20 Best Beaches in Western Australia

If you’re searching for soft white sand, clear turquoise water and miles of untouched coastline, then look no further than WA! We’ve both travelled the world extensively and we’ve seen many beaches over the years. It’s pretty hard to beat the spectacular beaches of Western Australia and we’re not just saying this because we’re from Perth.

From the red sands of the Kimberley region to the pristine shores of Esperance and everything in between, we’ve compiled a list of the 20 best beaches in Western Australia. Whether you’re planning a big road trip or seeking the perfect weekend getaway from Perth, you’ll want to add a few of these stunning WA beaches to your itinerary!

20 Best Beaches in Western Australia

Turquoise Bay – Exmouth

Once you lay eyes upon the crystal clear water and crisp white sands of Turquoise Bay, you won’t be surprised that it’s been consistently ranked as one of Australia’s best beaches.

It’s located along WA’s coral coast, about 15 hours north of Perth but not far from the town of Exmouth. Besides spending a lazy day in the softest sand you’ve ever felt, the most popular activity here is snorkelling.

Only metres from the shore, you’ll find an impressive coral reef full of colourful fish, turtles, small reef sharks and many more fascinating sea creatures. Turquoise Bay is a drift snorkelling spot meaning that you can hop in at one end of the beach and let the current carry you across the reef to the other side.

In my opinion, Turquoise Bay is the best beach in Western Australia and it was my favourite stop on our road trip from Perth to Exmouth.

Bill’s Bay – Coral Bay

Another gem of the coral coast, Bill’s Bay is a stunning beach and a popular family holiday spot. During high season from April – September, the beach is often filled with families escaping the winter of the south west. Coral Bay really is the ideal place to catch some winter sun!

The water at Bill’s Bay is sheltered and calm making it ideal for a chilled out beach day. Hop in with your snorkelling gear to come face to face with turtles and large fish. Take a 20 minute walk to the neighbouring bay to see up to 200 reef sharks swimming around the shallow waters.

There are many awesome things to do in Coral Bay but snorkelling with whale sharks and manta rays certainly tops the list. Book a full day snorkelling tour to be taken to some of the best spots of the Ningaloo Reef.

Check out these popular Coral Bay snorkelling tours:

• Full day whale shark tour 
• Manta ray snorkelling day trip
• 3-hour turtle ecotour

Cable Beach – Broome

White sand stretches out for 22km along the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean making Cable Beach a spectacular sight!

With year round warm weather, Broome makes an excellent choice for a beach getaway. It’s a 22 hr+ drive from Perth so unless you’re planning a big west coast road trip, Broome is best reached by taking a short 2.5 hour flight from Perth.

Cable Beach is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the town of Broome. Some of the popular activities to add to your list when visiting Cable Beach include:

• Long beach walks
• Swimming in the ocean
• 4 wheel driving on the beach
• Watching the sunset from one of the beach bars
• Sunset camel rides, the most popular thing to do in Broome!

Looking for one of the best sunset spots in WA? It doesn’t get much better than Cable Beach! Make sure to book a sunset camel ride for a truly unforgettable experience.

►Book your Cable Beach sunset camel ride here◄

Cape Leveque – Kimberley

Of all the WA beaches on this list, Cape Leveque is by far the most remote but also the most unique. Located at the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, it’s a 3 hour drive north of Broome along a bumpy, unsealed road. It goes without saying, you will need a 4WD to make the trek out there.

If you’re visiting Broome and looking for an exciting adventure, it’s absolutely worth taking a day trip to Cape Leveque. This is where you will see the striking landscape of rugged red cliffs leading down to white sand and sparkling turquoise water. There’s no denying it’s one of WA’s best beaches!

No 4WD? No problem! Book a full day off-road tour from Broome to Cape Leveque. Spend a few hours basking in the sun and taking a dip in the ocean. The tour also includes a visit to an Aboriginal community and the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. You’ll have the option to return to Broome by 4WD or take a scenic flight instead.

►Book your Broome to Cape Leveque 4WD tour here◄

Eighty Mile Beach – Port Hedland

Find your very own slice of paradise on the white sands of Eighty Mile Beach. This vast stretch of beach covers around 220km of coastline between Port Hedland and Broome. Ever wanted to feel what it’s like to have a whole beach to yourself? It’s unlikely that you will encounter another soul on your visit to Eighty Mile Beach.

Famous for fishing and birdwatching, you can spot many different species of migratory birds that rely on this area as a food source. Don’t miss out on a spectacular ocean sunset. Watching the sky light up in vibrant colours over the Indian Ocean is a sight that will leave a lasting impression.

Looking to do some remote beach camping? Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park is located right on the beachfront with plenty of powered and unpowered campsites to choose from. If you don’t feel like camping, stay in one of their self-contained cabins. This is the perfect place to stopover as you make your way from Port Hedland to Broome.

Shell Beach – Shark Bay

Billions of tiny white shells make up the extraordinary natural wonder of Shell Beach. That’s right, there is not a single grain of sand to be seen here! Shell Beach is located on the narrow peninsula that leads into the Shark Bay region.

The water at Shell Beach is beautiful and turquoise which makes it perfect for a swim. With high levels of salt, it’s easy to stay buoyant and enjoy a relaxing float. This unique beach is certainly deserving of its title as one of the best beaches in Western Australia! It’s an absolute must-see during your time spent in Shark Bay

In the early 1990’s, the shells were used in the construction of various buildings in Denham. One of the few buildings that still remains is The Old Pearler Restaurant. You should make a point of having dinner here during your visit to Shark Bay, but be sure to book ahead as it’s highly rated and always very busy!

Yanchep Lagoon – Yanchep

It’s hard to believe a place this beautiful exists so close to the city! Located 50 minutes north of Perth city centre, this popular swimming and snorkelling spot is not to be missed. The vibrant emerald water and gorgeous white sand easily make Yanchep Lagoon one of the best beaches in Perth.

There’s an amazing coral reef only metres from the shore which makes this a prime spot to get your snorkel out. Beach lovers will enjoy the refreshing, calm water which is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Be warned though, this beach gets pretty packed on a weekend during summer.

A visit to Yanchep makes an awesome day trip from Perth. While you’re there, don’t miss a visit to Yanchep National Park which isn’t too far away from the lagoon. Some of the highlights include the koala boardwalk, wild kangaroos, great food and scenery at the Yanchep Inn and even a cave which is open for daily tours.

Don’t forget to pack the drone, the top down view of Yanchep Lagoon is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Perth!

Mullaloo Beach – Perth

Mullaloo Beach is located in the northern suburbs of Perth, about 20 minutes from the city centre. This gorgeous beach is ideal for a day out with the family, a long stroll in the sand or ending the day with a sunset picnic.

It isn’t as busy as some of the other popular Perth beaches but that adds to its appeal even more. The sand is clean and white, the water is clear and turquoise. What more could you wish for?!

For peace of mind, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards 7 days per week. There are cafes and shops nearby if you’re in need of a coffee or food.

City Beach – Perth

This is my personal favourite Perth beach and my go-to for a casual weekend beach day. There are a lot of things to love about City Beach, one being that it’s only a 15 minute drive from the city centre.

The large grassy area between the carpark and the beach is ideal for throwing down the picnic mat and enjoying a cheese platter and a glass of wine at sunset. You’ll notice two man-made groynes on either side of the beach which block the large waves and provide safe swimming conditions.

City Beach has everything you could ask for such as a children’s playground, plenty of BBQs and picnic tables, toilets, showers, changerooms, and a beach bar overlooking the ocean. After a few hours of lazing in the sun and swimming in the ocean, a pint and a snack at Clancy’s Fish Bar always goes down a treat.

Cottesloe Beach – Perth

Hop in the car and drive 10 minutes south of City Beach and you’ll end up in the beachside suburb of Cottesloe. A Perth icon for decades, Cottesloe Beach is the local’s favourite swimming, snorkelling and sun bathing spot. A day spent at Cottesloe Beach is also a must on any Perth itinerary for tourists and overseas visitors!

Enjoy the many options of cafe’s, restaurants and beach bars nearby. Inhale the sea breeze as you sip a cold pint overlooking the beach at the classic Ocean Beach Hotel or as the local’s call it, OBH.

Soak up the laid-back vibes of Cottesloe Beach by grabbing some fresh fish and chips and having a lazy picnic lunch on the grass. This is easily one of the best spots for a picnic in Perth but watch out for the resident seagulls who will be quick to snatch a chip or two!

The Basin – Rottnest Island

On an island with over 60 stunning beaches, it’s hard to choose a favourite. We’re absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches on Rottnest Island! Only a quick 30 minute ferry ride from Perth will bring you to this little slice of paradise. Taking a day trip from Perth to Rottnest is truly the best way to spend a hot summer’s day.

The Basin is an easy choice as it’s fairly close to the main settlement meaning you won’t have to travel far to get there. The other reason I love The Basin so much is that it’s simply stunning. The shallow turquoise water is heavenly for swimming and there are some amazing snorkelling spots there too.

Before you leave, make sure to climb up the rocky hill at the end of the beach for the ultimate view over The Basin. If you look closely enough, you’ll see the Perth skyline in the background!

►Book your Rottnest Island ferry & bike hire tickets here◄

Little Salmon Bay – Rottnest Island

Another local favourite and absolute gem of Rottnest, Little Salmon Bay is no stranger to a crowd. Once you set foot on the soft white sand, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the best beaches in Western Australia! The sheltered bay and crystal clear water makes for idyllic swimming conditions.

Located on the south end of Rottnest, Little Salmon Bay is home to some of the best snorkelling on the island. With a thriving coral reef and many fish to be seen, it’s a great spot for families and those who are new to snorkelling. Follow the snorkel trail to explore the vibrant reef and admire all the colourful fish.

Getting there is quite easy as it’s a designated stop on the bus route. Whenever we visit, we prefer to cycle to the bay as it’s only a few km from the Thompson Bay settlement.

Lucky Bay – Esperance

Esperance is known for having some of the best beaches in Western Australia, possibly even in the entire country. Lucky Bay is certainly deserving of this title, the sand is distinctly squeaky and white. Even the kangaroos can’t get enough of this beautiful place and have taken up residence right on the beach!

Lucky Bay stretches out over 5km within Cape Range National Park, about 45 minutes from the town of Esperance. I would recommend checking out our full Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary to maximise your time down south.

Go for a dip in the gorgeous turquoise water or grab your snorkelling gear and see what you can find. There really isn’t a more Aussie experience than chilling on a stunning beach next to a kangaroo! For the ultimate beach camping experience, book a camp site right on the beach at the Lucky Bay campground.

Wharton Beach – Esperance

A little further into the national park will bring you to yet another world class beach that will leave you speechless with its beauty. Wharton Beach is popular for swimming and surfing. It’s a particularly good spot to learn surfing for the first time as the waves are quite gentle and not too big.

Four wheel drive access is permitted at Wharton Beach. So if you love to drive on the beach, this is the perfect spot to go for a long cruise through the sand. If you forget to pack a lunch, head over to the nearby Condingup Tavern which is known for its tasty food and lovely beer garden.

Wharton Beach is an hour away from Esperance town, why not stay a while and book a camp site at the Orleans Bay Caravan Park. Its prime location right around the corner from Wharton Beach makes for easy beach access.

Twilight Bay – Esperance

This gorgeous beach is a local’s favourite, only a 10 minute drive from Esperance. If you’re staying at a hotel or caravan park in town, Twilight Bay is close by and easy to reach. It’s not located within Cape Range National Park which means you won’t have to pay $15 to access this beach.

Large granite formations rise up out of the brilliant blue water making Twilight Bay a unique and spectacular sight. Of all the beaches in Esperance, I know many people who rate Twilight Bay as their number one! It’s definitely worth a visit on your next trip to Esperance.

Meelup Beach – Dunsborough

Near the small town of Dunsborough, about 3 hours south of Perth you’ll find the picturesque Meelup Beach nestled in its own protected bay.

It’s easy to spend the entire day at Meelup Beach, swimming in the inviting clear waters or perhaps trying your hand at stand up paddle boarding. The calm water makes it a great spot for beginners. Take a break from the sun and spread out a picnic mat in the shady grassed area. There are also BBQs, toilets, showers and changing rooms available for use.

A visit to Dunsborough and the surrounding area makes an awesome weekend getaway from Perth. There is so much to see and do here in addition to spending the day at this picture-perfect beach. While you’re in the area make sure to check out the nearby attractions, Ngilgi Cave and Sugarloaf Rock. You can’t visit Dunsborough without a lunch stop at the amazing Eagle Bay Brewing!

Hamelin Bay Beach – Margaret River

Margaret River is another popular and lovely place to spend a weekend in the south west. About 30 minutes south of the town, you’ll arrive at the pristine shores of Hamelin Bay Beach. This isn’t just another stunning beach to spend the day chilling on. It’s also home to a bunch of friendly stingrays who aren’t afraid to swim nice and close to the shore!

Hamelin Bay Beach is also a prime snorkelling spot, aside from the stingrays you’ll find an abundance of fish and even a few shipwrecks too. If you’re into beach fishing, don’t forget to bring your rod. There’s a boat ramp to launch from if you’re keen to explore more of the area.

Love staying near the beach? Why not spend couple of days at the Hamelin Bay Holiday Park. It’s an awesome spot to unwind and enjoy a peaceful few days of reconnecting with nature. It gets quite busy on weekends during the summer so be sure to book ahead.

Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks – Denmark

A scenic turquoise bay filled with large boulders that strangely resemble a heard of elephants is certainly something you’ve never seen before! Aside from being one of the most iconic landmarks of Western Australia, it’s also a pretty incredible spot to spend a day swimming and exploring.

Once you arrive at the designated carpark, follow a well-marked path for 10 minutes to arrive at Elephant Rocks. The neighbouring Greens Pool is equally beautiful. With calm emerald water, the swimming and snorkelling conditions really couldn’t be better here.

Greens Pool can easily be accessed by following a short path through the headland from Elephant Rocks. Otherwise it can be reached directly from the carpark.

Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool are located in William Bay National Park, which is easy to reach in under 20 minutes from the town of Denmark. It’s a 4.5 hour drive from Perth but spending a long weekend in Denmark is definitely worth your while as there is so much more to see and do!

Nanarup Beach – Albany

One of Albany’s best hidden gems, Nanarup Beach is located 30 minutes from the town centre. The long stretch of white sand makes for great 4 wheel driving opportunities. Once you arrive on the beach, make your way to the right and you’ll end up at this picturesque little bay which is perfectly sheltered from the windy southern coast.

This is a particularly scenic spot to set up a beach towel and spend the entire day. Swimming, beach lounging, fishing and snorkelling are all great activities to be had here. Nanarup Beach is a little more off-the-beaten-path compared to some of the other WA beaches on this list but I promise you, it’s well worth the trip.

If you visit during a weekday in the summer, you might even have it all to yourself! Facilities here include toilets, picnic tables and a viewing platform.

Little Beach – Albany

Last but certainly not least, the idyllic Little Beach can be found by driving 40 minutes east from the town of Albany. It’s located within the Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve. Rolling green hills lead to perfect white sand and bright blue water making this easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia.

The unique granite formations of Little Beach make for an awesome photo opportunity. Social media platforms like Instagram have brought more attention to this gem in recent years. Take in the stunning coastal scenery as you stroll along the beach making your way toward the rocky headland.

Follow a little path that leads you over the headland until you reach the equally beautiful Waterfall Beach. It’s a sheltered bay with a small waterfall flowing into the ocean. Protected from the wind and less busy than Little Beach, you really couldn’t ask for a more perfect beach to spend the day at!

More WA Travel Guides

• 17 Best Beaches in Perth
• 15 Epic Day Trips from Perth
• 21 Most Popular Instagram Spots in Perth
• The Best Manta Ray Tour in Coral Bay
• Top 20 Things to do in Perth
• 10 Must-See Natural Landmarks of WA
• 6 Awesome Weekend Getaways from Perth
• How to Spend 5 Epic Days in Perth, WA
• 8 Amazing National Parks in Perth

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