Margaret River is well known for its world-class surf breaks, stunning sunsets on the west coast horizon, clean white sandy beaches and limestone coastlines. Find out which are the seven best beaches in Margaret River.
The Margaret River region stretches from the beachside towns of Busselton and Dunsborough in the north to Augusta in the south. It’s famous for Surfers Point to the west, a renowned surf break and annual host of the Margaret River Pro and World Surfing League Championships, surrounded by 135 kilometres of coastline and 75 surf breaks.
The region’s western beaches, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouses, offer activities for surfers, wind surfers, swimmers, and beachgoers, with some beaches accessible by four-wheel drive or by walking. Margaret River’s top beaches feature a mix of sandy shores, rocky outcrops, calm waters, and beach breaks, making it an exciting exploration destination.
Meelup Beach
Located west of Dunsborough, Meelup Beach is a popular beach for locals and tourists to visit. The grassy knolls and shady trees make it a comfortable picnic spot and swimming is usually in the calm turquoise-coloured ocean.
Plenty of parking spaces make this the go-to place during the spring and summer seasons, but Meelup Beach is truly a beautiful place to visit all year round.
Yallingup Beach
Just a short drive south from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse takes you to Yallingup, a picturesque coastal town that cascades down limestone cliffs to its beaches. Famous for its Yallingup Mainbreak, a surf spot easily reached by a short paddle offshore. Near the shore, The Lagoon offers a reef-protected area with tranquil waters ideal for family outings, swimming, or just lounging around.
At the town’s northern edge, Rabbit Hill boasts an excellent beach break favoured by body surfers and boogie boarders, complemented by expansive white sandy beaches. Further up the coast, there’s another surf spot attracting surfers willing to navigate the lengthy sandy path in hope of catching the perfect wave.
Canal Rocks
A popular photo spot for tourists and locals is Canal Rocks. A unique rock formation creating a natural canal in the ocean there is a footbridge which allows for scenic views and breathtaking photography. Nearby the Canal Rocks is the home of The Aquarium, a natural ocean pool where the waves spill over the edges of surrounding rocks to create a relaxed swimming area. There are limited sandy areas for relaxing here and conditions have been known to be dangerous during strong weather.
Gracetown
Gracetown is a natural limestone bay off Cowaramup Bay Road. The seaside town graces the slopes around it and views of the bay are breathtaking. Gracetown is popular with locals, holiday makers and tourists alike. The town has a small and comfortable beachside caravan park and a local store and cafe. The beach surrounding the bay is rocky to either side and at the centre of the crest you can find soft white sand and calm waters suitable for swimming. Surfing is possible from the back of the bay when conditions are right.
Ellensbrook at Mokidup
You can visit Ellensbrook situated near the end of Ellen Brook Road. This area is of historical and cultural significance, with beautiful bushland and garden settings surrounding the historical homestead. Its peaceful location is perfect for a picnic or a walk to the beach or Meekadarabee Falls which is a short hike away. The Cape to Cape track also runs through Ellensbrook. Ellensbrook Mainbreak beach is a small rocky beach with popular surfing breaks Ulus, Noisies, Lefties and Bombie located nearby.
Prevelly (Margaret River)
Prevelly, located eight kilometres west of Margaret River, is home to several beaches, including the famous Mainbreak surf spot. This beach is relatively small and features limestone and granite rocks. Adjacent to Mainbreak are The Box and the Margaret River Rivermouth, where a surf lifesaver is stationed daily during the summer. Additionally, popular surf spots like Bombie, Gaspoint, and Grunters are nearby, with Grunters being a favourite among children.
Further south of Prevelly, the coastline is lined with numerous beaches ideal for a day filled with beach and water activities. These include Boodjidup and Redgate, close to the wineries, and Boranup Beach, located near the magnificent Boranup Forests. A drive through the towering karri trees to reach these beaches offers an enchanting experience with the play of light through the canopy.
Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay Beach sits at the end of a drive off Caves Road, offering stunning white sandy shores year-round. Locals and holidaymakers flock here to enjoy the tranquil beach. Hamelin Bay Holiday Park is conveniently located beside the beach, providing beachside chalets, camping, and caravan spaces for a variety of stays.
The iconic remnants of the Hamelin Bay Jetty, built in 1882, stand proudly on the beach, drawing many tourists. This area is also known for its thriving stingrays, which attract crowds eager to see them up close. The clear, blue waters make it an ideal spot, particularly during the summer months.
Whale Watching
Southeast of Hamelin Bay and just below Margaret River, the laid-back coastal town of Augusta invites visitors to unwind. Popular activities include beachcombing, fishing, and kitesurfing, while surfing conditions improve during the right season. For a relaxing day, head to The Colour Patch’s grassy areas or explore the sandy beaches further south, perfect for picnics and strolls. Additionally, two scenic waterfront parks sit to the town’s south, offering peaceful spots to enjoy the coastal views.
If you visit Augusta between May and August, consider joining a whale-watching tour for an unforgettable experience. Naturaliste Charters operates two daily departures from the Augusta Boat Harbour, providing an incredible chance to witness migrating whales. These tours primarily observe humpback whales heading north, but sightings of blue and pygmy whales are also common. Along the way, keep an eye out for seals, sharks, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.
For those visiting later in the year, whale-watching excursions also depart from Dunsborough between late August and November. During this time, humpback whales return south with their calves after their journey through the warm northwestern waters.
