The Best Beaches in Western Australia
Ready to discover the pristine shores of Western Australia’s (WA) beaches? Well, it’s time to unfold those tea-stained maps and search for treasure— but instead of gold, we are hunting for those invaluable stretches of white sandy WA beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable sunsets. In this blog, we are going to make your search for the best beaches in WA easy by sharing our favourite beaches in WA, as well as our top tips for the adventurous family keen on exploring Australia's coastal beauty in a campervan.
Whether you are looking for the iconic surf breaks of Cottesloe Beach or the secluded bays of more remote WA beaches, we'll guide you through a list of WA beaches as diverse as the landscape!
What’s Western Australia known for?
Western Australia is known for its staggering contrast of landscapes, from the ochre red dust of the Outback (that seems to get in almost every nook and cranny) to the lush greenery of ancient tingle tree forests and the dazzling WA coastline, boasting some of the most spectacular beaches on the planet (this is no exaggeration.) However, this region's beauty doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Beneath the waves, the Indian Ocean is teeming with playful dolphins, majestic whales, and kaleidoscopic coral reefs perfect for snorkelers and divers.
Beyond its ecological beauty, WA is steeped in rich Indigenous history, where ancient rock art and Dreamtime stories offer a glimpse into the soul of Australia's first peoples. It's where the past and present merge, from the bustling streets of Perth to the tranquil, vineyard-strewn hills of Margaret River. And that doesn’t begin to touch on the southwest’s prestige as a culinary frontier – where fresh seafood, world-class wines, and innovative cuisine have made this corner of Australia a world-class destination. Safe to say, there is plenty to discover on a campervan road trip through WA.
What’s the best way to explore the beaches of Western Australia?
Trying to figure out the best way to explore WA's beaches? Well, picture yourself behind the wheel of a spacious campervan, the open road ahead, and a backdrop of Australia's most breathtaking coastal landscapes rushing by. Campervan travel is the quintessential Australia road trip experience, blending the comforts of home with the thrill of discovery and the convenience of creating your own schedule. It's about waking up to the sound of waves at your doorstep and the freedom to chase the sunset without a fixed travel itinerary.
But that’s not the only reason a campervan hire is the first choice for so many explorers. The real answer? Unmatched flexibility and freedom. Unlike traditional travel, where you're tethered to hotel locations and public transport schedules, a campervan offers the liberty to explore off-the-beaten-track and secluded spots not listed on any conventional map or “things to see and do” guide. It's the ultimate way to connect with nature, offering an intimate WA beach experience that hotels simply can't match.
With a campervan road trip across Western Australia, the landscapes, wildlife, and culture are right on your doorstep. Want to experience more of what makes WA unique? Check out some of our most loved campervan and WA road trip blogs below:
The Best Beaches in Western Australia
Ready to kick back and relax (WA beach style)? It’s time to take a tour of the best beaches in Western Australia. We have covered everything from where to soak up the sun and splash in the ocean to where to stay close by in your campervan for the ultimate WA beach experience.
1. Lucky Bay, Esperance
Imagine a beach where the pearly sand squeaks beneath your feet, the water is as clear as the sky on a sunny day, and (if that weren’t enough) kangaroos are just hanging out on the beach, chilling out with you. While it may be hard to believe, that's Lucky Bay in Esperance for you. Famous for its postcard-perfect kangaroos lazing on the pristine beach, Lucky Bay offers more than just a cool selfie opportunity. The sand here is so fine it literally sings underfoot, and the azure waters invite you to wade in for an otherworldly swimming experience.
Nestled about an 8-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth via campervan, this WA beach feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. For those rolling in with a campervan, the Lucky Bay campsite in Cape Le Grand National Park offers a designated area to park your home-on-wheels close to the beach, giving you easy access to this slice of paradise.
Where to stay near Lucky Bay
For the campervan crowd, Lucky Bay Campground is your best bet for soaking in all that this WA beach has to offer. With facilities that include camp kitchens and solar-powered showers, they've thought of everything you might need without sacrificing the natural beachside camping experience. The campground is snuggled right in Cape Le Grand National Park, offering stunning views and direct access to the beach. It's the perfect base camp for exploring Lucky Bay and the surrounding natural wonders.
2. Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Just a 30-minute drive from Perth, Cottesloe Beach is the quintessential Aussie beach experience. Known for its vibrant marine life and ideal swimming conditions, the clear waters and gentle waves make it a perfect family-friendly spot. Plus, the iconic Indiana Restaurant nearby offers a picturesque backdrop for those sunset snaps and a perfect spot to enjoy a meal with a view.
Parking your campervan? No worries. The Napier Street car park offers ample space for your vehicle just a short walk from the ocean, making it easy to hop out and enjoy this iconic WA beach.
Where to stay near Cottesloe Beach
When it comes to parking your campervan near Cottesloe Beach on your Australia road trip, the Cottesloe Caravan Park is a gem. This park offers a comfortable spot to settle down and is also brimming with amenities. From powered sites to BBQ facilities, it's got all you need for a relaxing stay. Located just a stone's throw away from the beach, it provides the perfect balance between beach life and the comfort of your campervan. Plus, with its prime location, you're never too far from exploring the best of Perth’s beaches.
3. Cable Beach, Broome
Cable Beach in Broome is 22 kilometres of sun-kissed, postcard-perfect bliss. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in hues of orange and purple, Cable Beach offers more than just a dip in the ocean. Here, you can experience the unique thrill of camel rides along the beach, creating memories against the turquoise Indian Ocean.
What sets Cable Beach apart is its vastness, providing plenty of room for everyone to find their slice of paradise without stepping on each other's towels. Located just a 5-minute drive from the heart of Broome, getting here is a breeze. The Cable Beach car park offers ample space for those exploring in a campervan. Positioned conveniently close to the beach, it's an ideal spot to park your home away from home.
Where to stay near Cable Beach
Cable Beach Caravan Park stands out as the premier place to park your campervan near Cable Beach. It's not just about the location, though being just a short stroll from the beach is a huge plus. This caravan park offers an oasis of amenities, including an oasis-style swimming pool, BBQ areas for a true Aussie cookout, and spacious sites perfect for any size campervan. It's the kind of place that feels like a community, making it a fantastic base for your Broome adventure.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
4. Greens Pool, Denmark
Greens Pool in Denmark is a hidden gem tucked away in William Bay National Park. Known for its tranquil turquoise waters and encircling granite boulders, this pool offers a natural haven protected from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean. It's a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers, with crystal-clear waters making it easy to spot the marine life below. Not to mention, the boulders create a series of small, secluded beaches, perfect for those seeking a quiet spot to relax.
A 5-hour drive from Perth will bring you to this secluded WA beach, making it an excellent day trip or a stop on a longer Australia road trip. For campervan travellers, there's parking available at the Greens Pool car park, providing easy access to this natural wonder.
Where to stay near Greens Pool
The BIG4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park is your go-to for campervan accommodation near Greens Pool. Offering a range of facilities, from playgrounds for the kids to kitchen facilities for the adults, it ensures a comfortable stay for the whole family. Plus, it is within easy driving distance to Greens Pool, making it a perfect spot to base your Denmark adventures.
5. Hamelin Bay, Margaret River
Hamelin Bay, a jewel in the Margaret River region, is famed for its vast expanse of bright white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This bay isn't just about beauty; it's a haven for marine life, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness friendly stingrays lapping along the shoreline. The sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing, while the adventurous can explore historic shipwrecks just off the coast (just be sure to give the stingrays plenty of space – they are wild creatures, after all.)
Located a 3-hour and 30-minute drive from Perth, Hamelin Bay is accessible for those on a campervan road trip seeking the serene beauty of Western Australia's coast. For parking, the Hamelin Bay car park offers campervan-friendly spots, ensuring you're only steps away from the sand.
Where to stay near Hamelin Bay
Staying at Hamelin Bay Holiday Park during your southwest WA beaches road trip is a part of the charm. Nestled right by the beach, this park offers campervan sites with breathtaking ocean views, making it a perfect base to explore the area. Facilities include convenient shower blocks and BBQ areas, perfect for that evening feast under the stars. Whether you're here to dive into the waters or relax by the beach, this holiday park is a sure way to enhance your Hamelin Bay experience.
6. Turquoise Bay, Cape Range National Park
Turquoise Bay is the epitome of a snorkeler's dream, located in the Cape Range National Park near Exmouth. This idyllic spot is famed for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs that are accessible just a few steps from the shore. The bay offers the unique experience of drift snorkelling in its currents, allowing you to glide over an underwater paradise with minimal effort. Aside from the mesmerising marine life, the beach itself is a serene retreat with powdery white sand and the perfect backdrop for a day under the sun.
The only catch? It is a considerable journey, being a 12-hour drive from Perth, but the experience is well worth the trek. For campervan travellers, the Turquoise Bay car park provides a convenient place to park your vehicle close to the beach, ensuring you're just a short walk away from this underwater wonderland.
Where to stay near Turquoise Bay
Ningaloo Coral Bay offers powered campsites that are ideal for campervan visitors seeking to explore Turquoise Bay and the surrounding region. Located in the heart of Coral Bay, just an hour south of Turquoise Bay, this accommodation provides easy access to the beach and a range of facilities to make your stay comfortable, including BBQ areas and a camp kitchen. It is also just steps from even more snorkelling in Bill’s Bay. It's the perfect base for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Ningaloo Reef on an Australia road trip.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
7. Meelup Beach, Dunsborough
Nestled in the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay, Meelup Beach presents a picturesque setting that's perfect for families. The calm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking under the native peppermint trees that line the shore. This beach is renowned for its gentle waves and stunning natural scenery, making it a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
A three-hour drive from Perth in your campervan brings you to this coastal haven. Campervan parking is available at the Meelup Beach car park, ensuring easy access to the beach for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun.
Where to stay near Sandy Bay
Dunsborough Holiday Park is a fantastic spot for campervan travellers looking to stay near Meelup Beach. With its prime location and a wide array of facilities, including powered sites, a swimming pool, BBQ areas, and a playground for the kids, it offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the natural beauty of Geographe Bay and the surrounding areas.
8. Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Albany
Just 35km east of Albany, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is a stunning coastal area known for its conservation efforts and breathtaking beaches like Little Beach. This reserve offers a tranquil retreat with swimming, diving, canoeing, and fishing activities. Its clear waters and white sandy beaches are surrounded by dense bushland, providing a secluded paradise for nature lovers.
Located a 5-hour and 30-minute drive from Perth, campervan visitors will find parking at the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve car park, allowing for easy access to the beaches and walking trails.
Where to stay near Two Peoples Bay
BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park offers a premium campervan accommodation experience near Albany. It boasts a range of facilities, including a heated pool, spa, kids' playground, and BBQ areas, and provides a comfortable stay amidst the scenic beauty of the South West. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Two Peoples Bay and the region's spectacular WA beaches.
9. Trigg Beach, Perth
Trigg Beach is a hotspot for surfers and beachgoers alike, offering a lively coastal atmosphere and stunning views over the Indian Ocean. Known for its consistent surf breaks, it's a favourite among locals and visitors looking to catch some waves. The beach also features a natural rock pool, perfect for those who prefer a calmer swimming experience. It’s little wonder why this is so often ranked as one of the best beaches in Perth. Just a 20-minute drive from Perth, campervan parking is available at the Trigg Beach car park, providing convenient access to this vibrant beach destination.
Where to stay near Trigg Beach
Perth Central Caravan Park offers a comfortable and convenient option for campervan travellers looking to explore Trigg Beach and other top Perth beaches along this coastline. The park features a range of amenities, including powered sites, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool, ensuring a relaxing stay close to Perth’s beaches and attractions.
Ready for your next adventure?
Western Australia's (WA) beaches are a testament to the state's unparalleled natural beauty, offering everything from serene, family-friendly shores to adventure-packed surf spots. Whether you're exploring the underwater marvels of Turquoise Bay, soaking up the family atmosphere at Scarborough Beach in Perth, or embracing the surf culture at Trigg Beach, there's endless beach fun to be had on an Australia road trip through this magical state.
With the keys to your campervan, the best of WA's beaches are just a drive away. So what are you waiting for? Book your Apollo camper online today and pick it up from any Apollo branch before starting your campervan hire road trip through these coastal gems. With the convenience of a campervan, you're free to discover the best beaches in Western Australia at your own pace, making memories that will last a lifetime.