Beaches in Margaret River

Nestled in the far southwestern corner of Australia, Margaret River and the surrounding region have a long and beautiful coastline.  Surrounded on three sides by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, there’s an amazing array of beaches to discover. These range from the tranquil beaches of the north shore on Geographe Bay to secluded coves, lagoons, and beaches with world-class breaks and pounding surf. We promise the Margaret River Region will deliver whatever type of beach you desire. Throughout this article, we’ll highlight the best beaches in the Margaret River Region and who they best suit.

Busselton Beach

We start with the vibrant beach city of Busselton, home to the longest and easternmost beach in the Margaret River Region. Gently curving around Geographe Bay, Busselton Beach forms part of the Busselton Beaches that stretch for an amazing 15.3 km. Its relatively sheltered location makes it a hugely popular family beach, with its calm waters ideal for swimming and paddling. Accompanying Busselton’s oversized beach is the oversized Busselton Jetty. Stretching over 1.8 km into the ocean, it’s the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. You can reach the end of the jetty on foot or by catching the train that runs the length of the jetty. The jetty’s important local status means it is now recognized as a heritage site. 

As well as the beach, the area is a popular location for several other water-based activities. Whale-watching trips to see migrating humpback and blue whales are popular in the season, as is diving in the marine parks’ rich waters. Back on land, the Busselton Foreshore offers plenty of cycle routes, skate parks, playgrounds, and activities for the kids to enjoy. 

Busselton Beach Overview

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes – in restricted areas

Aerial view of Busselton Jetty
Busselton's Jetty stretches out for an incredible 1.8 km over the waters of Geographe Bay

Dunsborough Beach

Dunsborough Beach to the west of Busselton is part of the same continuous 15.3 km of sand known collectively as the Busselton Beaches. It’s a lovely, tranquil beach backed by rocks and well-established vegetation. The beaches sheltered location and shallow waters make it a great spot for families with kids and paddle boarders alike. You can wade out to the sand bar when the tide goes out. 

The small town of Dunsborough lies just behind the beach and offers plenty of amenities and tours into Geographe Bay. The Dunsborough foreshore is a popular destination and is also dog-friendly. Several designated beach areas are dog-friendly and allow dogs to be off-lead. 

Dunsborough Beach Overview

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? No

Dog friendly? Yes – in restricted areas.

A view along the quiet Dunsborough Beach
Dunsborough Beach is a scenic, quiet, and calm destination.

Meelup Beach

The beautiful and popular Meelup Beach is one of the gems of the Margaret River Region. Measuring just 400 meters in length, it’s nestled in a secluded valley inlet, around 10 minutes from Dunsborough. Its clear, calm waters and stunning white sands make it a popular destination. During the summer, Meelup Beach is a mecca for families, with great picnic and barbeque facilities and lifeguards on patrol. There’s plenty of space for parking, shaded grass areas, and toilets and showers. On the water, you’ll find both kayaking and paddle boarding are very popular here.  

Meelup Beach Overview

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? No

Aerial view of the white sands and clear waters of Meelup Beach
Meelup Beach occupies a spectacular setting and is one of Margaret Bay Region's very best.

Eagle Bay Beach

Slightly further on from Meelup Beach is the much longer and quieter Eagle Bay Beach. It doesn’t have the same amenities as Meelup Beach, but it doesn’t have the same crowds either, making it a popular location for those seeking more solitude. It is slightly more exposed than other beaches in the Geographe Bay area but is still a good choice for families with younger children. The beach is also a popular destination for fishing and snorkeling. It’s also dog-friendly, with dogs allowed within designated areas, making it a great place to bring your pooch.  

Eagle Bay Overview

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes – in restricted areas. 

Aerial view of the long expanse of Eagle Bay beach
The quiet and rugged Eagle Bay Beach is a great place for peace and serenity.

Bunker Bay Beach

Heading west from Eagle Bay Beach, you come to the spectacular Bunker Bay Beach. The final major beach on this stretch of coastline before reaching Cape Naturaliste certainly doesn’t disappoint. There’s 2.3 km of beautiful white sands, wonderfully clear and calm waters, plus just the right amount of amenities on and around the beach. The views and food from Bunkers Beach House are worth the hefty price tag.

Bunker Bay’s sheltered location makes it a popular spot for families with swimming, fishing, and snorkeling common activities. The beach is also within walking distance to the Leuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which has some good hikes, plus the popular Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. For dog owners, you’ll be pleased to know that dogs are permitted on the beach, but only at the northern end of the beach.

Bunker Bay Beach Overview

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes – in restricted areas.

Aerial view of Bunker Bay Beach
Bunker Bay beach is one of the best places to swim in the area.

Kabbijgup Beach

Our first beach after rounding Cape Naturaliste is Kabbijgup Beach. While other beaches are accessible further north along the coastline, they tend to be rocky, difficult to access, and covered in coral. Kabbigjup Beach, on the other hand, is another Margaret River Region gem. It features a 300-meter-long soft sand beach and is the first of many surfing beaches along this stretch of coastline.

The open and powerful nature of this stretch of coastline starkly contrasts the calm beaches of the Geographe Bay area. The popular Three Bears surf break is located here over the reefs just offshore from the beach. As well as the surf, you’ll also notice the wind, which blows off the Indian Ocean.  

Kabbijgup Beach Overview

Good for surfing? Yes – some of the very best

Good for swimming? No

Lifeguard patrolled? No

Dog friendly? No

View of the beach and waves rolling in at Kabbijgup Beach.
The surf consistently rolls in at exposed Kabbijgup Beach.

Yallingup Beach

As you continue south, the next quality beach is the extensive and popular Yallingup Beach. Split into two, the small southern beach fronts onto a calm lagoon, while the much larger northern beach fronts onto the rolling surf. It’s a bucket list destination for many surfers on account of its rich surfing heritage dating back to the 1960s. If the conditions are right, the surf is excellent. However be warned that during the summer months, it’s generally flat.

The main northern Yallingup Beach extends for 1.3 km in length meaning there’s plenty of room for the crowds that flock here in the height of summer. The beaches close proximity to town mean there’s plenty of amenities close by as well as BBQ and picnic facilities overlooking the beach. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the undeveloped northern part of the beach. This is also where it’s permitted to walk dogs as long as you’re north of the Dawson Drive access path. 

Yallingup Beach Overview

Good for surfing? Yes

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes – in restricted areas

View across Yallingup Beach
Yallingup Beach is one of Western Australia's most iconic beaches.

Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is just south of Yallingup Beach and the other side of the Torpedo Rocks headland. This expansive white sand beach is one of the best in Western Australia and is surprisingly quiet, given its stunning setting. The descent down the staircase from the car park onto the wide expanse of the beach is one of the most spectacular vistas in Western Australia. The daily sunsets over the Indian Ocean are also pretty spectacular. 

The sea at Smith’s Beach is good for swimming during calm weather and surfing when there’s a decent swell. It has a consistent beach break and several reef breaks, making it a popular location for surfers. They’re also attracted by the frequent visits by pods of dolphins to the area.

Back on dry land, we’re pleased to say Smiths Beach is also a dog-friendly beach. However, dogs are not allowed on the beach during the summer months from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Smiths Beach Overview

Good for surfing? Yes

Good for swimming? No – weather dependent

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes – restricted hours

View across the sandy expanse of Smiths Beach
Smiths Beach wide expanse of soft sand is surprisingly quiet.

Indijup Beach

Several kilometers south of Smiths Beach is beautiful Indijup Beach. Set around the gently curving Indijup Bay, the beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the Margaret River Region. The surrounding rock formations and dunes give the beach a rugged appearance, and the area’s development has been kept to the very minimum. One of the rock formations is known as Injidup Natural Spa and has become a hugely popular spot. This hidden rock or tidal pool is filled with seawater by crashing waves, creating a series of mini waterfalls. Warmed by the sun, it’s a delightful place to relax and admire the wonder of nature. Just be mindful of the conditions and the size of the swell that feeds the pool.

As well as its beauty, Indijup is also another legendary surf beach with year-round surf. The right-hander here is famed, and the sea is often teeming with surfers. Further south on the beach, swimming in the more sheltered bay area is possible, although be mindful of the strong currents. This area is also a popular location for diving and snorkeling.  

Indijup Beach Overview

Good for surfing? Yes

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? No

View across the curving Indijup Beach.
There's so many good reasons to visit stunning Indijup Beach.

Kilcarnup Beach

Moving swiftly southwards, the next significant beach is Kilcarnup Beach. It’s one of the closest beaches to Margaret River, taking around 15 minutes by road to get there. It’s a popular destination for families as the relatively calm waters make it fun for kids to surf and swim. While it doesn’t have the same wow factor as some other beaches in the area, its calm waters make it a rarity on this stretch of coastline. It’s also an incredibly convenient beach as it is close to Margaret River and allows cars on the beach. You’ll need to use a 4WD track through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to get to the beach. As you’re passing through a national park, it does mean that you won’t be able to bring a dog with you.

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes – during the summer

Dog friendly? No

Aerial view of Kilcarnup Beach
Family friendly Kilcarnup beach is great for swimming and kids surf.

Margaret River Mouth Beach

As curious as it sounds, there’s an exceptional beach located at the mouth of the Margaret River. While the river will break through the beach during the wet winter months,  at most other times of the year, the river reduces to a small stream and meanders along behind the sandy beach.

The area and the beach are excellent for families, with many rock pools and the river’s calm waters for swimming and playing in. The river is also a popular location for canoeing and kayaking, both of which can be hired locally. It’s also popular with hikers and walkers, particularly as it’s a dog-friendly beach. Last but not least, it’s popular with surfers. On the coastal side of the beach, there’s some excellent surf with the famous Surfers Point close by. 

Good for surfing? Yes

Good for swimming? Yes, but only in the river

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes

Aerial view of the mouth of Margaret River
Where the river meets the sea - the mouth of the Margaret River.

Surfers Point

Just south of the mouth of Margaret River is legendary Surfers Point. While Surfers Point won’t win any awards for its thin sliver of rocky beach, it wins plenty of recognition for its outstanding surf. Such is the quality of surf here that it’s the site of the Margaret River Pro, an annual fixture in the World Surfing League.  The monstrous reef break here consistently generates big waves, sometimes up to 15 feet tall. Even if you’re not going to join the throngs of surfers out in the deep, it’s still a special experience to watch from the shore. This is especially true at sunset when this part of the coastline is at its magical best.

Good for surfing? Yes – the very best

Good for swimming? No

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes

View along the thin stretch of sand at Surfers Point
Surfers Point is known for its incredible surf rather than it mediocre beach.

Gnarabup Beach

On the other side of Surfers Point, Gnarabup Beach by the town of Prevelly is another Western Australia great. This stunning beach stretches 1.6 km from the southern headland to Surfers Point. Protected by offshore reefs, its calm waters attract swimmers and families. Further out to sea beyond the reef is some excellent surfing, but this is the preserve of professionals only. On the beach, you’ll find plenty of attractive shells and pups in the designated dog-friendly zones. The popular White Elephant Beach café also serves excellent food and drinks.

Good for surfing? Yes – but only for professionals.

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? Yes

Dog friendly? Yes

View of Gnarabup Beach in Margaret River
Gnarabup Beach is just one of many fine beaches close to Surfers Point.

Redgate Beach

Spectacular Redgate Beach is our penultimate beach on this list. South of Margaret River and named after the nearby town of Redgate, this spectacular destination is part of the Ngari Capes Marine Park. In fact, the beach has been designated as a special-purpose surfing zone. Monstrous crashing waves accompany this wonderful stretch of clean white sand. Large rock formations in the water, which are constantly peppered by the waves, add to the aurora of the location.

While Redgate Beach is great for surfers, it’s not a great beach for swimming. There are strong tides in the area and changeable conditions, plus the beach is not patrolled. It’s not great for dog owners either as there are no dog friendly areas.  

Good for surfing? Yes

Good for swimming? No

Lifeguard patrolled? No

Dog friendly? No

View across Redgate Beach with surfers entering the water
Redgate Beach is a popular surf location with consistent breaks.

Hamelin Bay

Our final and southernmost beach is the stunning Hamelin Bay, close to Cape Leeuwin and part of the Leeuwin National Park. This amazing part of the coastline is home to calm, warm waters, which numerous stingrays populate. It’s possible to swim with and amongst these amazing creatures, which truly is a memorable experience. If you get the chance, bring your snorkel or try paddle boarding to see them from a whole different perspective.

Back on land, Hamelin Bay has an elegant white sand beach. The beach also features some interesting rock formations, adding to the location’s kerb appeal.  While many people only come by in the morning to see the stingrays, the sunsets here are incredible if you can stay for the evening. 

Good for surfing? No

Good for swimming? Yes

Lifeguard patrolled? No

Dog friendly? No

Aerial view of the white sands and blue waters of Hamelin Cove in the Margaret bay Region
Hamelin Bays clear warm waters are home to numerous large stingrays.

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