Western Australia is home to some of the most stunning coastlines in the world, stretching from Perth all the way up to Broome and down to Esperance. Along the way, you’ll find everything from famous ‘city’ beaches and family-friendly spots to remote hidden gems with white sand and crystal-clear water. Whether you’re looking to relax, swim, surf, or explore, this blog will help you discover the best beaches in Western Australia.
Top WA Beaches for Swimming, Surfing, and Relaxing
Western Australia has an incredible variety of stunning beaches, perfect for every kind of beach day. Some spots are calm and safe for swimming, others have great waves for surfing, and many are ideal for simply relaxing on the beach. With so many beautiful places along the coast, it’s easy to find the perfect beach to match your mood and activity.
🏖️ Busselton Jetty is a must visit beach in the South West and offers calm, protected waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
🏖️ The Aquarium is a hidden gem with crystal-clear water, and ideal for swimming and snorkeling on calm days. Its sheltered conditions make it perfect for a relaxing beach experience.
🏖️ Injidup Natural Spa is famous for its natural rock pool and best for relaxing as waves create a bubbling ‘spa’ effect.
🏖️ Hamelin Bay has gentle, clear waters that are great for swimming and relaxing, with a unique wildlife experience.
🏖️ Greens Pool is a sheltered sandy beach protected from the Southern Ocean by massive granite boulders, creating a swimming pool ideal for snorkeling.
🏖️ Elephant Rocks is located a short walk over the headland from Greens Pool and features giant boulder formations that look like a herd of elephants standing in the shallow water.
🏖️ Wharton Beach is a renowned coastal spot featuring turquoise waters, fine squeaking sand, and 4WD access. The beach is ideal for surfing, swimming, beach driving, snorkeling, and relaxing. If you’re lucky, you could also spot some dolphins.
🏖️ Lucky Bay was voted the world’s best beach in 2023, and is famous for its white sand, turquoise waters, and friendly kangaroos that sunbathe on the shore. It is an ideal destination for swimming, long walks, fishing, surfing, and launching small boats.
🏖️ Turquoise Bay is located in Cape Range National Park near Exmouth and is a renowned, pristine beach. It’s known for its white sand, and clear turquoise waters. Turquoise Bay is a top tier destination for swimming and snorkeling and you’re able to spot turtles, reef sharks, and diverse fish
🏖️ Cable Beach is a stunning 22-kilometer stretch of white sand and turquoise water. It’s famous for iconic camel rides at sunset, beach driving, swimming, kayaking, and surfing.
Perth Beaches – Your Local Coastal Guide
Perth’s beaches are known for their soft sand, clear blue water, and amazing sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Just a short drive from the city, you can find both lively beach spots with cafés and relaxed bays perfect for swimming. Whether you’re after a swim, sunset walk, or a fun day by the ocean, Perth has a beach for every mood.
🌊 Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most iconic beaches, known for its soft white sand, and crystal-clear water. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with patrolled areas and plenty of nearby cafés.
🌊 Leighton Beach is a peaceful stretch of coastline with calm, shallow water and minimal waves, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a relaxed swim.
🌊 Scarborough Beach is a vibrant hotspot with a modern foreshore, lively atmosphere, and great facilities including a surf club, skate park, and heated pool. They also have plenty of dining options in the area.
🌊 City Beach is a beautiful, well-equipped beach featuring white sand, gentle waves, and 2 groynes. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, with restaurants and cafés nearby and stunning sunset views.
🌊 Trigg Beach is a go-to destination for surfers and bodyboarders thanks to its consistent swell, while still offering safe areas for swimming and a surf club.
🌊 South Beach is a laid-back, family-friendly beach known for its calm waters, grassy picnic areas, and BBQ facilities. It’s a perfect beach for a relaxed day by the sea.
Esperance Beaches – Australia’s Whitest Sands
Esperance is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, known for its bright white sand and clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by national parks and untouched nature, these beaches feel peaceful and remote. Whether you want to go for a swim, relax, or explore. Esperance offers some truly unforgettable coastal spots.
🏝️ Lucky Bay is famous for its powdery white sand and kangaroos that often relax on the beach. This is one of Australia’s most unique coastal experiences.
🏝️ Twilight Beach is a popular, family-friendly beach along the Great Ocean Drive, known for its calm swimming conditions, striking rock formations, and lifeguards on weekends.
🏝️ Hellfire Bay is a stunning bay with crystal-clear turquoise water and a quieter, more secluded atmosphere than nearby Lucky Bay.
🏝️ Blue Haven Beach is a peaceful and protected beach with vibrant blue water. This beach is reached via a staircase, offering a calm and scenic escape.
🏝️ Thistle Cove is known for its unique ‘whistling’ rocks and beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for a quiet beach visit.
🏝️ West Beach and Salmon Beach are ideal for surfing and wave watching. These beaches are known for their powerful swells and dramatic coastal views along the Great Ocean Drive.
🏝️ 11 Mile Lagoon is known for its shallow, rocky shoreline, making it ideal for snorkeling and exploring tidal rock pools. At low tide, you can spot a variety of marine life, while the quiet, natural setting offers a more isolated coastal experience
Western Australia Coastline – Hidden Gems You Must Visit
Western Australia’s coastline is full of incredible places, from famous beaches to quiet hidden spots that many travellers never get to see. Along this long and beautiful coastline, you’ll find crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and peaceful coves away from the crowds. These hidden gems are perfect for anyone looking to explore something special and experience the natural beauty of Western Australia.
⛱️ Foul Bay is a peaceful beach close to the Margaret River. The water is clear and you can often see stingrays swimming close to the shore. It’s not as busy as nearby beaches, so it gives a calm and untouched feeling. Foul Bay is a great spot for a quiet walk or a relaxing swim.
⛱️ Little Parakeet Bay is a small bay on Rottnest Island often missed by visitors who go to the more popular beaches. It has soft sand and calm, blue-green water which is perfect for swimming.
⛱️ Meelup Beach is a hidden bay behind bushland in the South West. You’ll find calm turquoise waters, white sand, and wildflowers in spring. It’s a popular place locally, but still feels tucked away compared to nearby tourist hotspots.
⛱️ Green Head is a small coastal town with a stunning sheltered bay. The water is calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling with plenty of marine life.
⛱️ Bremer Bay is a remote, and rugged destination. You’ll find quiet beaches, dramatic coastline, and even seasonal orca sightings offshore.
⛱️ The Abrolhos Islands are known for their coral reefs, shipwreck history, and abundant marine life. It feels like a tropical escape, but still in Western Australian waters.
Best Beaches in Western Australia for Families, Couples, and Adventurers
Western Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re traveling with family, looking for a romantic spot for tow, or chasing adventure, there is something for everyone. From calm, safe swimming spots to hidden beaches, there’s always something new to discover.
Best Beaches for Families
👙 Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most famous beaches with calm water, lifeguards, and grassy areas for picnics.
👙 Meelup Beach has very calm, clear water that’s perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. There are BBQ areas and shade.
👙 Busselton Foreshore has super gentle water, long walking paths, and playgrounds nearby.
👙 Twilight Beach has white sand, clear water, and usually calm conditions. It’s a beautiful destination, but still easy for kids to swim and explore.
Best Beaches for Couples
🌅 Cable Beach is famous for its long stretch of sand and amazing sunsets. Many people enjoy walking along the beach or watching the sunset together.
🌅 Smiths Beach has great views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place for a walk, a swim, or a quiet beach day.
🌅 Little Beach is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia. The bright blue water and white sand make it a perfect place for couples looking for a peaceful spot.
🌅 Scarborough Beach is a great beach for sunsets and evening walks. There are restaurants and cafés nearby, so it’s a perfect place to spend the evening.
Best Beaches for Adventurers
🤿 Turquoise Bay is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Western Australia. Here you can float over coral reefs straight from the shore.
🤿 Lucky Bay is famous for its bright white sand and clear water. If you’re lucky, you can even see kangaroos relaxing on the beach.
🤿 Hamelin Bay is known for stingrays that swim right up to the shore, offering a unique wildlife experience.
🤿 Rottnest Island has many hidden bays such as Little Parakeet Bay and Salmon Bay. It’s great for cycling around the island and stopping for a swim or snorkeling along the way.
Plan Your Perfect Western Australia Beach Adventure
A trip along Western Australia’s coastline is truly unforgettable. Think bright white sand, crystal-clear water, hidden bays, and endless sunsets over the ocean. From Perth to Esperance and beyond, you’ll find everything from calm swimming spots and world-class surf beaches to remote coastal gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’ve got a few days or a full road trip planned, there’s a beach experience to match your style.
Not sure where to start? Our travel experts are here to help. They can guide you through the best beaches, must-see stops, and ideal routes so you can make the most of your time.
Get in touch and start planning your ultimate Western Australia Beach getaway!
💬 Chat with our Western Australia experts on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions about Western Australia Beaches
What is the best time to visit beaches in Western Australia?
The best time to visit WA beaches is during spring and summer (September to March). The weather is warm, the water is nicer for swimming, and the days are longer.
Are Western Australia beaches safe for swimming?
Many beaches in WA are safe for swimming, especially those with calm waters and lifeguards such as Cottesloe Beach and Twilight Beach. However, always check local conditions, as some beaches have strong waves or currents.
Are there good surfing beaches in Western Australia?
Yes, Western Australia is famous for surfing. Great surf spots are Trigg Beach, Smiths Beach, and West Beach (Esperance).
Do you need a 4WD to access some beaches?
If you want to drive on a beach in Western Australia, you’ll most likely need a 4WD, especially when driving on remote beaches.
Which Western Australian beaches are best for sunsets?
Some of the best sunset beaches are Cable Beach (Broome), Cottesloe Beach (Perth), and Scarborough Beach.
