That Locals Don’t Want You to Know About
Discover WA’s secret coastlines, from stingray hangouts to shell-strewn shores
Western Australia has more than 12,000 kilometres of coastline, which is basically a fancy way of saying: there are a lot of beaches. Sure, everyone knows about Cottesloe and Cable Beach, but the best beaches in Western Australia aren’t always the busiest. Hidden bays, shell-strewn stretches, and stingray hangouts are quietly waiting for anyone willing to wander a little further (or at least ChatGPT a little harder).
If you’re searching for the best hidden beaches in WA – spots with turquoise water, wildlife encounters, and scenery that could make even your Instagram filters a non-thing – here’s a roundup that’ll keep your beach towel busy.
1. Meelup Beach, Dunsborough
Meelup Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia’s Southwest. Think powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and bushland bursting with wildflowers in spring. It’s also one of the few north-facing beaches in WA, which means the sun hits it just right all day long. Swim, paddle, picnic, or if you’re lucky, spot migrating humpback whales off the coast.
2. Bremer Bay, Fitzgerald River National Park
Bremer Bay might be six and a half hours from Perth, but it’s hands down one of the most rewarding coastal adventures in Western Australia. Located near Fitzgerald River National Park, this hidden beach paradise offers surfing, fishing, swimming, and some of the most diverse flora in the state. Between July and October, Bremer Bay is also a hotspot for whale watching, so yes, before you ask, it’s worth packing binoculars alongside your bathers.
3. Hamelin Bay, Margaret River Region
If you’re looking for a beach experience with a side of wildlife, Hamelin Bay is your match. Famous for its friendly stingrays that cruise the shallows, this beach is a magnet for snorkellers and photographers. The underwater scenery boasts colourful fish, plant life, and even old shipwrecks, making it one of the most unique beaches in Western Australia’s Margaret River region.
4. Shell Beach, Shark Bay
Shell Beach is exactly what it sounds like, except a thousand times better. Stretching over 100 kilometres, this spot in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area is made entirely of tiny shells instead of sand. The water here is incredibly salty, which makes floating effortless, and the crunch of shells underfoot is oddly satisfying. It’s one of only a few beaches in the world like it, which instantly makes it one of WA’s most unique natural wonders.
5. Little Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island
While most visitors to Rottnest Island flock to The Basin or Pinky Beach, those in the know slip over to Little Parakeet Bay. Sheltered by rocky outcrops, this calm bay is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply stretching out on the sand with fewer people around. It’s a quieter alternative to Rottnest’s busier beaches and there’s quokkas (enough said)!!!
6. Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
Another Rottnest gem, Little Salmon Bay is a snorkeller’s dream. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and beneath the surface you’ll find colourful marine life and coral gardens. It’s small, sheltered, and has all the ingredients of one of the best snorkelling spots in Western Australia.
7. Mettams Pool, Perth’s Northern Beaches
Just a short drive from Perth CBD, Mettams Pool is proof that you don’t have to travel far to find one of WA’s best swimming spots. This natural rock pool is protected by reefs, making the water calm and shallow, perfect for families and beginner snorkellers. Early mornings and weekdays are best if you want the place (almost) to yourself.
8. Little Beach, Nanarup (Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve)
Little Beach near Albany is the kind of place that travel brochures dream about. Turquoise water, pure white sand, and massive granite boulders that look like they’ve been strategically placed by an overachieving landscape designer. The surrounding Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve also offers walking trails with sweeping views, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring WA’s south coast.
From stingray encounters at Hamelin Bay to shell-covered shores in Shark Bay and the snorkel-friendly bays of Rottnest Island, Western Australia’s hidden beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful. Whether you’re based in Perth, road-tripping the Southwest, or venturing north, these secret coastal gems are proof that WA isn’t just big, it’s endlessly spectacular.