If there’s one thing I love, it’s discovering a good beach – and in Western Australia, you’re seriously spoilt for choice. I’m so lucky to live here, and, if you’re planning a trip to this wonderful state, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
With so many stunning spots along the Western Australia coastline, narrowing down a list of favourites isn’t easy, but I’m up for the challenge. From hidden coves that offer perfect solitude to bustling shores with waves that beckon surfers from all over the world, this list covers it all.
So, let’s dive into my top picks of the best beaches in Western Australia!
1. Shell Beach, Shark Bay
When you first step onto Shell Beach, it’s not sand crunching under your feet – it’s shells. Lots and lots of shells! Stretching for over 70 kilometres, the beach is covered in layers of white cockle shells, sometimes up to 10 metres deep.
The water here is super salty, which makes for some incredibly buoyant swimming, so if you’re into floating effortlessly, this is your spot. Because of the high salinity, Shell Beach is also blissfully free of seaweed and other marine gunk that can wash up elsewhere, keeping the waters crystal clear.
Shell Beach is admittedly quite isolated, around 775 kilometres north of Perth, but that just means the beach is never crowded. It actually forms part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and is a popular spot on the Perth to Broome road trip route.
2. Cable Beach, Broome
Cable Beach in Broome is one of those places that just sticks with you. With its 22 kilometres of pristine white sand, you can walk for ages without retracing your steps. Plus, the sea here is a vibrant, sparkling turquoise that looks surreal even on a cloudy day.
The vibe here, like the vibe all over town in Broome, is super chill. You’ll find people sunbathing, kids playing near the water, and, of course, the thing that makes Cable Beach so famous: camels! Riding a camel at sunset along Cable Beach is one of those only-in-WA things you can’t leave the state without experiencing. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but it’s a must-do.
It’s worth noting that Cable Beach is in the far north of WA, so the season you visit really does make a difference. When I lived in Broome for a couple of years, I quickly learned that timing is everything. The dry season, from about May to October, is prime time because the weather is just perfect – warm days, cool nights, and hardly any rain.
On the flip side, the wet season from November to April brings humidity, tropical storms, and plenty of rain, which can be a problem if you want to lots of beach time on your Broome itinerary!
3. Lucky Bay, Esperance
Lucky Bay in Esperance is one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia, and actually Australia as a whole! With adorable kangaroos hopping across the sand, which is some of the whitest sand in the world, it’s no surprise that this WA beach has rocketed to the top of Instagrammers’ bucket lists.
At Lucky Bay, which you’ll find inside Cape Le Grand National Park, the contrast of the vivid turquoise waters against the stark white sands and the backdrop of dense national park greenery makes a scene so striking it almost looks edited. But it’s all read!
Like Shell Beach, Lucky Bay is very isolated. It’s located around 750 kilometres southeast of Perth, but most visitors choose to do a road trip to the nearby town of Esperance to explore Lucky Bay, the rest of Cape Le Grand National Park, and the famous Esperance Pink Lake.
4. Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
Taking a day trip to Rottnest Island is a must-do while you’re in Perth! Although this tiny island is full of wonderful beaches, if I had to pick a favourite it’d be Salmon Bay. Unlike the overcrowded Little Salmon Bay next door, this beach feels like your own secret spot, with plenty of room to spread out your towel.
The sand here is that soft, golden type that feels great between your toes, and the water is an unreal shade of blue that just pops – like it’s straight out of a travel brochure, but better because it’s real and right in front of you!
The best part about getting to Salmon Bay is probably the ride. From Perth, you’ll need to take a short ferry to the island, and then rent a bike to explore this car-free island. It’s just you on a bike, cruising down quiet paths, with nothing but the sound of the sea and the breeze rustling through the scrub – perfect.
5. Scarborough Beach, Perth
Scarborough Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Perth because it has it all! Gorgeous sand and clear waters, surf, a tonne of fun amenities, and a surrounding area that’s always lively and fun. Whether you’re there to catch some waves or just chill on the sand, there’s a charm to the place you can’t deny.
When I lived nearby, Scarborough was my go-to for evening runs – not because it was quiet, but because there was always a bit of life around. People stick around for the sunset, which never disappoints here. It also doesn’t hurt that there’s a path all the way along the coast meaning you never have to go long without sea views.
Aside from the beach itself, Scarborough’s got a decent strip of places to grab a bite or a drink. It’s not fancy, but you won’t go hungry. They’ve also put in some new spots like a 50-metre lap pool and updated the esplanade, which makes it an even better place to hang out, especially on warm evenings.
6. Greens Pool, Denmark
Greens Pool in Denmark, WA, feels a bit like stepping into a natural swimming pool that someone dropped right along the coast. It’s tucked away in William Bay National Park and is surrounded by giant boulders that shelter the bay from the wild Southern Ocean waves, creating calm, sparkling waters that are almost unbelievably blue.
You can spend hours just floating around, snorkelling a bit, or exploring the rocks. It’s cool, too, how the massive boulders also provide some decent spots to jump off into the deeper water if you’re feeling brave.
This is one of my favourite spots on the Perth to Albany drive, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it!
7. Prevelly Beach, Margaret River
Prevelly Beach in Margaret River is a straightforward, no-nonsense kind of place that immediately feels like it’s all about the surf. That’s because it is! Here, the massive waves command respect and the salty air is filled with the surfers’ hype for the next big set rolling in.
The sand at Prevelly is more rugged and peppery than powdery, and it suits the wild vibe of the place. You won’t find rows of sunbathers here; instead, it’s the backdrop for those who come to challenge themselves against the Indian Ocean’s notorious swells.
Aside from the surf, Prevelly is also a great spot for a bit of quiet time. Just a short walk away from the main beach area, you can find quieter spots along the coast where the only sounds are the waves crashing and the wind rustling through the coastal scrub.
It’s raw, it’s real, and it captures the essence of what Margaret River’s coast is all about!
8. Hellfire Bay, Esperance
Hellfire Bay near Esperance is one of those places that hits you with its raw beauty the moment you step onto the sand. Tucked away in Cape Le Grand National Park, this beach is a bit of a hidden treasure with its white sand that feels almost like talcum powder.
This isn’t a crowded beach; it’s more of a retreat where you can enjoy nature in peace. The bay is surrounded by granite cliffs that not only provide a dramatic backdrop but also shelter the beach from strong winds, making it the ideal spot for a calm day by the sea. Just be warned: the water down here is super cold!
Hellfire Bay is just a 10-minute drive away from Lucky Bay, another one of the top beaches in Western Australia, so you could easily tackle both beaches in one day if you’re pressed for time.
9. Monkey Mia
Monkey Mia, located on the stunning shores of Shark Bay in Western Australia, is as playful and inviting as its name suggests. Known for its friendly dolphins that come right up to the beach, this spot offers the chance to interact with wildlife in a pretty special way.
The beach itself is lovely, with fine sand and calm, clear waters that make it perfect for swimming, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. But what really sets Monkey Mia apart is the daily dolphin visits. And don’t worry – these aren’t trained show dolphins; they’re wild, but they’ve been visiting this beach for decades, so everything is kept natural.
Beyond the dolphins, Monkey Mia is also a great base for exploring the wider Shark Bay area. You’ve got stunning coastal walks, Aboriginal cultural tours, and boat trips to see even more marine life. There’s plenty to do!
It’s Time to Explore WA’s Gorgeous Beaches!
There’s no way to cover all of the Western Australia beaches in one go. You could spend a lifetime exploring the coastline and still find new spots!
The ones I’ve shared in this post are my personal favourites, but there are thousands more out there, each with their own unique appeal. So, pack up your beach gear, set out on your own adventure or beach-hopping road trip, and decide for yourself which beaches you think are the best in WA.
Happy exploring!
