Good to know
Good to Know
- Margaret River has 40 world-famous surf breaks attracting both pros and beginners; separate calm swimming lagoons exist at several major beaches.
- Many beaches have lifeguard patrols during summer months (warmer season), particularly Meelup and Margaret River Mouth.
- Beach flies can be severe at times; head nets may be necessary during peak seasons.
- Stingrays at Hamelin Bay are genuinely friendly and come into shallow water; gather near the boat ramp area and are most visible when there are crowds.
- The region offers a unique combination — you can swim in calm, protected bays in the morning and watch powerful ocean swells in the afternoon.
- Busselton Jetty (1.8km) is a premier snorkelling destination with exceptional underwater visibility and diverse marine life.
- Water safety: always check for rips, respect warning flags, and stay alert; beaches with lifeguard patrol are safest for swimming.
- Most major family beaches have BBQ facilities, showers, toilets, and picnic areas; parking is generally ample.
- Cape to Cape Walking Track (125km) offers coastal sections accessible from several beaches for short hikes with stunning views.
- Whale season (June–November) offers viewing opportunities from many coastal vantage points, especially Dunsborough (40 minutes north).
Beaches
Meelup Beach
- Best For
- Swimming, families, dog walking, paddleboarding
- Location
- Near Dunsborough
- Description
- Sheltered bay with calm, protected waters and white sand. One of the region's premier family-friendly beaches.
- Seasonal Notes
- Lifeguard patrols during warmer months
Facilities
- lifeguard patrols (summer)
- toilets
- showers
- BBQ
- shaded grassy areas
- picnic tables
- walking trails
Designations
- family
- quiet
Bunker Bay
- Best For
- Snorkelling, photography, swimming, families
- Location
- Near Dunsborough
- Water Conditions
- Rock pools visible at low tide
- Description
- Distinctive limestone cliffs rising from powder-white sand, protected bay with calm turquoise water, excellent for snorkelling.
Facilities
- large car park
- toilets
- BBQ
- landscaped gardens
- sheltered playground
- skate park
- water fountains
- coastal path for bikes and prams
Designations
- family
- quiet
- full-service
Gnarabup Beach
- Best For
- Swimming, families, hiking on cliff trails, dogs
- Location
- Prevelly
- Water Conditions
- Well-protected, smaller waves than other region beaches
- Description
- Long, wide sandy beach with calm inlet protected by large reef, described as the region's largest swimming pool. Golden sand sloping to ocean.
Facilities
- White Elephant Beach Cafe
- public changerooms
- large car park
- public boat launch
- playground
- picnic areas
Designations
- family
- full-service
Yallingup Beach
- Best For
- Surfing, snorkelling in lagoon, families, photography
- Location
- Yallingup
- Water Conditions
- Main break offers powerful swells; lagoon is calm for swimming and snorkelling
- Description
- Dramatic coastal scenery combining world-famous surf breaks with a calm lagoon. Spectacular views driving down the ridge.
Facilities
- nature-based playground
- public toilets
- showers
- picnic tables
- shaded grassed area
Designations
- party
- full-service
Smiths Beach
- Best For
- Swimming, surfing, walking, boogie boarding
- Location
- Near Yallingup
- Water Conditions
- Popular with swimmers and boogie boarders
- Description
- Long, expansive flat beach with pure-white sand and blue water. Serene and frequently uncrowded despite proximity to other attractions.
Facilities
- parking
- nearby cafes in Yallingup and Bunker Bay
Designations
- quiet
Prevelly Beach / Margaret River Mouth
- Best For
- Surfing, families (river area), walking, scenic views
- Location
- Prevelly
- Water Conditions
- River area is calm and sheltered for kids; main beach has powerful surf
- Description
- Where the Margaret River meets the Indian Ocean with stunning river and mountain views. Home to professional surf events including World Surf League Pro Tour in April.
Facilities
- River Mouth area: toilets, showers, changing facilities, wooden lookout
- BBQ facilities
- grassed areas
- lifeguard patrols
- accessible pathways
Designations
- party
- full-service
Hamelin Bay
- Best For
- Swimming, snorkelling, stingray spotting (near boat ramp), families, fishing
- Location
- South of Margaret River
- Water Conditions
- Clear, shallow water with visitor-friendly stingrays
- Description
- Fine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and natural dunes. Famous for friendly stingrays that swim into shallow water. Shallow, sheltered shoreline ideal for children.
Facilities
- boat ramp area
- parking
- shallow waters
Designations
- family
Cowaramup Bay
- Best For
- Swimming with families and dogs, snorkelling, watching surfers
- Location
- Gracetown
- Water Conditions
- Calm and sheltered; larger swell and legendary breaks further offshore
- Description
- Tranquil, calm bay sheltered from strong winds. Pontoon a few metres offshore. Lookout point to view world-class surf breaks further out.
Facilities
- pontoon
- lookout area
Designations
- family
- quiet
Injidup Beach
- Best For
- Surfing, snorkelling, diving, dolphin spotting, sand boarding
- Location
- South of Yallingup
- Water Conditions
- Intermediate to advanced right-handed reef break; snorkel-friendly rocky outcrops
- Description
- Uncrowded surf spot with reef breaks. Rocky outcrops excellent for snorkelling and diving. Pod of dolphins known to ride waves; sand dunes for sand boarding.
Facilities
- parking
Designations
- party
Contos Beach
- Best For
- Swimming, surfing (novice point break), bush walking, paddling
- Location
- 25-minute drive from Margaret River township
- Water Conditions
- Small point break suitable for novice surfers
- Description
- Isolated but accessible beach flanked by bush and towering cliffs. Short walk from compact carpark. Access to Cape to Cape walking track.
Facilities
- unsealed carpark
- short walk to beach
- Cape to Cape track access
Designations
- quiet
Busselton Foreshore
- Best For
- Family swimming, cycling, skate parks, jetty walks, snorkelling
- Location
- Busselton, north of Margaret River
- Water Conditions
- Calm, sheltered waters of Geographe Bay
- Description
- Popular family swimming area in sheltered Geographe Bay with relaxing water. Home to Busselton Jetty (longest in Southern Hemisphere, 1.8km).
Facilities
- skate park
- playgrounds
- cycling routes
- walking paths
- Busselton Jetty train and snorkelling access
Designations
- family
- full-service
Eagle Bay
- Best For
- Walking, photography, swimming, picnicking
- Location
- Between Meelup and towards Cape Naturaliste
- Water Conditions
- Calm, clear water contrasting with sandy beach
- Description
- Powdery white sand and Bombay blue calm water. Scenic coastal drive rewards with idyllic scenery. Red rocks and green bushland framing the coastline.
Facilities
- parking areas
- picnic opportunities
Designations
- quiet
Overview
Margaret River stretches along approximately 140 kilometres of Western Australian coastline, offering numerous beaches suited to different activities and preferences.
Regional Overview
- Central Zone
- Areas around Yallingup and Gracetown combine surf culture with scenic beauty, offering both powerful breaks and protected swimming areas.
- Northern Zone
- Geographe Bay (Busselton, Dunsborough) features warm, tranquil waters with sheltered, family-friendly swimming beaches including calmed coves and long shallow beaches.
- Southern Zone
- From Prevelly to Augusta, features the raw power of the Indian Ocean with dramatic coastline, limestone formations, and world-famous surf breaks alongside designated swimming beaches.
General Characteristics
- Sand
- Predominantly white or golden sand
- Landscape
- Dramatic limestone cliffs, rocky headlands, natural dunes, and green bushland
- Water Features
- Turquoise, clear water with limestone reefs creating calm lagoons and protected areas
- Coastline Length
- Approximately 140 kilometres of accessible beaches
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Margaret River
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.