Mindblowing! The 13 Best Beaches in Western Australia

Last Updated on 29 March 2026 by Ariana Svenson

We hope you enjoy this roundup of the best beaches in Western Australia!  Being an outdoorsy family from this great state, we have had the opportunity to explore much of this awesome coastline.

However, Western Australia has the longest coastline of any state, at 12,889 km, which is a lot of white sandy beaches to cover! I’ve called on some other travel bloggers to share their favourite beaches in Western Australia and explain why.

With miles and miles of white sand and turquoise waters and not that many people, it is pretty easy to understand why Western Australian beaches are definitely in the running for the best beaches in Australia!

Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support. We hope you have a ball in Western Australia!

In case you are wondering, I started in the south and worked my way to the north with this collection of amazing Western Australian beaches.  In the end, there is a section for the best beaches in Perth.

This roundup of the best beaches in Western Australia will help you see why we love this gorgeous state.

MAP of the best Beaches in Western Australia

West Australia Beaches: The Best Beaches in Esperance

On the south coast of Western Australia is Esperance, the mecca for incredible beaches.  While Western Australia is known for its amazing beaches, the beaches in Esperance are on a whole other level.  The sand here is the whitest in Australia, making the water an unbelievable shade of blue. 

While Esperance is an 8-hour drive from Perth, we highly recommend taking your time on a Perth to Esperance Road Trip if you do visit. 

Follow Esperance’s Great Ocean Drive to discover beaches like Blue Haven, Twilight Beach, and many more just minutes from the town centre. 

It is amazing just how many stunning beaches are located in and around the town of Esperance. No beach will look quite the same after a visit here.

1. Lucky Bay

The most popular beach in the region is Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand National Park. In addition to being a beautiful beach, Lucky Bay is famous for having kangaroos.

These iconic Australian animals can be found hopping along the beach at almost any time of the day. They are so used to people being around that they don’t shy away, making it easy to get the perfect photo.

We recommend staying at the campground right on the beach to maximise your time in Lucky Bay. In the summer months, it gets booked out months in advance, so make sure you book ahead. 

2. Duke of Orleans Bay

A 1-hour drive from Lucky Bay will take you to the Duke Of Orleans Bay.  This is my personal favourite beach in the region.  It offers a similarly spectacular beach.  However, the extra time it takes to get here means that it is always much quieter than Lucky Bay.

Aside from beaches, make sure you read our guide to the best things to do in Esperance.

Luke, from The Coastal Campaign

3. Wharton Beach

A wonderful alternative to Lucky Bay near Esperance is Wharton Beach, which is is located on the western side of Duke Of Orleans Bay Caravan Park. 

Certainly it is 80kms from Esperance, (so nearly an hour’s drive) but the reward will be having time on a white sand, crystal clear water beach to yourself. (or without the crowds at Lucky Bacy.   It’s got continuous rolling waves, so is popular for swimming, surfing and bodyboarding.  You can drive onto the beach as long as you have a 4WD, or there is parking for those with 2WDs.

Also, plan to have lunch at the Condingup Tavern on the way back to Esperance! We’ve included Wharton Beach as one of the best beaches in Esperance. 

4. Little Beach, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Albany 

This is a small and secluded strip of Australian paradise. Situated on the rugged southern coast of WA, Little Beach is in the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, 40 minutes drive east of Albany and about 5 hours southeast of Perth. 

Little Beach is wonderfully secluded.  However, it is also growing increasingly in popularity.  This is thanks to Instagram and a deserved inclusion in this list of Western Australia beaches.

The drive into Two Peoples Bay can be as spectacular as the beach itself. It is rolling Australian countryside at its best, crossing the incredibly picturesque King and Calgan Rivers. 

You are surrounded by lush greenery before arriving at the dramatic rock faces that surround this secluded cove of pristine white sand, Little Beach.

The soft sands are ideal for sandcastle making, and the spectacularly azure waters are wonderful for splashing (and also popular with fishermen). 

Be aware it’s not a patrolled beach and as pretty and dramatic as the waves can be – especially on a stormy day – the rips can be strong, so take care in the water.

Accessible by 2WD car; be prepared for a drop-loo only and limited facilities at the beach. However, a larger visitor centre is a couple of kilometres away, and camping is available within the nature reserve. Take away anything you bring and take care of the fragile coastline here, only using defined footpaths and scrambling any rocks with care.

Head there on a weekend or school holiday, and you’re bound to find small crowds.  The car park is small.  If it’s full, that’s a good sign that there are enough people, and you should try another day.

The fit and able may want to tackle the Class 3 hike from the visitor centre to the beach. The hike is about a 4-hour round trip.

Don’t miss the additional little cove that lies beyond the main Little Beach, also known as Waterfall Beach.  It’s only accessible at low tide, as a little scrambling is involved.  It’s not recommended for your younger kids, but it’s possibly even more beautiful than Little Beach!

Keri, From Our Globetrotters

5. Misery Beach, Torndirrup National Park 

The appallingly named Misery Beach shot to fame in 2022 when, it was crowned by Tourism Australia as Australia’s Best Beach.   I’d hiked the Bald Head track in the past, which means I was only a stone’s throw from this marvel and yet never visited. 

Despite its name, Misery Beach is far from miserable most of the year. 

A pristine and spectacular little beach is located a cove protected by large granite outcrops (eg, that’s the Bald Head track and Isthmus up above). Despite its new found fame, its  a magnificent spot for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and fishing.

The other theory is that when whalers came close the beach by boat, the way the sun would hit the beach’s rock face in the afternoons made it look like a scowling face… 

6. Greens Pool, William Bay National Park, Denmark

It is no secret that Western Australia has some of the most remarkable beaches in the world, and of course, one of the most popular beaches in Denmark.  Greens Pool is quite right; it is one of its best.  Located just outside of Denmark, in the Great Southern Region, Greens Pool is part of William Bay National Park, WA.

Greens Pool is an easy day trip from Albany, just under an hour’s drive.  There is so much to see in and around Denmark. 

You might prefer to spend a night or two in the area so you can genuinely enjoy your time at Greens Pool. You can view our guide to the best accommodation in Denmark WA here.

Although Greens Pool is well documented, it is not necessarily well signed on the roads.  In fact, if you did not know it was there, you would probably miss it. 

Greens Pool is a popular beach for locals and visitors in the warmer months.  However, it is perhaps even more spectacular in the cooler months.

If you are looking for silky white sand, pristine crystal-clear waters, an incredible coastline, and peace, Greens Pool in Winter is utter perfection! The beach is almost completely protected from the waves of the great Southern Ocean.

Rug up, pack a lunch and spend the day exploring.  Wander the sandy beaches, take in the immaculate landscape, and watch your kids jump from rock to rock and splash in the water.  Climb across the granite boulders and follow the unwritten path to Elephant Cove, where you will fall in love with Elephant Rocks.

To aid in planning your trip, make sure you also read our guide to the best things to do in Denmark.

From Erin Parker, Love To Travel, Stay-Eat-Do

7. Mandalay Beach, Walpole

One of the best beaches down south Western Australia is Mandalay a stunning beach located 20km out of the small town of Walpole, in the heart of the Walpole Wilderness.

Named after a barque, Mandalay that shipwrecked on this isolated beach over 100 years ago, you can still see the wreck in certain weather conditions.  Ask the locals for insider tips.

However, even if you don’t get to see the wreck of the Mandalay, this beach is massive, full of oodles of white sand—and rarely any people are there! There are just seagulls, rocks, a ferocious ocean, and stunning views. This is NOT a swimming beach; you can see the ocean is so powerful!

Mandalay Beach is accessed via a gravel 2 wheel drive road and in the D’Entrecasteaux National Park.  We’d recommend staying at Che Sara Sara Chalets for a bush retreat experience and exploring our other Things to do in Walpole Western Australia for an isolated wilderness escape away from the crowds.   

If you are looking for the best places to stay, The Best Accommodation In Walpole WA is a great resource. 

8. Hamelin Bay Beach 

We’ve enjoyed camping at Hamelin Bay a couple of times,  as it’s a lovely quiet spot to the south of Margaret River. 

Hamelin Bay has become world famous for the friendly stingrays who visit the shore and are quite friendly (though they are still wild animals) The stingrays can be seen most days during summer and occasionally during the winter months. The beach is white sand, with turquoise waters, and popular for snorkelling, fishing and swimming. 

There are also remnants of a jetty as Hamelin Bay was a port for a short period of time, servicing timber mills of the area.  (Turns out that it was difficult to navigate with strong winds, causing many wrecks).  

If you are sufficiently skilled you can dive the wrecks off Hamelin Bay or several are suitable for experienced snorkellers.  

We also love walking from Hamelin Bay along the Cape to Cape track as there are great views across the whole area. 

9. Yallingup Beach 

Legendary in the WA surf scene, Yallingup Beach is where the surf culture really took off in the 1960’s.  Next to the nautically inspired playground is a statue of a bronzed surfer commemorating this event. 

In short, Yallingup Beach is good for everyone – there is a sheltered lagoon for family swimming while also the big, famous waves offshore.  (There are viewing platforms on the beach where you can marvel as the surfers take on the waves. 

If you are interested in learning to surf, there are often surf schools running at Yallingup Beach or nearby Smiths Beach. 

For more on the top things to do in Yallungup, head over to our blog. And there are so many other places to explore! Have you been to Monkey Mia? Read our guide on things to do in Monkey Mia for more inspiration.

10. Meelup Beach, Dunsborough

Just under three hours and around 250 km from Perth, you’ll find one of the Best Beaches in South West Australia: Meelup Beach.

It’s about a 10 to 15-minute drive from Dunsborough, the nearest town, where you can buy supplies for your picnic or barbecue.  Meelup is tucked away down an unassuming lane. It’s easy to get to and doesn’t require a 4WD.

When you get there, you’ll be wowed by its prettiness.  Meelup is not just a beach; it offers you the best of both worlds.  Shady trees and green grassy areas lead down to pristine white sand and a gently lapping sea, which turns the most delightful turquoise blue you’ll ever see in the summertime. 

The beach is surrounded by natural bushland and a coastal walk that weaves through Meelup Park. Look out for gorgeous wildflowers in springtime, but be prepared for flies in December.

Swimming and paddle boarding are popular at Meelup Beach.  This is due to the calm waters in the bay; during summer, you can rent paddleboards right at the beachfront. 

The beach and the surrounding park are sheltered from the strong winds you’ll often get at other beaches in the summertime because it’s protected in Geographe Bay.

On full moons, people sometimes take picnics to the beach to watch the moon rise over the sea. Others might head out into the bay on kayaks for a truly ‘otherworldly’ experience. There are barbecues, changing rooms, restroom facilities, and picnic tables.

Overall, Meelup is one of the best beaches in Western Australia for families with children. For more tips on visiting Dunsborough, read our guide on the best things to do in Dunsborough.

Jo from ZigAZag

Best Beaches North of Perth

11. Shell Beach, Shark Bay 

There are few places in the world where shells replace beach sand in such a photogenic way.  Yes, that’s right, this beach is made up from trillions of tiny shells from one type of animal, the Fragum cockle.  

Located just off the off the Shark Bay Road 44km from Denham and 84km from the North West Coastal Highway, Shell Beach is a ‘must see’ when visiting the Shark Bay World Heritage area.  Located close to the famous Hamelin Pool stromatolites, the unique beach has been created by the hyper salinity of these waters.  When swimming you will float in these super salty shallow waters – very cool!)

There are plenty of great things to do in Denham! Make sure to read our guide for more travel inspiration.

As at Hamelin Pool, the combination of high evaporation and limited water flow causes the water here to be twice as salty as the sea. The resulting lack of competition  means that there is an incredible abundance of this one species. 

Check out the best places to visit in Western Australia and things to do in Shark Bay here. 

12. Coral Bay Beach, Coral Bay 

If you like grabbing your snorkelling gear and hitting the water, the best beach in WA has to be Coral Bay Beach on Ningaloo Reef.

Coral Bay is 1100 kilometres north of Perth.  The entire drive is on sealed roads.  If you want to break up the drive, there is accommodation at various points along the way, including Geraldton, Hamelin Pool, and Carnarvon.

There is probably nowhere else in Australia, let alone Western Australia, where you can wade into waist-deep water and see the marine life you do at Coral Bay Beach.  As soon as your face hits the water, you’ll see giant northwest snapper cruising past and rays skimming along the white sandy bottom.

A bit further out, there are mounds of coral where you can spend hours spotting colourful reef fish. For more confident swimmers, you can walk out of the bay along Paradise Beach and drift back to the beach along the reef.

We took our 8- —and 10-year-old children with us, and they loved it. The water was crystal clear and calm. Because you can see so much in quite shallow water, it is ideal for new or inexperienced snorkelers.

We stayed on a powered site at the Ningaloo Bayview Caravan Park.  It was spacious, clean, and had great camp kitchens.  To be honest, we didn’t spend a lot of time at the park; the snorkelling off the beach was just so good!

The peak season is from April to October.  Give yourself a few days, as getting the odd windy day isn’t unusual.  The water temperature is 22 – 25 degrees.  If you feel the cold or even if you want to keep the sun off your back, a rashy or thin shorty wetsuit is worth considering.

Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

13. Turquoise Bay,  Exmouth

 Our favourite beach in Western Australia is Turquoise Bay. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Australia and by far one of the best beaches in Exmouth!  Honestly, before going there, I did not expect much since the beaches of Western Australia are all beautiful!

You must go to Turquoise Bay to realize its beauty. What struck me first was the transparency of the water. When we bathed, we could see our legs, swimwear, and even a turtle and fish!

It is a calm and long beach, nestled in Cape Range National Park, about 1 hour from Exmouth and on the edge of Ningaloo Reef.  The beach is easy to access, and you will have plenty of room to put on your towel and relax!  We particularly appreciated the beautiful surroundings (given that it is in a natural park) and the soft, shiny sand.

I recommend going there at the end of the day when the sun is not as strong, especially to watch the magnificent sunset. The sky was pink, setting on the sea on the horizon. Did you know you can go on a tour to swim with whale sharks in the area? Read our guide on swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth here.

Regarding accommodation, we stayed in a caravan park in Exmouth, the nearest town.

If you visit Exmouth or even Coral Bay, make a detour to Turquoise Bay; you will not regre

t it! Better, still follow our amazing itinerary of the West Coast of Australia. For more tips on visiting Exmouth, read our guide to the best things to do in Exmouth.

Stephanie, from Parisian Abroad

14. Cable Beach, Broome 

One of the most iconic beaches in Western Australia is the famous Cable Beach, which is just minutes from Broome and is a stunning 22 kilometers long. 

It has some of the most beautiful aqua-coloured water I have ever seen at a Western Australian beach, complete with a white sand beach and a backdrop of red cliffs. The contrast of these colours is what makes it extra special.

It’s a great place to hang out, play, and relax. There is a playground and eating options by the main entrance and bus stop. 

The best part, though, is the iconic camel ride.  I was initially reluctant to do this as I have had a painful experience riding camels in the past.  But Mr. almost 5 was very keen, so how could I say no? 

It was a great choice as it is one of my best travel experiences ever.  It is such a gorgeous way to take everything in.

If you have young kids, I recommend taking the pre-sunset camel ride.  It’s a bit faster, and 30 minutes was long enough for my son.  Afterwards, you can have a sundowner and build sandcastles while watching the sunset.

The only negative is that you can’t swim at this beach over the summer in the stinger season.

You can easily reach this beach by car or local bus from most places in Broome.  We enjoyed staying at the Bayside Holiday Apartments. Make sure you also read our guide to the best things to do in Broome. The eighty-mile beach is also well worth a visit!

Sharon, from Baby Journey

West Australia Beaches: The Best Beaches Near Perth

15. The Beaches of Rottnest Island (including Parakeet Beach)

Rottnest Island is a small but accessible island just off the coast of Western Australia.  Even though it’s an island, the regular Rottnest Island ferries make it super easy to get to. 

There are two ferry terminals from which you can travel. One of which is in the city of Perth, and the other is just 16km south of the city.

Rottnest Island has many of the top beaches in Western Australia, with white sand and piercing blue water. It’s a little slice of paradise. You’ll want to explore the entire island at least a night or two.

With only one day on Rottnest Island, you can still enjoy some of the best bits.  Longreach Bay is the beach to head to if you’re short on time.  It’s one of the prettiest beaches on the entire island and, thanks to its proximity to the port, also one of the easiest beaches to get to.

Rottnest Island is 100% worth visiting and the beaches are calm enough for the whole family to enjoy, making it the perfect place for a family day out from Perth.  Pack yourself a picnic lunch – there aren’t many places to get food on the island – and make sure you take plenty of sunscreen with you.

Jodie from AlaJode 

Best Beaches in Perth

It is no secret that Perth is one of the sunniest capital cities on the planet. With about 80km of white-sand coastline that perfectly matches this sunny atmosphere, Perth has some pretty stunning beaches. 

In fact, I was pretty surprised that more bloggers didn’t knock on my door with some of the best beaches in Perth.

If you’re visiting as a family, Make sure you also read our guide to the best things to do in Perth with kids, our guide to the best playgrounds and parks in Perth and our 6 day Perth family holiday itinerary

16. Scarborough Beach

Perth has an incredible array of beaches along its long coastline.  However, one of the best beaches in Perth, particularly for first-time visitors to the city, is Scarborough Beach.

Located approximately 15 km from the Perth CBD, Scarborough Beach is easily accessible by both car and public transport.  On a hot summer’s day, Scarborough Beach is also one of the busiest beaches along the coastline and is particularly popular with the younger crowds. 

Thanks to the larger swell and waves, Scarborough is also one of the best surfing beaches along the coastline and has several surf schools.

While the pearly white sand and the glistening Indian Ocean are the main attractions, Scarborough Beach’s point of difference is that it offers plenty more things to do. 

Its main drawcard is the newly revamped esplanade, which provides loads of entertainment when you’ve had a dip in the ocean.  Completed in 2018, the Esplanade is a hub of activity with state of the art skatepark, playground, surf shops, cafes, restaurants, and pub.

Along the Esplanade, you’ll also find the incredible new Scarborough Swimming Pool, which means that the ocean is not the only place to cool off.  Once the coast gets too windy or you prefer swimming laps rather than ducking waves, then the pool and leisure centre provide the perfect respite.

However, one of the best attractions is the Scarborough Sunset Markets, which are held every Thursday evening during the summer months. 

The Esplanade foreshore becomes a hub of activity with a huge variety of food trucks, market stalls, and entertainment.  The perfect venue to enjoy the legendary sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Scarborough Beach also has some great accommodation options that cater to most budgets, from backpacker hostels to ritzier hotel options.  Our favourite is the Rendezvous Hotel Scarborough.

Submitted by Nina from West Australian Explorer.

17. Yanchep Lagoon

Perth in Western Australia is famous for its beautiful beaches. Few capital cities have such beautiful coastlines, and they are very hard to beat. 

Since the whole coast of Western Australia is lined with pure sand and rolling waves perfect for surfing, choosing which one to visit can be a challenge. It really depends on what you are looking for.

For families with young children, Yanchep Lagoon is probably the best choice. While Perth beaches are beautiful, they can also be dangerous. The surf can be treacherous, and swimming may not be recommended unless you are a strong swimmer.

Yanchep Lagoon is in Perth’s northern suburbs, almost on the outskirts of town. There is plenty of parking, and a cafe and shower facilities are available. 

The lagoon is created by a coral reef not far from the shore.  This means that there is a quiet section of water, perfect for acclimatizing small children to the water without having to deal with big waves. 

The water is crystal clear, the sand is crisp, and with the reef close by, there is plenty to explore if you want to go snorkelling. However, there isn’t much shelter from the sun, so it’s advisable to be suitably equipped with a sunshade or umbrella.

Delphine, from Lester Lost

13. Cottesloe Beach

I have pics of my kids at Cottesloe, if you can’t find them I will insert. 

Western Australia is undoubtedly blessed with extraordinarily stunning beaches, and a fair share of them are in Perth. One of the best is the iconic Cottesloe Beach, home of sculptures of the sea. Since 2005, this annual event has transformed these famous sands into an outdoor sculpture park.

Rivaling Scarborough Beach as Perth’s most popular, the Cott, as the locals know it, offers something for everyone. 

Cottesloe Beach is one of the top beaches in Western Australia. It’s as pretty as a picture.  Not only is it one of Perth’s most popular spots for swimming, snorkelling, surfing, and soaking up the sun, but there is no place better to watch a magical sunset over the ocean.

From Peters Pool at North Cottesloe for snorkelling to the right in front of the surf club for swimming and walking to South Cottesloe’s rocky reefs and cliffs, perfect for wind and kitesurfing, the Norfolk pine-framed Cottesloe Beach is divided into three areas, each offering something unique. 

When the ocean is calm, this is one of Perth’s best snorkelling spots. You may catch a glimpse of the auspicious leafy sea dragon in the transparent blue waters.

So whether it’s the consistent swells in the crystal clear waters, the buzzing boulevard’s cafes and bars, or the shady Norfolk pines on the terraced lawns and pristine sands, this is the perfect setting for anything from a lazy day to a fun family day out. 

That is what makes Cottesloe Beach a trademark premier summer location and a favourite of Perth’s 19 sensational beaches.

With over 1km of pure white sand to sink your toes into, every year in March, these famous sands are converted into an outdoor sculpture park where artists from over 17 countries display more than 70 award-winning sculptures. 

Its ease of access by car, train, or bus makes this the perfect location for Sculptures by the Sea.

Protected by the southern break wall, the art-deco Indiana Teahouse, flanked by grassed terraces, dominates the foreshore, which offers a stunning coastal vista. 

Yes, there are plenty of other beaches, and whether you are making your own sandcastles or visiting Sculptures by the Sea, no other beach can pull off an Aussie vibe like our Cott does.

Lyn, from A Hole in My Shoe

Interested in other beach facts? Not only do we share some Bondi Beach Facts, but we also share about the best beaches in Australia at Interesting Bondi Beach Facts.

The Verdict – Best Beaches In Western Australia 

This awesome array of the best beaches in WA will wow you!  As you can see from just the photos, Western Australian beaches are stunning. 

If you are visiting Western Australia, we recommend spending a few days at a beach. Enjoy at least one of the best beaches in Perth while heading either south or north of Perth. Make sure you read our guide to the best time to visit Western Australia when planning your trip!

If you have a suggestion for a beach that should be included in the ‘best beaches in Western Australia’ list or your opinion on the best beach in Western Australia, please drop your idea in the comments – we can always learn more!

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