26 Best Beaches in Western Australia You Cannot Miss!

Western Australia is famous for its landscapes and serene nature spots. When it comes to mother nature’s finest works, you will find an abundance of it in this region in Australia.

Waterfall Beach near Albany, Western Australia

During our six months road trip throughout WA, we agreed that you have the best beaches in Australia in this part of the country.

That’s a big call, considering Australia has over 10,000 beaches and we really are spoilt for choice.

But when it comes down to choosing the best for sheer quality, attractions, beauty and atmosphere – I think Western Australian beaches just come out on top.

If you’re looking for beaches with pure white sand for digging your toes into, crystal clear turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and with the most stunning sunset over the ocean – then WA will blow your mind!

So without further ado, here are the best beaches in Western Australia you cannot miss.

Table Of Contents

1. 26 Best Beaches in Western Australia
   • 1. The Basin, Rottnest Island
   • 2. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
   • 3. Cable Beach, Broome
   • 4. Hamelin Bay, Margaret River
   • 5. Bill’s Bay at Coral Bay
   • 6. Elephant Rocks, Denmark
   • 7. Little Beach, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany
   • 8. Yallingup Beach, Margaret River Region
   • 9. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island
   • 10. Cottesloe Beach, Perth
   • 11. Meelup Beach, Margaret River Region
   • 12. Sandy Bay, Exmouth
   • 13. Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
   • 14. Lucky Bay, Esperance
   • 15. Town Beach, Broome
   • 16. Prevelly & River Mouth, Margaret River
   • 17. Green Pools, Denmark
   • 18. Little Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island
   • 19. Waterfall Beach, Albany
   • 20. Twilight Beach, Esperance
   • 21. Shell Beach
   • 22. Scarborough Beach
   • 23. Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland
   • 24. Cape Leveque, Kimberley
   • 25. Misery Beach
2. Final Thoughts on The Beaches in Western Australia
3. More Australia Travel Tips

26 Best Beaches in Western Australia

Beaches in Western Australia offer something beaches on the East Coast can’t – serenity. They are a lot less crowded and developed compared to east coast beaches, so it’s easier to find seclusion, if that’s what you’re after.

But as you are about to find out, each Western Australian beach has something special and unique about it.

Go see for yourself…

1. The Basin, Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is located 18 kilometres off the coast of Perth, and The Basin is my favourite beach on Rotto.

A stunning beach, you could be forgiven for thinking you were actually on the Great Barrier Reef. Just off the beach, a hole in the platform reef forms a large natural swimming pool.

The Basin is sheltered and very popular with families and great for snorkellers (ideal for novices) due to shallow reefs and gentle swells.

Once you’re done swimming in the turquoise water and laying on the soft white sand, walk up to the top of the rocky headland for an incredible view. Or simply cycle around the island and see the amazing coastal views.

2. Turquoise Bay, Exmouth

Exmouth is a town on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, a 15 hour drive north of Perth and Turquoise Bay is reason enough to visit.

You’re swimming within metres of the famous Ningaloo Reef, which is famous for being full of marine life. In the right season, you will find majestic whale sharks (between March and August) and sometimes even sea turtles, humpback whales, orcas and manta rays.

The “Bay” is brilliant for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing.

Don’t miss the popular drift snorkel, one of the coolest snorkelling experiences you can have. Park at the “drift car park” for direct access and swim out a few metres and let the current carry you north, exiting before the sand bar which is prone to strong currents!

3. Cable Beach, Broome

Cable Beach has it all and ranks in our top three favourite beaches in Australia. Sand dunes roll down changing from red soil to light orange, to eventually fade into pure white sand as it reaches the turquoise Indian Ocean.

If you have never viewed an ocean sunset, Cable Beach is the place to be and you can admire the setting sun from the sand, at a sunset bar, or atop a camel.

Perfect for long walks, beach cricket, 4wd tailgating, camel rides, swims and an evening picnic on the fabulous grassed area, Cable Beach is deserving of its spot as one of the world’s best beaches!

Read more:

• Things to do in Broome – our favorite place in Australia
• A Thrilling Adventure to Horizontal Falls near Broome

4. Hamelin Bay, Margaret River

Possibly the most picturesque beach in the Margaret River region. Fine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and natural dunes. Great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and apparently scuba diving.

But that’s not all, Hamelin Bay is the best place we’ve seen wild stingrays in Australia. They come right into shore and swim around your feet. Just head down towards the boat ramp and you’ll see the crowd gathered. Amazing!

5. Bill’s Bay at Coral Bay

I’m happy to say Coral Bay lived up to its reputation as one of Western Australia’s favourite family holiday spots, with Bill’s Bay, the main beach in town, being the highlight.

It’s a huge, sweeping bay protected by the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park making it a snorkeling and swimming paradise.

The water is crystal clear turquoise blue and large colourful fish swim around your ankles in the shallows, and we even got lucky and saw a few rays close to shore. You might also get a glimpse of some turtles or reef sharks in the area, if you’re lucky.

Swim or snorkel straight offshore and admire the coral, or start snorkeling at the point and let the current carry you back to Bill’s Bay.

Read more:

• Falling in love with Coral Bay, Western Australia
• Swim with the manta rays, Coral Bay WA

6. Elephant Rocks, Denmark

Elephant Rocks is located 15 kilometres from the town of Denmark in William Bay National Park, about a 4.5 hour drive from Perth. Whilst it might seem off the beaten track, it’s a must if you’re in the south-west region of WA.

Take the short walk from the car park along a coastal track and you’re rewarded with a stunning view out over the Great Southern Ocean. If you’re looking at the rocky outcrop from a particular viewpoint you’ll see that it’s called Elephant Rocks because it resembles a herd of elephants paddling in the shallow waters.

Another magic family beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

7. Little Beach, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany

Little Beach, 35 kilometres east of Albany is a beautiful white beach and one of the nicest beaches on the southwest coast. Turquoise water, white sand, and a giant stone against the sea make this beach a must-see in the region.

We didn’t swim on this occasion but enjoyed a lovely beach walk and picnic at the far end, don’t forget your own supplies.

8. Yallingup Beach, Margaret River Region

One for the surfers in the family. Yallingup Beach has powerful surf and our morning ritual usually consisted of grabbing a coffee from the mobile coffee man at Yallingup point car park and watching the surfers ride the waves.

Yallingup is also a favourite spot for snorkelers due to the sheltered swimming lagoon at the southern end of the beach, and there’s a great kid-friendly swimming area and a nice long stretch of beach heading north for a walk.

Read more:

• Best things to do in Margaret River with kids
• Things to do in Bunbury – getaway from Perth, near Margaret River
• Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat – perfect Margaret River Campground
• We loved this Airbnb we stayed at near Yallingup

9. Pinky Beach, Rottnest Island

Beneath the Bathurst Point Lighthouse on Rottnest Island lies Pinky Beach, another one of Rottos to die for beaches.

An easy stroll from the main town at Thomson Bay, Pinkies sparkling blue water and white sand make for a postcard-perfect beach. Get here early and take a morning dip and you just might have this beach all to yourself!

10. Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Cottesloe is a beach-side suburb about a 15 minute drive from the city of Perth, famous for its beach, cafes, relaxed lifestyle, and Sunday sessions.

For a city beach, Cottesloe is one of the better ones.

Because of its crystal clear water, it’s a popular place for swimming and snorkeling. Perth sure knows how to put on a sunset show and Cotts is the place to be with takeaway fish & chips and a cold bevvy.

Read more:

• Best places to stay in Perth on a WA road trip
• 15 Exciting things to do in Perth, WA
• The unusual beauty of the Pinnacles, WA – day trip from Perth

11. Meelup Beach, Margaret River Region

Family-friendly Meelup Beach is another picturesque beach in the Margaret River region, near Dunsborough. It’s much loved by families as the protected bay creates ideal swimming conditions.

It’s also popular place for boaters to drop anchor and enjoy an afternoon of swimming and relaxing. There are BBQs and picnic tables under the leafy gum trees with plenty of grassy areas to laze around on.

Our kids happily played in the sand here and enjoyed a swim in the calm waters whilst mum and dad kicked back on the grass and read a book.

For the adventurous, there are kayaks for hire which seemed like a popular activity with plenty of local folks out on the water.

One thing to be wary of when visiting Meelup Beach, is that the area can be fly-heavy!! You may just need a fly net. It was so bad, we could not stay for long.

Read more:

• 7 Things to do in Busselton, WA (gateway to Margs)
• Things to do in Bunbury – getaway from Perth

12. Sandy Bay, Exmouth

If you’re looking for white sandy beaches in Western Australia, look no further!

We found paradise at Sandy Bay, and had it all to ourselves – I love that about WA beaches! This beach is easily one of the most popular beaches in Australia, for good reason!

Endless white sand, crystal clear water, dark blue skies, and the shallow waters of Sandy Bay made it an excellent beach for our kids, and apparently, it’s a popular place for kite surfers when the wind is right.

There’s a picnic table with shade overlooking the beach for a lunch break or brekky, or just as good as grabbing a spot on the sand (there’s plenty..

* This article was originally published here