10 Best Beaches in the Margaret River Region You Must Check Out

The Margaret River Region is home to some of the best beaches in Western Australia. You won’t want to miss these Margaret River beaches!

The Margaret River region is one of the most popular wine regions in the world, but what many people don’t know is that it offers dozens upon dozens of pristine beaches all along the 130 kilometre stretch of coastline. Some of these Margaret River beaches are more famous than others, but none of them are what you would call “busy” or “crowded”.

If you want to perch up and spend a whole day lounging on a quiet beach during the Australian summer then you need to head to the Margaret River region, pronto. Here are some of the top beaches in the Margaret River region to add to your list of places to visit!

Looking for even more information on the Margaret River region? Here are 10 reasons why you should visit, the best places to check out in the Margaret River region and some of my personal favorite wineries and vineyards to eat and drink at!

The best time to visit the Margaret River region

The best time to visit the Margaret River region is during the Australian summer months (December through February), but this tends to be the most popular time of year as well so accommodation prices are at its highest. Although it never gets extremely crowded in the region, I also recommend visiting during the shoulder season from September to November and March to May when things die down a little. Beach-goers might want to stick to the summer months from late November to early March as this is when the ocean is slightly warmer and more pleasant to swim in.

The winter months are extremely cold and windy so if you’re looking to hit the beaches in the Margaret River region then avoid visiting from June to August, though this might be a great time to check out its many, many world-class wineries instead. This season also tends to be good for surfing if you are an experienced surfer – however, you’ll need to pack a thicker wet suit (at least a 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm if you tend to feel the cold).

How to get to Margaret River and how to get around

The Margaret Region is located 3 hours south from Perth in Western Australia. The region starts from Busselton and Dunsborough in the north down to Augusta in the south. Once you are in the area, public transport is pretty much non-existent and private tours and drivers are pricey, so the best way to get around is to self-drive.

The closest international airport is in Perth: from Perth your best option is to rent a car (we have used and recommend Budget and Thrifty) to make the drive down south. Alternatively, if you are headed to the Margaret River region from the east coast of Australia, Jetstar operates direct domestic flights between Melbourne and Busselton 3 times a week. In March 2024 Jetstar began offering flights between Sydney and Busselton 3 times a week.

Remember, you drive on the left in Australia (the steering wheel is on the right) and the speed limit ranges anywhere from 60 to 110 KM/hour on the way down to the Margaret River region; it is important to stick to the speed limit for not only your own safety, but others’ too. Parking in town and at the various beaches listed in this guide are free.

You may need to show a valid international driver’s permit when picking up the rental car, and make sure you don’t get charged any previously undisclosed fee (like the “VRRF” fee that some rental companies like to charge).

Looking for the best prices for rental car companies around the world? Click here to book your rental car ahead of your trip. Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change!

Not comfortable self-driving? You might also consider booking one of these Margaret River region tours.

Alternatively, there are a limited number of buses that you can take via South West Coast Lines and you can even book online. I’ve also heard good things about this shared airport shuttle service between Perth Airport and the Margaret River region, though it appears to only operate Monday to Friday, and not on the weekends.

You may also like: Planning a trip to Perth? Here is my Perth city guide

The best places to stay in the Margaret River region

Nightly rates for accommodation prices tend to be higher in this area, reaching as much as AUD$003-500 during the peak season for a 1 to 2 bedroom location. To get bang for your buck, make sure you stay in a convenient and picturesque town with lots of excellent cafes, restaurants and shops.

I would recommend staying in Dunsborough, Quindalup, Margaret River town, Yallingup, Eagle Bay or Bunker Bay. Here are some personal recommendations:

Melo Studios in Dunsborough: Perfect for couples or families with children. There are 2 ultra-luxe villas available – this 2-bedroom Caesia Studio or 2-bedroom Eucalypt Studio with kitchen, BBQ area and lounge. Michael and Jess are superhosts who grew up in the area, and their properties are always immaculate. The Melo Studios are almost always fully booked during the peak season and holidays, so book early! Click here to see availability and rates at Melo Studios.

Dunsborough Hideaway: A modern studio attached to a charming “French provincial” house, located a short 5-minute drive from Dunsborough town in a quiet residential neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle. There is a beautiful garden out front complete with seating, as well as a full kitchen at your disposal. Elaine’s studio is best suited to independent travelers and is often booked up months in advance, so check availability and book early.

Lakeside glamping at Olio Bello in Cowaramup: Perfect if you’re looking for something a little different. Olio Bello offers 6 stunning glamping tents about 10 minutes away from Margaret River town. The tents are luxurious and incredibly spacious, and are fantastic for couples looking to retreat into nature and experience some serious peace and quiet. Their on-site restaurant serves handmade pasta, but is only open for lunch at the moment. Click here to see rates and availability at Olio Bello!

Chambré Estate in Margaret River town: For an immersive “Australian bush” experience, check into the luxurious Chambré Estate just a 5-minute drive from Margaret River town. The brand-new property offers cozy suites and multi-room cabins and kitchens for those traveling with friends and family, and certain suites have access to their stunning outdoor wood-fired hot tubs (just so you know, these may not be used when fire bans are in place, typically December to March). Click here to see rates and availability at Chambré Estate.

Looking for something else? Click here to find the best deals on highly-rated accommodation in the Margaret River region!

The best beaches in the Margaret River region

If you only have 2 or 3 days in the Margaret River region you’ll want to make sure that you check out a handful of these beaches during your stay. Make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen as Australian sun exposure is no joke!

1. Meelup Beach

The majority of locals and visitors alike agree that Meelup is one of the best Margaret River region beaches, and it’s not hard to see why – it offers fine white sand, crystal clear water and is protected from wind and waves.

If you are traveling with children, this is the perfect beach to take them to, plus there is plenty of free parking and canoes available for rent if you’re feeling adventurous.

2. Point Picquet

Located nearby Meelup Beach, Point Picquet is another beautiful bay with perfectly turquoise-coloured water. The white-sand beach only fills in during the peak season, otherwise it is a rocky outcrop that you can swim at.

This is a great swimming spot to check out and doesn’t tend to get as busy as Meelup, or you can share it with the stingrays that occasionally visit this part of the coast. During the winter months the swell picks up and surfers head to Point Picquet for the peeling left-hand wave that cruises all the way to the shore.

3. Old Dunsborough Beach

The foreshore is a family favorite and one of the more popular Dunsborough beaches as it’s perfect for young children who aren’t confident swimmers yet. The bay is calm and sheltered from the elements, and there is a netted pontoon for swimmers.

There’s plenty of parking and occasionally there are also food and coffee trucks out so that you can get your fill of caffeine and pastries.

Ready to book your Margaret River region beach holiday? Here are some conveniently-located accommodation options to consider booking: Melo Studios in Dunsborough (perfectly stylish and cozy 2-bedroom villas right in the heart of town), Dunsborough Hideaway (a modern studio with kitchen a 5-minute drive away from Dunsborough town in a quiet residential area), Olio Bello in Cowaramup (lakeside glamping immersed in nature with an amazing attached restaurant) or Chambré Estate in Margaret River (luxe studios and cabins minutes away from the heart of Margaret River town). Click here to check out highly-rated accommodation options in the Margaret River region!

4. Dunsborough Beach

Dunsborough Beach at the end of Dunn Bay Road is a convenient long sandy stretch of white-sand beach that is perfect for anyone staying in and around Dunsborough town.

There are also barbecue facilities if you want to make a day of it, or stroll up the road to the Pour House for a pint of beer and Tas’s Bakery for a classic meat pie or custard donut.

5. Eagle Bay Beach

Eagle Bay Beach located near the headland of Cape Naturaliste is yet another glimmering white-sand coastline and one of the best Margaret River region beaches.

Located at the end of a largely residential area, the beach is quiet with little to no rocks, though occasionally can experience some seaweed build-up.

6. Castle Rock Beach

I am partial to Castle Rock Beach and think it’s up there with some of the best beaches in the Margaret River region – it’s only a 5-minute drive from my husband’s childhood home which means we have spent our fair share of time here.

The beach is sheltered with translucent water and the iconic “Castle Rock” on the right hand side. Families love to take canoes and kayaks out and you might see a friendly dolphin or two out on the horizon.

Ready to book your Margaret River region getaway? Here are some highly-rated accommodation options to consider: Melo Studios in Dunsborough (stylish and comfortable 2-bedroom villas right in the heart of town), Dunsborough Hideaway (a modern, brightly-lit 1-bedroom studio with a kitchen a quick drive away from Dunsborough town), Olio Bello in nearby Cowaramup (lakeside glamping tents for a unique stay) or Chambré Estate in Margaret River (luxe studios and cottages surrounded by peaceful bushland). Click here to find the best deals on accommodation in the Margaret River region!

7. Injidup Beach

Injidup Beach is a favourite among locals who live in the area and one of the best beaches near Margaret River town. Its sloping sand dunes are picturesque and the beach itself is pretty much never, ever crowded or overrun with people.

Head to the other side of the outcrop and you’ll also find the Injidup natural spa, a rock pool that has become popular for a sheltered dip away from the crashing waves.

8. Smiths Beach

Smiths Beach is a long sandy stretch popular with local surfers who love the reef break off the shore. It remains relatively protected from the southerly wind that tends to come in during summer afternoons, and offers several quiet swimming spots up and down the pristine coastline.

9. Yallingup Beach

Around from the headland near Smiths Beach is Yallingup Beach, yet another popular surf beach that offers no less than half a dozen surf breaks including Rabbits, Razors, Boogers, Shallows, Dry Toast and so on. Don’t ask me how surfers come up with names for surf breaks!

We love the sheltered lagoon surrounded by shallow reef – the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

It’s one of the best beaches in the Margaret Region for kids as the water is always relatively calm and there is a huge children’s playground next to the parking lot. You can also snorkle around the reef – the last time we were here the reef was visited by 5 to 6 dolphins chasing a school of fish!

Ready to book your Margaret River region holiday? Here are some highly-rated accommodation options to check out: Melo Studios in Dunsborough (chic 2-bedroom villas right in the heart of town), Dunsborough Hideaway (a modern, brightly-lit 1-bedroom studio with a kitchen a quick drive away from Dunsborough town), Olio Bello in nearby Cowaramup (lakeside glamping tents for a unique stay) or Chambré Estate in Margaret River (luxe studios and cottages surrounded by peaceful bushland). Click here to find the best deals on accommodation in the Margaret River region!

10. Bunker Bay Beach

Bunker Bay is a fantastic place to grab brunch followed by a dip in the ocean. The long stretch of beach is a great place to soak up the sunshine and is considered one of the top beaches in the Margaret River region.

Ilma Beach House is an elegant beach cafe that serves up delicious coffee and lunch – the perfect lazy afternoon spot for anyone vacationing in the Margaret River region.

In addition to these beaches in the Margaret River region there are also many, many secret beaches that you can access on foot along the Cape to Cape track. If you have more time in the region then I encourage you to get off the beaten track and venture beyond the obvious!

Beach etiquette in the Margaret River region

Beach days are an integral part of Australian lifestyle and culture. It’s important to be respectful of others when you’re at the beach so that everyone can enjoy this amazing resource.

• Leave no trace – take any trash away with you or put it in the designated bins.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen whenever possible.
• Don’t feed the wildlife.
• Keep the noise down and leave your speakers at home.
• Don’t light fires on the beach – there are strict bans within Australia and you will receive a hefty fine.
• Don’t fly drones near and above people, and definitely not near the wildlife (especially whales and dolphins) as you could disturb their natural behaviour.
• Some beaches have yellow and red flags, in which case you must swim between the flags under the supervision of the lifeguard on duty.

So, what do you reckon? Sold on venturing over to the Margaret River region for outstanding food & wine, beautiful beaches and world-class surf? Leave a comment below and let me know if you’ve ever been to this part of the world! Looking for more Australia travel tips and destination guides? Click here!

Ready for your trip to the Margaret River region? I recommend staying in Dunsborough, Quindalup, Margaret River town, Yallingup, Eagle Bay or Bunker Bay.

Melo Studios in Dunsborough is perfect for couples or families with children looking for a stylish and boutique stay. Click here to see availability and rates at Melo Studios.

Dunsborough Hideaway is ideal for couples or families looking for some solitude away from the hustle and bustle without losing the convenience of being close to town. Check availability and book early – especially if you are planning a visit during long weekends and holidays.

Lakeside glamping at Olio Bello in Cowaramup is perfect if you’re looking for something a little different and want to retreat into nature without sacrificing any creature comforts. Click here to see rates and availability at Olio Bello!

Chambré Estate in Margaret River town for a peaceful and luxurious stay in the Australian bushland. The brand-new property offers cozy suites and 2 or 3-bedroom cabins for those traveling with friends and family. Click here to see rates and availability at Chambré Estate!

You might also like:

• Check out outstanding wineries, beautiful beaches, natural wonders and unique landmarks – here are some the best places to visit in the Margaret River region!
• Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons why you should visit the Margaret River region
• Who doesn’t love a delicious glass of wine? Here are 10 unmissable wineries not to miss in the Margaret River region
• Dunsborough is a perfect base for your Margaret River region getaway. Here is my mini guide to this idyllic beach town!
• There’s more to WA’s underrated capital city than meets the eye – read my guide to creating the perfect Perth itinerary

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