If there’s one thing Western Australia is known for, it’s our crystal clear bays. From the remote red cliffs of the north to the turquoise southern stretches, our stretch of coastline is a haven for nature lovers looking for outdoor adventure set in the most spectacular locations. Here’s the Summerstar guide to the best bays in Western Australia, each one more spectacular than the last.
One of those quintessential Broome experiences, witnessing the “Staircase to the Moon” at Roebuck Bay is something many travellers flock to Broome for. But aside from this phenomenal natural optical illusion, Roebuck Bay with is also a vibrant and ecologically rich coastal haven.
Famous for its striking colours with its red cliffs melting into turquoise waters, it’s one of the 12 Ramsar Nature Reserves wetland sites in Western Australia that supports dugongs, turtles, and abundant marine life. It is also an important site for migratory shorebirds which makes it popular for birdwatching!
Check out Broome Caravan Park, nestled amongst large stands of established trees on Wattle Drive at the entrance of the town centre. This park just on the outside of town allows guests to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing retreat whilst being only a few kilometres from Cable Beach & Chinatown.
Turquoise Bay in Exmouth is perfect for paddleboarding due to its calm waters. Image: Australia's Coral Coast
A jewel of the Ningaloo Coast, Turquoise Bay lives up to its name with shimmering blue-green waters and sugar-white sands. Located within Cape Range National Park, this bay is one of Australia’s top snorkelling spots. Just metres from the shore, you can drift over coral gardens teeming with colourful fish, rays, and even sea turtles. It’s untouched, uncrowded, and unforgettable.
Dive into the pristine waters and be in awe of the abundance of life and the beauty of Ningaloo Marine Park. Please remember that this beautiful spot is in a sanctuary zone in Ningaloo Marine Park so look, but don’t take!
Further south along the Ningaloo Reef lies Coral Bay, a stunning coastal paradise with one of the most accessible fringing reefs in the world. Step off the beach straight into an underwater world of colourful corals and meet marine wildlife like manta rays, sea turtles and humpback whales. Coral Bay is perfect for families and beginner snorkelers, offering safe and calm conditions year-round.
If you plan on travelling between March to June, you will also have the chance to spot humpback whales on their migration north. Jump on a tour and you might get the chance to see these gentle giants up close and even experience a breaching!
Shark Bay is a completely different experience than most people would expect. Image: Tourism Western Australia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shark Bay is one of Western Australia’s most biologically diverse marine environments. Famous for its large population of bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia, Shark Bay also harbours ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool. Its mix of seagrass beds, dugongs, and dramatic coastlines make it both ecologically and visually spectacular.
Fun fact: Shark Bay is Australia’s largest bay, boasting over 1,000kms of untouched coastline!
If camping on the beach is your kind of thing, then head on over to Nanga Shark Bay Caravan Park, which has beach campsites on offer. Set right on the beach, this is the perfect holiday park to relax and unwind on the way to some of the most incredible attractions this area has to offer.
Swim with the sea lions at Jurien Bay!
Think about the perfect family beach holiday and you’ve got Jurien Bay. Just a couple of hours north of Perth, Jurien Bay is a favourite among families for fishing, diving, and sea lion encounters. Its turquoise waters and long, sandy beaches are ideal for a laid-back coastal escape.
The nearby Jurien Bay Marine Park protects an incredible array of marine life, and you can even jump on a tour where you can swim with playful Australian sea lions — often called the “puppies of the sea.”
Fancy staying somewhere just a few steps away from the beach? Jurien Bay Tourist Park with its new holiday units and idyllic vibe is the perfect place to retreat to when staying in Jurien Bay.
Busselton Foreshore makes for a fantastic day out with the Busselton Jetty and playgrounds on offer.
Stretching from Busselton to Cape Naturaliste, Geographe Bay is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for families, and diving and snorkelling lovers. Make sure you visit the historic Busselton Jetty, the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. It extends nearly 2 kilometres into the bay with an underwater observatory at the end where you can see what life under the sea is like.
Camp out under the peppermint trees in the cozy caravan park located in the heart of Busselton! Busselton Lazy Days Caravan Park is a favourite among visitors to Busselton due to it’s quiet and pet-friendly park. Head’s up, you might even spot some possums when staying here!
Tucked away near Cape Naturaliste, Bunker Bay offers tranquillity, soft white sand, and calm, clear waters in its protected bay. A popular beach in the region and ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the views. Its natural beauty and proximity to Margaret River’s wine region make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Meet the stingrays at Hamelin Bay. Image: Australia's South West
Hamelin Bay is a special spot located on the southwest coast near Margaret River. Its worth it to visit just due to the crystal clear waters, but what really sets it apart are the wild stingrays that regularly glide close to the shoreline. These rays are gentle and often approach swimmers in the shallows, offering a unique wildlife encounter. Remember not to approach them though, as they are wild!
If you’re looking for a family friendly park, definitely take a look at Margaret River Tourist Park that comes complete with playground, jumping pillow and a pool to entertain the kids. However, if you’re looking for a quieter park, Riverview Tourist Park sits right next to the Margaret River comes with the idyllic peaceful vibe many travellers love.
Little Beach in Two People's Bay is regularly voted one of the top beaches in Australia. Image: Tourism Western Australia
Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve is one of the South Coast’s most breathtaking and unspoiled locations. With its brilliant turquoise waters and squeaky white sand, the bay is backed by dense bushland and granite headlands. A true hidden gem for hikers and nature lovers, definitely head to Little Beach for that stunning iconic view.
Not surprisingly, Lucky Bay is also often voted one of the top beaches in Australia. Image: Tourism Western Australia
Regularly lauded as the beach with the whitest sand in Australia (and possibly the world), Lucky Bay is one of the special spots that are even better that the photos. The crown jewel of Cape Le Grand National Park, the sand is so fine it squeaks beneath your feet, and you can even meet wild kangaroos who are often spotted lounging on the beach. With its vibrant blue waters and breathtaking surroundings, Lucky Bay is a dream destination for travellers everywhere.
Stay at Esperance Bay Holiday Park for a picture-perfect holiday when in Esperance. Set right in the heart of town and just minutes away from the beach, you barely even need your car to see the sights around town. Head down to the Esperance Foreshore with the kids and let them play on the fenced-off playground while enjoying the sunset!
