5 of the Best Beaches in Western Australia
Western Australia is an overachiever when it comes to postcard-worthy swathes of seafront. Its vast coastline is packed with spectacular beaches just begging to be explored. Buckle up for some incredible road trips and make sure you’ve marked these five magical swimming spots on your map.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Of all the many pristine beaches in Perth (Boorloo), Cottesloe is the enduring favourite (though there’s stiff competition from Scarborough, 11 kilometres north). It could be the shady Norfolk pines, the buzzy strip of restaurants, cafés and bars, the clear waters with their consistent swell or its handy location, a 15-minute drive from the CBD. Whatever the reason, there’s something for all beachgoers at “Cott” and every visitor to Perth should add it to their hit list. Dedicated beach explorers should also take the ferry ride across to Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and see the sapphire tones of Parakeet Bay, Salmon Bay and The Basin for themselves. The trip can take anywhere from 25 to 90 minutes, depending on departure point; ferries leave from various wharves but the nearest to Cottesloe is Rous Head, 10 minutes' drive south.
Where to stay: Parmelia Hilton Perth
Parmelia Hilton Perth is a five-star stay in the heart of the city, a short walk from Elizabeth Quay (Goomup), Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba) and a minute’s walk to Brookfield Place retail and dining precinct. Dine at Parmelia’s Samuels on Mill for dishes such as Dardanup lamb with black cabbage and goats cheese and market fish bouillabaisse.
For a limited time, book 2 nights for 2 adults at Parmelia Hilton Perth from $598^ when you book your Western Australia stay at qantas.com/hotels. Offer includes daily buffet breakfast, sparkling wine on arrival, valet parking, 1pm late checkout and a 25% discount at Samuels on Mill. You’ll earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent* – plus, bundle your hotel with flights and save.
Coral Bay, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef
Ningaloo Reef (Nyinggulu), a 260-kilometre stretch of World Heritage-listed marine life, fringes an array of drawcard swimming spots. From Exmouth (Warnangoora) – a two-hour flight north of Perth – it’s a 90-minute drive south to secluded Coral Bay. Take a snorkel and just a few strokes from the shore you can explore colourful coral gardens and shimmering schools of fish, or join Coral Bay Eco Tours for the bucket-list opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays. Similar tours depart from Exmouth; time your trip for around March to September for this awesome experience.
Where to stay: Sal Salis, Cape Range National Park
Find true escapism in one of Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef’s 16 off-grid glamping tents, dotted among sand dunes 50 metres from Ningaloo Reef and 50 minutes by car from Exmouth. Each luxurious space features a plush jarrah-wood bed, organic toiletries and uninterrupted ocean views.
For a limited time, book four nights for two adults at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef for $5370^^ when you book your Western Australia stay at qantas.com/hotels. Earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent* – plus, bundle your hotel with flights and save.
Cable Beach, Broome
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this iconic, 22-kilometre stretch of beach in Broome (Rubibi), a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth. Hire sun-loungers and umbrellas from Beach Hut and kick back with a book or add a stand-up paddleboard to your order to glide on its shimmering blue waters. The supreme experience on Cable Beach (Walmanyjun) is watching the skyline explode in colour as the sun sets, best observed from a camel's back on a Broome Camel Safaris tour.
Where to stay: Oaks Cable Beach
With 141 studios and self-contained apartments and three-bedroom free-standing villas (some with private plunge pools) arranged around a tropical lagoon-style pool, Oaks Cable Beach Sanctuary is just five minutes’ walk from the beach, with four pools, a restaurant and bar.
Smiths Beach, Margaret River Region
This secluded stretch of icing-sugar soft sand, 260 kilometres south of Perth, gets extra points for its famous Supertubes surf break and proximity to the Margaret River Region’s wineries for a post-plunge chardonnay. At low tide, kids will love searching for sea critters at the rock pools bookending the beach. Check out nearby Injidup Beach, 12 minutes’ drive away, where waves crash over the ochre rocks to create a natural “spa”.
Where to stay: Smiths Beach Resort
Each of the 12 houses, villas and apartments at Smiths Beach Resort features expansive living areas, full-sized kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll feel immersed in your natural surroundings while wanting for nothing, comfort-wise.
For a limited time, book two nights for two adults at Smiths Beach Resort for $995^^^ when you book your Western Australia stay at qantas.com/hotels. Earn 3 Qantas Points per $1 spent* – plus, bundle your hotel with flights and save.
Greens Pool, William Bay National Park
Unlike surrounding beaches with wave-thrashed shorelines, Greens Pool is protected from the swell by a ring of boulders emerging out of the water. Add emerald waters and powdery white sand and you have one of the most gorgeous and serene swimming spots in Western Australia. To reach this epic collection of beaches, drive about five hours south of Perth to Denmark, then head 15 kilometres west. Greens Pool is accessed via stairs from a car park where you’ll also find showers, toilets and change rooms. Just 500 metres away, you’ll find Elephant Rocks, a cluster of grey boulders huddled in a calm bay. A further 90 kilometres east takes you to Misery Beach near Albany (Kinjarling), a far-from-miserable secluded north-facing spot that’s great for snorkelling, swimming and fishing.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn, Albany
The 108-room Hilton Garden Inn offers a comfortable, stylish stay with views of the Albany Waterfront Marina, premium bedding, rainfall showerheads and an onsite fitness centre.
SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels to Book in Perth CBD
*You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem points. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
^Luxury Holiday offer Parmelia Hilton Perth Offer ends 11:59pm (AEDT) 27 October 2023, unless sold out prior. Valid for stays from 28 September 2023 to 28 September 2024. A 2 night minimum stay applies. Blackout dates apply. From price available for stays 28 September 2023 to 28 September 2024. Surcharges may apply to other dates. Offer is subject to availability, which may be limited during weekends, school holidays and major sporting events. Flights and transfers are not included. Booking cancellations and changes are permitted up to 48 hours prior to check in, after this time, bookings are non-refundable and changes are not permitted unless you are entitled to a refund or other remedy under the Australian Consumer Law. This offer may be extended, changed or cancelled without notice. Prices correct as at 14 September 2023.
^^Luxury Holiday offer Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Offer ends 11:59pm (AEST) 31 Oct 2023, unless sold out prior. Valid for stays from 1 Oct 2023 - 30 Sept 2024. A 4 night minimum stay applies. Blackout dates apply. From price available for stays 1-12 Nov 2023 and 1-31 March 2024. Surcharges may apply to other dates. Offer is subject to availability, which may be limited during weekends, school holidays and major sporting events. Flights and transfers are not included. This offer may be extended, changed or cancelled without notice. Prices correct as at 5 September 2023.
^^^Luxury Holiday offer Smiths Beach Resort Margaret River. Offer ends 11:59pm (AEDT) 31 October 2023, unless sold out prior. Valid for stays from 10 October 2023 to 28 September 2024. A 2 night minimum stay applies. Blackout dates apply. From price available for stays Monday to Thursday, 10 October 2023 to 28 September 2024. Excludes school holiday periods and public holidays.. Surcharges may apply to other dates. Offer is subject to availability, which may be limited during weekends, school holidays and major sporting events. Flights and transfers are not included. Booking cancellations and changes are permitted up to 14 days prior to check in, after this time, bookings are non-refundable and changes are not permitted unless you are entitled to a refund or other remedy under the Australian Consumer Law. This offer may be extended, changed or cancelled without notice. Prices correct as at 18 September 2023.
