There’s no shortage of stunning swim spots in Western Australia. The coastline is dotted with thousands of bays, beaches and swim holes. But we’ve managed to narrow down the list to what we think are the most stunning beaches in WA. Here are 15 of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia to add to your bucket list.
Pretty Rottnest is rife with eye-catching places to swim, Little Salmon Bay among them. Naturally sheltered, this sweet cove on the southern tip of the island offers its visitors calm, clear waters in which to swim (or snorkel) all year round.
Cottesloe (or Cott) is a non-negotiable guide to the best beaches in WA. It’s an iconic Perth swimming spot, in part thanks to its easy access, but not forgetting its stunning good looks, and iconic resident; the Indiana Teahouse.
In the far north of the state is a fellow famous WA resident; Cable Beach in the pearling town of Broome. While swimming is welcomed during the dry season on this 22-kilometre-long stretch, this beach is more famous for its seaside camel rides during its vivid sunsets.
Plenty of the best beaches in WA reside on the state’s southern coast. Dynamic duo Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks sit just outside the charming town of Denmark, naturally formed lagoons of crystalline waters ripe for swimming, that are home to giant granite boulders.
You won’t find a list of the best beaches in WA without a mention of Lucky Bay, nudging Esperance. While you’ll be hard-pressed to find whiter sand or more turquoise waters at any beach across the nation, Lucky Bay is most famed for the resident population of kangaroos that lounge by its shores.
This is one of Perth’s most popular beaches, thanks to being within easy reach of the CBD. But there’s plenty more on offer too; the beautiful beach is a hub of swimming and surfing thanks to its regular swell, and a nearby promenade caters to those with an appetite.
Tucked among Cape Range National Park on the pristine Coral Coast is Turquoise Bay, another of the best beaches in WA. If you fancy a spot of snorkelling this is the place, with Ningaloo Reef and its army of marine life sitting just off shore.
This secluded, north-facing beach near Albany is often named one of the best beaches in WA, if not Australia. Sandwiched by hills of granite, the sandy stretch is nothing short of idyllic with its sparkling waters and soft sands. And did we mention there’s a wave for surfers?
The Kimberley is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, and its beaches are no different. Cape Leveque sits on the top tip of the Dampier Peninsula, a gathering of wide white beach, clear waters and vibrant red cliffs clustered around a lighthouse. You’ll need a 4WD to access, but roads are (thankfully) sealed.
Bright, calm waters within a natural cove have helped to procure Meelup Beach a nomination on this list of the best beaches in WA. The protected bay makes for a popular family-friendly day out, as do the green spaces, picnic tables and barbecues that scatter the shoreline.
Another adored beach within the Margaret River region is the idyllic Yallingup. While swimmers can splash about in the sheltered lagoon, it’s the waves here which really draw a crowd – this place is considered one of the best places to surf in the state.
For the surf-inclined, Trigg Beach is one of the best beaches in WA. The more rugged beach hosts regular swell to cater to short-boarders in the capital. Though there are more reasons to visit, including easy access to the Trigg Bushland Reserve Loop, a 3.4km trail which meanders along the coastline.
Hugged by the Duke of Orleans Bay, are the squeaky clean white sands of Wharton Beach. Courtesy of its rather remote location you’ll find seclusion in spades here for enjoying your swim or surf. You can also stay the night too – there’s Orleans Bay Caravan Park nearby.
But arguably the most popular place to swim in Margaret River is Gnarabup, in Prevelly. An outer reef protects this beach from any swell, providing calm waters for having a dip (or swimming laps) all year through. Pay a visit to local favourite White Elephant Beach Cafe while you’re there.
Fishing, swimming, camping; Gnaraloo on Ningaloo Reef is one of the best beaches in WA if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. It’s surfing which is the real drawcard for this destination, after all, it’s home to big wave break Tombstones. But be warned, this left-hander is only for the experienced.
