This was a tricky one to write because what makes the ‘best’ beach means different things to different people. So this time I’m listing the best beaches across Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River, depending on what you want to do.
BEST BEACH FOR KIDS
One of our favourites is Meelup Beach near Dunsborough. The carpark is close to the beach so it’s easy to make multiple trips between the sand and car so you don’t have to balance multiple armloads of towels, bags, buckets and kids. There are toilets there too and some bbq facilities. The water here is usually calm without the surf waves that are more common on the western shoreline of the Capes. The one thing to be wary of around the Dunsborough and Busselton beaches is the blue bottle stingers that can appear in late summer as the water warms up.
BEST BEACH FOR KIDS (AND BIG KIDS) TO JUMP OFF THINGS
If your kids want a little more activity than just the sand and water, head to Busselton jetty beach. There’s a little jetty for the little kids to have a try at jumping off but if you have bigger kids who are too cool for school, they might like to try their hand at jumping off the bigger jetty. It’s a good idea to keep your kids supervised of course for any of these activities.
BEST BEACH VIEW
The iconic Yallingup beach view has been captured on many artist’s canvas over the years. (Mandurah based artist Emma Blythe does a great one.) There is only one road in and out of Yallingup, and there are carparks along the road from where you can look out over the bay.
BEST BEACH TO SHOW OFF YOUR COUTURE BIKINI
Eagle Bay, north of Dunsborough, dah-lings. You’ll be surrounded by multi-million dollar beach houses. But this is Western Australia… even your Kmart $20 one-piece is welcome here and won’t look out of place.
BEST COFFEE ON THE BEACH
Head to the White Elephant café at Gnarabup (pronounced Na-ru-bup) beach, coastward from Margaret River town. This unpretentious open-air café has billion dollar views and a tasty menu for breakfast and lunch.
BEST BEACH FOR QUIET WINTER WALKS
Our favourite beach for a quiet winter walk near Margaret River is Boodjidup beach. Head to the end of Gnarabup to the Gas Bay carpark (try not to see the sewerage works). Follow the sand track to the south and you’ll come to a stunning stretch of sand that you’ll often get all to yourself. About half an hour down the beach you’ll come to Boodjidup Creek which is a good spot to turn back, unless you fancy a much longer walk to Redgate.
BEST BEACH TO TAKE YOUR DOG
Dogs aren’t very well catered for among the Margaret River, Dunsborough or Busselton beaches but there is a very popular dog beach in Gnarabup. Park at the Riflebutts carpark on Mitchell Drive and keep your dog on-lead until you see the dog beach signs. There is also a dog beach near Dunsborough and at Augusta. See the City of Busselton and Shire of Augusta Margaret River websites for more information and exact locations. Shire officers closely monitor the dog situation so to avoid any fines, you’re best to follow the signs and keep your dog on leash where required.
BEST BEACH FOR THE INSTAGRAM EPIC PHOTO
Not technically a ‘beach’ but the Natural Spa at Wyadup/Indjidup, has some great rock formations that make for an excellent ‘I-timed-it-just-right-crashing-wave holiday photo’. You’ll know what we mean when you see it. The stunning Indjidup beach just down the road is possibly one the best beaches in the region.
……. A WORD OF CAUTION
As with all beaches in Australia you need to take great care in understanding beach conditions BEFORE entering the water. While the beaches mentioned here are all considered relativelt safe beaches the beach can be unfamiliar territory for newcomers to Australia. If you don’t live near the beach, or you aren’t a regular beach-goer, you might be taking risks without realising it. Big waves, unfamiliar tidal conditions and sudden changes in water depth are all potential dangers. Rips are particularly dangerous and account for a very high percentage of the preventable rescues and drowning’s.
Read the signs before entering the water and only use Surf Lifesaver patrolled beaches if you are unfamiliar with beach conditions.
If you want to discover the secret local beaches with special 4WD access only. Then give us a call or email and book a Private Tour and we’ll show you some of the best beaches in Western Australia! discover@margaretriverdiscovery.com.au or www.margaretriverdiscovery.com.au
About Margaret River Discovery Tours
Sean Blocksidge is the owner operator of the Margaret River Discovery Company, an avid photographer, blogger and South West WA ambassador. In 2010 he won Western Australian Guide of the Year and his tours have been rated the #1 thing to do in Australia on the Tripadvisor website for the past two years.
