Australia has always been regarded as one of the best beach destinations in the world, and once you immerse yourself in its stunning blue waters, fantastic rock formations and sandy shores, you are guaranteed an unforgettably fun and relaxing time. For local tips on the great southern bucket list, make sure to prioritise these coastal experiences that truly define Australia's natural beauty.
Australia's South West has a gorgeous selection of beach havens perfect for casual travellers and serious holidaymakers alike. This region has something for everyone, whether they are looking for delightful adventures or peaceful enjoyment. Here are some of the best beaches in the southwest you might want to consider on your next trip.
Best beaches for explorers and adventurers
There is always an adventurous spirit dwelling within anyone's soul and when it calls, you have to listen. The southwest region is bursting with amazing beaches, and here are some popular options for you to visit.
Greens Pool
Located between Denmark and Walpole, beautiful Greens Pool cove features boulders breaking the gentle ocean waves, the white sand gorgeously contrasting the cerulean water touching the blue sky on the horizon.
The beach gently slopes into the water, making it safe and easy for youngsters and the not-so-young to paddle and play. You can swim and snorkel and marvel at the teeming ocean life below the waters, or perhaps bask in the splendour of the glittering sea from the lagoon or cliff adjoining the beach.
Yallingup Beach
Situated near the wine region of Margaret River, Yallingup Beach is another popular play zone among the active crowd. It has big, steady waves, which are perfect for surfers who are just learning the ropes (experienced ones may set out to Main Break for a more action-packed surfing experience), and its sheltered lagoon is an excellent spot for a relaxing swim and water play suitable for children.
Go snorkelling, kitesurfing and strolling along the rocky cliffs of a nearby park and you will discover that Yallingup Beach is where sea enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels can come together.
Surfers Point
True to its name, Surfers Point has big waves famous around the world, rolling in from the Indian Ocean in the afternoon. Grab some beer with your mates as you watch the sunset amidst the crashing waves.
If you like surfing from a distance, you can watch the surfers and marvel at the raw beauty of the place from the boardwalk. The beach swarms with so much energy and life, and has truly come around from being a modest outback town.
Best beaches for family get-togethers
With so many sand and sea choices, it is hardly surprising that family holidays in Australia have always involved the beach. Here are some great locations for your next family getaway.
Meelup Beach
What makes Meelup Beach excellent for families? The calm and friendly waters, the abundance of trees that provide shade, and grassed areas for picnics. You can set up a barbecue grill and prepare a nice lunch while the kids play on the fine white sand.
Meelup Beach is great for water sports, beach games, boating and other water activities. It also has a shower and change rooms, picnic tables and other amenities to make your stay convenient, relaxing and fun.
Hamelin Bay Beach
Hamelin Bay Beach, located between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin, is famous for spectacular dolphin and stingray encounters, where the playful marine animals love to frolic on the shoreline and get close to visitors. Head for a coastal cliff walk and you might encounter some waterbird species, too.
Alternatively, the whole family can go for a leisurely swim or snorkel and admire the fishes and other aquatic life, dive on wrecks, visit offshore caves, go beach fishing, or relax by the gentle waves.
Busselton Foreshore
Kids with a great taste for adventure will surely love Busselton Foreshore. Following an extensive revamping, what was already amazing became even more spectacular. Busselton Foreshore is a fascinating playground that includes a skatepark and bike pathway and other recreational facilities. It also features shady areas where children can set up camp.
Of course, adults will also enjoy the bars and restaurants and other new additions. You can enjoy the seemingly endless stretch of beach flanked with white sand and swim, snorkel, play beach games, or go boating or fishing from the historic Busselton Jetty.
Best beaches for a little serenity
You can find fun and adventure on the beach for sure, but people may also go to the beach for the healing and uplifting power of the ocean. For those who are seeking solace, these choices will not disappoint.
Middleton Beach
The most popular go-to beach for the locals, Middleton Beach is one of Albany's most stunning beaches. It is close to Albany city centre and is therefore within proximity of major establishments and accommodations.
The beach is protected from large waves by King George Sound, making the waters calm and safe. The green, grassy areas dotted with Norfolk Island pines accentuate the pale sand and turquoise water. It is truly a wonderful, serene place.
Falcon Bay Beach
This low-key but lovely beach spot is perfect for catching up with your reading while enjoying a cuppa. A restaurant within the Falcon Bay Beach vicinity looks into the sea, where they serve delicious lunch and desserts.
In the afternoon, you can relax at one of the sheltered grassy areas and gaze into the dazzling blue, or the shoreline is perfect for strolling as the gentle waves and ocean breeze calm your mind.
Best beaches for breathtaking photos
Taking snapshots and videos is a great way to immortalise a memory, so, for sharing incredible portraits of your pursuits with the world, here are the perfect backdrops.
Elephant Rocks beach
This beach features exposed granite boulders that appear like a herd of elephants at certain angles and distances. It has vibrant white sand set against the gleaming aquamarine waters and large greens where lovely wildflowers bloom all year round: the rocky coastal scenery is a striking holiday photograph setting.
Little Beach
True to its name, Little Beach is a small gem, almost a top-secret beach destination in Western Australia. It possesses an unforgettably exquisite beauty: dazzling white sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and granite headlands set against the marvellous hills of lush greens.
Bunker Bay
Another popular beach within the Margaret River Wine Region, Bunker Bay is around three hours' drive from Perth. It is surrounded by restaurants, shops, galleries, cellar doors and, of course, highly esteemed wineries. There are plenty of opportunities for non-beach related activities, making this destination flexible for other interests.
The sheltered beach has rocky outcrops, charming greens, white shores and sparkling blue waters. Bunker Bay evokes that far-off island feel. It is as scenic as it is fun and relaxing.
Where to stay for a south west beach trip
If you are wondering where to stay in Kojonup, Cornwall House Accommodation is an easy base for a Great Southern beach run. We are located right on the Albany Highway, an easy starting point for reaching the stunning beaches of the south west, whether you are heading for Albany and Denmark on the south coast or west toward Margaret River.
We provide clean, comfortable rooms with the amenities and services to keep your stay easy. See our accommodation page for room details and what is included.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
Which south west beaches are best for families?
Meelup Beach, Hamelin Bay and the Busselton Foreshore. All three have calm, sheltered water, shady grassed areas and picnic or barbecue facilities, and Hamelin Bay is known for dolphins and stingrays close to shore.
Where are the best beaches for surfing?
Yallingup Beach and Surfers Point, both near Margaret River, carry the Indian Ocean swell. Yallingup suits learners on its steady beach break, with the more experienced heading to Main Break; Surfers Point draws afternoon crowds for world-class waves.
Which beach is closest to Albany?
Middleton Beach, minutes from Albany's town centre. King George Sound shelters it from big waves, so the water stays calm, and Norfolk Island pines line the pale sand.
How far is Bunker Bay from Perth?
Around three hours' drive. It sits in the Margaret River wine region, surrounded by cellar doors, restaurants and galleries, so there is plenty to do beyond the sheltered, rocky bay itself.
Where should I base myself to reach these beaches?
Kojonup, on the Albany Highway, makes a practical inland base: the south coast beaches around Albany and Denmark and the Margaret River beaches to the west are all within a comfortable drive.
