Best Beaches in Western Australia 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Western Australia.
Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering more than one-third of the continent and offering an extraordinary range of landscapes from pristine coral reefs and red outback deserts to verdant wine regions and cosmopolitan coastal cities. Home to Perth, one of the world's most isolated yet vibrant capital cities, Western Australia rewards adventurous travellers with World Heritage sites, unique wildlife, and some of the planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
Top 10 Beaches
The best beaches Western Australia has to offer.
Cottesloe Beach
Perth's most iconic beach and the social heart of the city's coastal lifestyle. Cottesloe offers calm, clear water perfect for swimming, snorkelling at the limestone reef break, and an esplanade backed by Norfolk pines and the legendary Indiana Tea House. The annual Sculptures by the Sea outdoor art exhibition lines the foreshore every March.
Scarborough Beach
Perth's most popular surf beach, located 14km north of the CBD. A long, wide stretch of white sand facing the Indian Ocean with consistent beach break surf, a regenerated esplanade with restaurants and bars, beach volleyball courts, and a water park. The recently redeveloped Scarborough Beach Front has made this one of Perth's best beachside precincts.
City Beach
A family-friendly beach 10km west of Perth CBD, popular for its safe swimming conditions, excellent facilities, large grassed areas for picnics, and a great beachfront kiosk. City Beach is sheltered from strong winds more than Scarborough, making it better for young children. The Odyssea City Beach restaurant has excellent ocean views.
Trigg Beach
A beautiful surf beach between Scarborough and Mettams Pool with consistent surf, a relaxed atmosphere, and less commercial development than Scarborough. The Trigg Point area has excellent reef breaks for more experienced surfers. Popular with the local surf community and SUP paddlers.
Mettams Pool
A sheltered rock pool along the northern Perth coast, protected by an outer limestone reef that creates a calm, clear lagoon perfect for snorkelling. One of Perth's best snorkelling spots with sea grass beds, fish species, blue-ringed octopus (look but don't touch), sea dragons, and colourful reef fish all visible in crystal water.
Cable Beach
Australia's most iconic tropical beach — a 22km stretch of brilliant white sand and deep red pindan cliffs meeting the turquoise Indian Ocean. Cable Beach's sunsets, watched from the back of a camel, are among Australia's most memorable experiences. The beach is at its best during the dry season (May-October). Named for the telegraph cable laid to Java from this spot in 1889.
Turquoise Bay
Possibly the most stunningly beautiful beach in Australia — a crescent of dazzling white sand meeting water in impossible shades of aqua and turquoise, backed by red rock hills. The natural drift snorkel along the northern end of the bay (where the current carries you along the coral reef) is one of the world's greatest free snorkelling experiences, with coral, fish, turtles, and rays visible without any charge.
Hamelin Bay
A sheltered bay 26km south of Augusta, famous for the large rays (whiprays, eagle rays, stingrays) that regularly cruise the shallows in front of the boat ramp — you can literally wade into knee-deep water and have rays swim around your feet. The bay also has a historic shipwreck site and beautiful swimming beaches. Cape Leeuwin lighthouse is 26km north.
Eagle Bay
A beautiful sheltered bay 12km north of Dunsborough with calm, clear turquoise water and a long sandy beach backed by coastal banksia forest. One of the south-west's most popular family beach destinations, with excellent swimming and often calmer water than ocean-facing beaches.
Meelup Beach
Often voted one of WA's most beautiful beaches, Meelup is a small, sheltered bay near Dunsborough with extraordinarily clear water and a white sandy beach backed by limestone headlands. Excellent snorkelling along the rocky edges of the bay, with calm and safe swimming conditions ideal for children.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Secluded spots perfect for relaxation and getting away from crowds.
Family-Friendly
Calm waters, amenities nearby, and safe swimming conditions for children.
Water Sports
Great conditions for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities.
Lively Scene
Beach clubs, restaurants, and social atmosphere with facilities nearby.
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Swimming
Check local conditions and designated swimming areas. Be aware of currents and follow safety flags.
Snorkeling
Explore underwater life at beaches with clear water and reef areas. Bring or rent equipment.
Beach Walking
Enjoy sunrise or sunset walks along the shore. Great exercise and photography opportunities.
Boat Trips
Join boat tours to explore coastline, visit offshore islands, or try fishing excursions.
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
Check seasonal conditions. Summer months typically offer best beach weather.
Facilities
Facilities vary by beach. Popular beaches may have restrooms, rentals, and food vendors.
Access
Some beaches require private transport. Check public transport options or hire a taxi.
Costs
Many beaches are free. Some may charge parking or entrance fees. Equipment rentals available.
What to Bring
- Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach towel or mat
- Modest swimwear (check local customs)
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for vendors and rentals
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach Safety
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Explore Western Australia's Best Beaches
Get our complete beach guide with seasonal tips, packing checklists, and activity recommendations.
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