10 Best Beaches in Western Australia — where to go and why
Western Australia’s coastline is a showstopper: vast, dramatic and wildly diverse — powder-white sand, reef-fringed turquoise bays, giant granite boulders and iconic camel-trimmed sunsets. Here are ten beaches you shouldn’t miss on a trip to WA, what makes each special, and practical tips for getting the best out of them.
1. Cottesloe Beach (Perth) — Perth’s classic seaside postcard
Why go: Long stretch of white sand, calm swimming pockets, plenty of cafés and grassy picnic spots. It’s one of Perth’s most beloved beaches for sunsets and easy city access. (Western Australia)
Top tip: Arrive late afternoon to catch the sunset, then stroll the esplanade for dinner.
2. Cable Beach (Broome) — camels + huge sunsets
Why go: 22 km of sugar-white sand, iconic camel rides at sunset and dramatic red cliffs backing the shore — the Kimberley’s coastal gem. It’s perfect for slow walks and dramatic photos. (Western Australia, Australia's North West)
Top tip: Book a sunset camel ride (very popular) and bring a warm layer — evenings can be breezy.
3. Turquoise Bay (Ningaloo) — snorkel the fringing reef from the sand
Why go: A world-class snorkelling beach where the reef lies close to shore — swim the famous drift snorkel and you can see abundant fish and coral right off the sand. Ningaloo is also where you can organise whale-shark and manta encounters (seasonal). (Explore Parks, Whale Shark Dive)
Top tip: If swimming with whale sharks is on your list, plan for the whale-shark season (major months vary but many operators run tours March–August). Always use licensed operators. (Whale Shark Dive)
4. Lucky Bay (Cape Le Grand) — white sand and beach kangaroos
Why go: Famous for impossibly white sand, crystal water and friendly kangaroos that often sunbathe on the sand — an unforgettable, very Instagrammable scene in Cape Le Grand National Park. (Western Australia, World Wildlife Travel)
Top tip: Drive in early or late afternoon for the best chance of seeing kangaroos close to the beach; watch for park entry information and bring drinking water.
5. Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks (William Bay, near Denmark) — sheltered, emerald waters
Why go: A picture-postcard bay protected by huge granite boulders that form calm swimming lagoons; the walk linking Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks is short but spectacular. Ideal for families and snorkelers. (Explore Parks, Western Australia)
Top tip: Parking fills quickly during holiday periods — aim for weekdays or early mornings.
6. Twilight Bay (Esperance) — impossibly clear water and soft sand
Why go: One of Esperance’s superstar beaches — smooth white sand, calm swimmable water and a sweeping bay framed by granite outcrops. The Esperance coastline features many world-class beaches clustered close together. (Western Australia, So Perth)
Top tip: Combine Twilight Bay with a drive to nearby Cape Le Grand or a stop at Lucky Bay for a full Esperance day out.
7. Smiths Beach (Yallingup / Margaret River region) — surf and coastal charm
Why go: Sheltered areas for families and reliable surf breaks a little further along the beach; great base if you’re exploring Margaret River’s wineries and coastline. (Western Australia)
Top tip: Check surf reports if you plan to surf — there are sheltered swimming spots for little ones.
8. Scarborough Beach (Perth, Sunset Coast) — lively beach culture
Why go: A hub for surfing, cafés, markets and long beachfront promenades — Scarborough mixes great beach conditions with cafés and nightlife, all an easy hop from Perth. (Western Australia, Destination Perth)
Top tip: Time your visit to coincide with the sunset markets for food stalls and live music.
9. Shell Beach (Shark Bay) — a beach made entirely of shells
Why go: One of the planet’s rare shell beaches (part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area) where the shore is made up of billions of tiny shells rather than sand — unique and surreal. (Western Australia, Explore Parks)
Top tip: Wear sturdy footwear if you plan to walk the shell layers — they can be crunchy underfoot.
10. Meelup Beach (Dunsborough / Geographe Bay) — calm family-friendly bay
Why go: Soft white sand, sheltered turquoise waters and facilities that suit families and paddlers — great if you want a peaceful swim and easy amenities while exploring the south-west. (Western Australia, The Margaret River Region)
Top tip: Meelup sits in a regional park with BBQs and picnic areas — perfect for a lazy family day.
Practical tips for visiting WA beaches
Safety first: Many WA beaches are utterly safe for swimming, but conditions vary enormously with location and season. Always obey lifeguards and beach signage; swim between the flags where available. (Western Australia)
Stinger (jellyfish) awareness: Tropical jellyfish (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are a seasonal risk in northern WA waters — generally more common November–May — so take precautions (stinger suits, swim in netted areas, follow local advice). (broome.wa.gov.au, Cairns)
Ningaloo reef health & responsible tourism: Ningaloo is an exceptional marine area but has faced environmental pressures; choose licensed, eco-aware operators for wildlife tours and follow guidelines to protect reefs and marine life. There have been recent coral-bleaching events in WA that highlight the need for responsible reef tourism. (News.com.au, Vogue)
When to visit:
- Perth beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough) are best in summer (Dec–Feb) for sun and events. (Western Australia)
- Ningaloo/Turquoise Bay is exceptional for snorkelling year-round, with prime whale-shark and manta encounters in cooler months (roughly March–August for whale sharks, but operator windows vary). (Whale Shark Dive)
- Broome and the Kimberley (Cable Beach) are most comfortable in the dry season (May–September). (Western Australia)
What to pack: reef shoes for rocky/reef entry, sunscreen (reef-safe where required), hat, lots of water, and a camera. Bring reef-safe sunscreen when snorkelling and follow local environmental guidelines.
Final thoughts
From city sands and surf-ready breaks to remote reef beaches and otherworldly shell shores, Western Australia offers something for every kind of beach lover. Plan with seasons and conditions in mind — and wherever you go, leave only footprints (and take only photos).
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