The Best Beaches in the South West of Western Australia for Families

When looking for a family day trip or weekend getaway from Perth, check out the Best Beaches in the South West of Western Australia for an unforgettable occasion the whole clan will enjoy.

The South West of Western Australia is a region teeming with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s a fact that it’s on the map for international tourists travelling to Australia. 

No matter how you imagine a post-card perfect paradise to be, South West Beach has something for you. Whether you’re after surfing, kitesurfing, lazing around with a good book, scuba diving, or a family-friendly beach for the kids, these beaches have an adventure for you all. After all, this part of the country is a biodiversity hotspot, one of the world’s 36 known areas.

Therefore, it’s no surprise these beaches are always a favourite of travellers, sun-seekers, divers, and water sports enthusiasts. Without further ado, here are your following sun-drenched holiday choices when finding the Best Beaches in the South West of Western Australia.

 

 

The Best Beaches in the South West of Western Australia

Let’s explore the expansive South West of Western Australia; here, you may find a few hidden gems you’ve never heard of before. In no particular order, here are a few of the Best Beaches in the South West of Western Australia: 

 

Koombana Bay in Bunbury

 

Koombana Bay, in Western Australia’s biggest Regional City of Bunbury, is less than two hours away from Perth. You can swim in the bay’s calm waters and even spot a few dolphins in the wild at this picturesque destination. 

It’s home to a friendly pod of dozens of bottlenose dolphins regularly visiting the bay’s calm waters. A designated interaction zone is located by the shoreline where you can see the dolphins and even meet them up close. Many tour operators offer swimming and view tours as well.

The best time to visit Koombana Bay for the dolphins is October through April since swim tours operate only during the warmer months. However, you can see the Dolphin Discovery Centre anytime to learn about marine life. 

Aside from stunning beaches and dolphins, visitors can check out the lovely cosmopolitan town that boasts fantastic coffee, waterfront dining, and bright lights in the Entertainment Centre. From day to night, Koombana Bay in Bunbury will have you smiling. 

 

Find fabulous accommodation close to Koombana Bay in Bunbury at Booking.com!

 

 

 

Gnarabup Beach near Margaret River

Suppose you’re looking for something more raw and undeveloped, head over to Gnarabup Beach. As the most popular swim spot and the longest beach of Prevelly, the coastline invites you to soak up its incredible beauty. 

Located just a 10-minute drive from the iconic Margaret River, this beach is famous among those who love to paddleboard. The calm, crystal-clear waters are perfect for hours of stand-up paddleboarding.

Meanwhile, the jetty makes boating and fishing convenient. Gnarabup Beach is a dog-friendly destination, so it’s not uncommon to see locals strolling the sandy shores daily, walking their pets. 

The beach is fantastic for swimming and a popular spot for kids’ swimming classes. Grab a morning coffee at one of the charming seafront cafes before exploring the trails on the dunes.

Find ideal accommodation in Margaret River at Booking.com!

 

 

Blossoms Bay in Bremmer Bay

Blossoms Bay is a secluded slice of paradise with crystal-clear waters in Bremmers Bay. The wide sandy beach is perfect for sun-baking and beach sports, while the shallow waters and rock pools make it ideal for kids to swim safely. 

This beach is generally quiet save for school holidays when it gets busy, especially with surf lessons. Just be wary of occasional rips, a common concern in Western Australia, but Blossoms Beach is always a good idea throughout the year for any family.

There are some basic amenities, such as bathrooms, though bringing your supplies is always recommended if you spend the day here.  

If you want to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, Blossoms Beach is a great idea. 

 

Meelup Beach 

Meelup Beach has everything you could ever want from a quintessential beach paradise: soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. Its calm waters attract thousands of visitors every year who enjoy the perfect beach holiday setting.

Meelup Beach has ample space for picnics, with the Native trees by the beach lending shade and ambience. The beach has convenient amenities, including well-maintained change rooms and showers. Holidaymakers will be glad to know that you can easily access other adventures from Meelup Beach, such as thrilling coastal hikes with breathtaking bay views. 

 

 

Middleton Beach in Albany

Middleton Beach captivates beach-goers with its stunning beauty, where they can bask in the sun and enjoy dazzling views of Albany’s magnificent coastline. A destination like no other, it continues to be a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.

The well-maintained facilities make it an excellent location for windsurfing, swimming, and picnics. A simple playground for kids can also be found here, making it suitable for families. Meanwhile, there are 5 miles of white sand and clear waters. For avid anglers, the jetty of Middleton Beach is perfect for hours of fishing though it’s also an excellent spot for watching the sunrise. 

Middleton Beach is the primary swimming beach in the region, so it can get busy during the weekends and holidays. There are also a handful of terrific restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or two with a beach view. It all just adds to the fun vibe of this scenic beach. 

 

Find ideal accommodation in Albany at Booking.com!

 

Smiths Beach near Yallingup

Smith’s Beach in Yallingup is one of the more remote beaches in Western Australia, except when the surf is on. This beach is famous for its world-class swells, but that doesn’t mean only surfers can appreciate it.

Aside from swimming, surfing, and relaxing, Smith’s Beach is renowned for fishing and boogie boarding. Beach lounging is highly encouraged along the shores of powdery, white sand. You can pitch an umbrella; most days, you’ll be the only one around. It’s a great place to unwind and let your stresses go; as soon as you jump into the water, it’s hard to think of anything but lovely thoughts. 

Several accommodation choices around Smith’s Beach exist for travellers who want to spend a few nights here. Whether you’re looking for budget camping accommodations or splurging with luxury apartments for rent, there’s something here.

 

 

 

Busselton Foreshore

It doesn’t get better than the Busselton Foreshore for those looking for activity-packed beach holidays. This stunning coastal destination offers visitors many fun and recreational choices thanks to recent renovations. Busselton is undoubtedly the hotspot in the Summer, with tourists going down the Highway for a getaway in beachside accommodation. 

Of course, the main highlight at Busselton Foreshore is the gorgeous beach, where you can swim safely in the swimming enclosure. This pet-friendly area has several playgrounds, a bike pathway, a skatepark, barbecue and picnic areas with beach views.

Check out the historic Busselton Jetty, famous for having one of the world’s only six underwater observatories from where you can see over 300 marine animals in their natural habitat. 

The Busselton Foreshore is highly recommended for families with young kids or anyone who wants to enjoy various outdoor activities in the Booming Region of the South West. 

 

Find ideal accommodation at Busselton with Booking.com!

 

 

 

Little Beach in Albany

Escape to Little Beach, where the rolling dunes of Albany’s Great Southern provide a stunning backdrop for your next family getaway. Just five hours away from Perth, soak up the sun and relish some well-deserved beachside relaxation!

Granite headlands pepper the vast white sandy beaches of Albany, and its calm azure waters invite you to come for a dip that will delight parents and kids. Little Beach is famous for scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming though the best time to visit is during the early morning if you want to secure a spot for yourself. 

However there is almost no shade in Little Beach, but it’s perfect for those who want to tan! Just be careful during the windy days; checking the forecast before heading out is recommended. 

 

Greens Pool near Denmark

The breathtaking Greens Pool is within the William Bay National Park, a sheltered cove of clear turquoise waters perfect on any sunny day. It’s located in the Great Southern Area and not too far from the beautiful town of Denmark. 

Though this spot has excellent conditions all year round, the best time to go is always in the Summer. Bring your snorkels along because it’s got all the ideal conditions for snorkelling and swimming.

The gradual slope of the sea allows kids to swim while giving parents peace of mind safely. Kids especially love wandering around the Elephant Rocks, which are massive formations nearby. Some fish you may encounter here include silver drummers, zebrafish, and mosaic sea stars. 

Williams Bay National Park has been recently redeveloped, so visitors can now more conveniently enjoy the surroundings. These include adding changing facilities and a lookout deck from where you can take photos to send your friends and family back home.

 

 

Misery Beach near Albany

Don’t let its name fool you – Misery Beach is anything but a misery!

This secluded beach paradise is often considered one of Australia’s best beaches. In the Torndirrup National Park, Misery Beach boasts incredible white sand and turquoise, crystal-clear waters flanked by majestic granite rocks.

Since Misery Beach is sheltered from the wind, this is the perfect destination for a day of swimming, sunbaking, and snorkelling. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see some seals and dolphins, which have been reported to be seen hanging out in the waters occasionally. 

Misery Beach also has calm waves, so it’s a favourite spot for enthusiastic paddle boarders and kayakers who want to stay away from busy beaches, making it ideal for families. If you want to learn more about the local area, immersive tours share valuable insight into the First Nations of this remarkable place. 

 

Hamelin Bay near Margaret River

Hamelin Bay gathers many tourists daily for a specific reason in one of Western Australia’s genuinely remarkable hidden gems.

Sting Rays!

Hamelin Bay is known for the beach where you can swim with the Rays, touch them, and even feed them. That feature alone is why this unique beach, tucked between Margaret River and Augusta, has car parks that are often jam-packed, especially in Summer.\

Besides the Sting Rays, many other reasons exist to visit Hamelin Bay. You can enjoy a pleasant swim on the calm beach, go fishing, enjoy a short hike and do epic sightseeing with sweeping views of the beach and beyond.

With all these fantastic choices, you can’t go wrong with travelling to the beaches in southwest Western Australia.