Western Australia Shines with its Stunning Beaches: A Travel Guide Spotlight
Once again, Western Australia has taken center stage for its extraordinary beaches, solidifying its reputation in the travel world by topping Lonely Planet’s esteemed list of Australia’s best coastal destinations.
Lonely Planet, a globally recognized travel publication, has compiled an unranked selection of the country’s 100 finest beaches, and it comes as no surprise that WA boasts an impressive 20 entries on this prestigious list. This impressive feat showcases the state’s remarkable swimming locations, which are celebrated for their beauty and accessibility.
In addition to the overall list, Lonely Planet created several themed categories highlighting specific beach activities. These include curated lists for wildlife observation, camping, snorkeling, and family-friendly beach experiences, with many of Western Australia's pristine coastlines appearing multiple times across these selections.
One notable mention is the breathtaking Lucky Bay, located just outside Esperance within Cape Le Grand National Park. This beach is not only stunning but has also been honored as the best family beach in Australia, as well as ranking third for camping spots nationwide. Its reputation as one of Australia’s premier beaches is well-deserved. Travel writers have lauded its spectacular scenery, saying, "Picture sand so fine and white it makes a whistling sound beneath your feet, paired with water in mesmerizing shades of blue that seem almost otherworldly." The guide emphasizes that this protected bay, located near Esperance/Kepa Kurl in the southwest of the state, truly ranks among Australia’s most idyllic destinations.
Another standout on the list is Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, which has earned accolades for being one of the country's ecologically rich coastlines. It has been designated as Australia’s second-best remote beach and is the fourth-best spot for snorkeling. Just steps away from the renowned Ningaloo Reef, Turquoise Bay is praised for its vibrant marine life. "Ningaloo Reef is home to over 500 species of fish and 300 coral varieties, as well as impressive marine megafauna like dugongs and manta rays," notes the guide. Adventurers can enjoy the famous drift snorkeling experience at Turquoise Bay, gliding effortlessly above a dazzling array of underwater creatures. Observers might see parrotfish nibbling on coral or blue-spotted stingrays gliding gracefully across the sandy bottom, and if fortune smiles upon you, a reef shark might be spotted on its patrol.
Other noteworthy entries from Western Australia include Hellfire Bay, celebrated as one of the top remote beaches, and Monkey Mia, recognized for its accessibility—making it a popular choice for visitors. Local surfers in the South West region are proud of their waves, and Injidup Beach in Yallingup has been highlighted as one of the best surfing spots in the country.
For those interested in wildlife watching, The Basin at Rottnest Island is a must-visit, while adventurous beachgoers seeking a unique experience will find Misery Beach in Albany to be an excellent top bushwalking location.
Among the 20 beaches hailing from WA that made the top 100 list, only one is situated in Perth: Cottesloe Beach, which proudly retains the title of the city’s premier beach.
Here’s a look at the 20 remarkable WA beaches featured in the top 100:
- Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park
- Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park
- The Basin, Rottnest Island
- Roebuck Bay, Broome
- Meelup Beach, Dunsborough
- Cossies Beach, Direction Island
- Hamelin Bay, Margaret River
- Wharton Beach, Cape Le Grand National Park
- Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
- Misery Beach, Albany
- Hellfire Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park
- Cape Leveque, Dampier
- Cottesloe Beach, Perth
- Dolly Beach, Christmas Island
- Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
- Cable Beach, Broome
- Monkey Mia Beach, Shark Bay
- Injidup Beach, Yallingup
- James Price Point, Broome
- Turtle Bay, Dirk Hartog Island
What do you think about this impressive lineup? Do you have a favorite beach from this list, or do you think another hidden gem deserves recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments!
