommodation from beachfront villas to campsites.

Mullaloo Beach

Contributed by Ruma from The Holiday Story

Mullaloo Beach is a famous beach on the northern outskirts of the coast of Perth.

Tourists love this sandy white strip of beach with the blue water from the Indian Ocean crashing on its shore. The view during sunsets is what makes visitors come back here again and again.

It’s considered the best beach to swim at in all of Perth. The waves here are not too crazy, and Surf Lifesavers patrol the area at all times.

This great beach maintains a high level of safety and cleanliness. Several dustbins are placed at a calculated distance to one another, so no littering is allowed here. Restroom facilities are also quite convenient for people.

Though mainly used for swimming, you can also spend a lazy day relaxing on the beach under the sun.

Walking on the beach at the break of dawn or during sunsets brings serenity and calmness.

Rent a bike to explore Mullaloo Beach along with other neighbouring beaches here. A large grassy area exists near the coast. It mainly works as a children’s playing ground.

There’s also a great fishing spot just north of the main parking area. The area is equipped with a beach wheelchair to enable beach access to people requiring wheelchair assistance.

There are several cafes, eateries, and ice-cream parlours nearby the beach. You can even barbeque your food on the beach. Many hotels can be found nearby if you want to spend the night.

Lucky Bay

Contributed by Tess from Tessomewhere

Lucky Bay is possibly one of the most iconic Western Australia beaches. This spot near Esperance has become famous on social media due to the wild kangaroos that are known to frequent the beach. 

You’ll find Lucky Bay within Cape Range National Park, home to some other amazing beaches in Esperance.

There is a small campsite located at the beach, with advance bookings required through DPAW.  

Lucky Bay is one of the few places in WA where you can drive your 2WD out onto the beach. The fine, brilliant white sand is very compacted, making it suitable for most cars.

Spend a day enjoying the turquoise, clear calm waters of Lucky Bay, suitable for families with small children.

The more adventurous can head up the beach for a walk to a lookout point located towards the further end of the bay. In the summer months, you’ll even find a coffee van that pulls up onto the beach.

With BBQ facilities located near the campsite, you won’t want to leave this incredible spot. 

Cottesloe Beach 

Contributed by Paula from Australia Your Way

One of the most popular beaches in Perth, Cottesloe Beach, offers crystal clear water and lovely white sand fringed by Norfolk Pine trees.

It is one of those beaches that you can spend hours on end just sitting and watching the waves roll into shore. But if you like to be active, there is plenty to do here.

Along with offering a safe patrolled swimming area, you can also book surf lessons or try snorkelling.

Considered one of Perth’s best surf beaches, especially for beginners. It provides an idyllic destination for surfers wanting to catch a few waves and sunbathers who want to soak up the sunshine.

Peters Pool at North Cottesloe Beach is a brilliant spot for beginners to pull on a mask and fins. If you are lucky, you might spot one of the leafy sea dragons that are found here.

The beach is also popular for picnics, with a lovely terraced grass area lining the beach near the surf club. If you haven’t packed lunch, cafes surround the beach giving you plenty of choices.

Cottesloe is an excellent place to enjoy afternoon drinks while you witness the sun dip below the horizon.

It is very popular with photographers any time of day, thanks to the stunning Indiana building that sits in the middle of North Cottesloe.

Take a walk to the Sun Dial sculpture and see if you can tell the time. Built by volunteers over 5 years, it’s a lovely spot to view the entire beach from.

If you are here in March, don’t miss the annual Sculptures by the Sea exhibition.

Cottesloe is halfway between the city centre of Perth and Fremantle. It is just over a 20-minute drive by car or using public transport with one of the regular bus and train services.

Check out our comprehensive guide of things to do in Fremantle with kids.

Meelup beach

Contributed by Nadia from Perth Weekend

Meelup Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Western Australia. Located 3 hours south of Perth, in the Dunsborough region, Meelup is a tranquil and picturesque beach. The sand is bright white and the water is a crystal-clear shade of turquoise.

Meelup Beach is a great spot for families to relax and soak up the sun and a must-visit during your Margaret River region itinerary.

As the beach sits within Geographe Bay, it is protected from harsh surf and strong winds.

The calm water makes it the perfect spot to try stand up paddle boarding, ocean kayaking or even to go for a snorkel. Equipment can even be rented right on the beach.

Visitors can enjoy a picnic on the shaded grassy areas – there are even barbecues for a sausage sizzle! There are public toilets and showers nearby for convenience.

Avid walkers can take a stroll along the coastal trails to enjoy spectacular ocean views and spot native flora like jarrah, banksia, and even stunning wildflowers during Spring. 

Meelup Beach is a perfect spot to spend those long summer days but just be prepared for the flies which are common in the region during warmer months.

Gnarabup Beach

Contributed by Bailey from Destinationless Travel

Gnarabup Beach, just 10-minutes from Margaret River, is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in WA. It is a 1.6 kilometre-long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimmers, walkers, and even surfers!

At Gnarabup Beach, the water is calm enough for swimming, and as such, hanging out at the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Margaret River in the summer months.

If you head out to the reef break, there is great surf here too.

There is a dog-friendly section at the beach so you can bring your furry friend!

Gnarabup Beach is well developed with a long jetty, huge paved parking lot, and toilets that are wheelchair accessible.

During the peak summer months and school holidays, it can get pretty busy during the day.

To avoid the crowds, show up early or if you’re up for it, stay until sunset – it is simply stunning!

Hamelin Bay Beach

Hamelin Bay is a secluded beach located in the southwest region of Western Australia between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste.

It is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque views

This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and snorkelling.

The biggest drawcard of Hamelin Bay though is the chance to see an abundance of stingrays that frequent the bay area. This makes it one of the favourite snorkelling experiences of many when visiting Western Australia, with the chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat up close.

There are also several shipwrecks in the area and plenty of unique fish life to see during a snorkelling trip around the area.

Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks

Contributed by Hayley from A Lovely Planet

Located in Denmark within William Bay National Park, Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are stunning beaches with turquoise water and pristine white sand. The perfect stop on Perth to Esperance road trip.

Greens Pool forms a natural rock pool sheltered from the swell by big boulders – it is a great spot for families.

The beach gets busy in summer so make sure you arrive early to get a parking spot. Bring your snorkel to check out the fish hanging out in the pool.

A short walk away, Elephant Rocks is named after the huge rocks that resemble elephants. It’s an impressive site and those looking for an adrenaline rush can jump off the big rocks and into the water. 

Base yourself in Denmark town, which has some lovely B&Bs and great restaurants.

The region is also known for its excellent wine, so while here pay a visit to one of the wineries for a tasting.

Hellfire Bay

Contributed by Suvarna from Suvarna Arora

Situated within Cape Le Grand National Park, Hellfire Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Esperance. It was named after St Elmo’s fire – a bluish flame that occurs above ship’s masts.

As soon as you lay your eyes on Hellfire Bay, you will be amazed. The beautiful turquoise water looks unreal and the sand at the beach is white and powdery like the icing sugar and it squeaks as you walk on it.⁣⁣

The best thing about Hellfire Bay is that it is a protected bay and almost hidden because of the giant’s boulders it’s surrounded with.

These conditions make it a safe beach to go swimming, and snorkelling.

Hellfire Bay is one of the best places to have picnics, as it has facilities such as parking, BBQ, covered area with picnic tables and toilets making it a family-friendly beach.

While you are there, don’t forget to visit the nearby beaches like Thistle Cove, and Lucky bay.

A part of the coastal trail walk can also be done from Hellfire Bay.

If you are not willing to venture too far along the walking trails then visit the nearby Little Hellfire Bay which can be only accessed on foot by doing the coastal trail walk.

If you are looking for easy access to Hellfire Bay and to most of the best beaches in Esperance then it is best to stay at Lucky Bay campgrounds as it is the nearest accommodation. 

Wharton Beach

Wharton Beach is located in the Duke of Orleans Bay, around an hour’s drive from Esperance. The beach is a popular spot with locals.

The beach is known for its beautiful turquoise waters and soft white sand. The sand is so fine that it actually squeaks!

Wharton Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in the southern region and you might even spot a pod of dolphins joining you in the waves.

Not keen on the big drive to and from Esperance? Set up camp at Duke Of Orleans Bay Caravan Park for a night or three.

The beaches in Western Australia are gorgeous and perfect places to spend the day. From beaches that offer plenty of calm waters for families with small children, all the way up to beaches that offer wild kangaroos or world heritage-listed coral reefs- there is something for everyone!

If you’re looking for your next bucket list beach vacation, be sure to add some of the best beaches Western Australia has to your itinerary.

Are you planning a Western Australia beach holiday soon? No doubt any of these WA beaches would be worth visiting!

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