Australia’s South West is renowned worldwide for its star-studded line-up of magnificent beaches. The best part is — that it’s not uncommon to have the whole coastline to yourself. From isolated bays brimming with marine life to glittering turquoise lagoons, there’s so much to choose from when it comes to this heavenly slice of paradise. For natural beauty worthy of a fairy tale, here are the best beaches in WA’s South West.

The Aquarium

The Aquarium is a hidden gem in the South West crown that’s well worth getting off the beaten track for. Sandwiched between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks, the sparkling turquoise lagoon is an idyllic place for a swim or snorkel. The beloved watering hole is protected by large granite outcrops, so the waters are almost always calm, and crystal-clear.

Injidup Natural Spa

Once a secret swimming spot, and now a bucket list item to be ticked off by families, photographers and Instagrammers. Just a short drive south of Yallingup, the natural rock formation is a favourite hidden rock pool for many. Located at the north end of Injidup Beach, the picturesque coastal “spa” is protected from the winds, and the perfect spot to perch with a book. If you want to dodge the crowds, it’s also best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Yallingup Beach

From big waves to a serene and sheltered lagoon, Yallingup has it all. The beach is a popular swim, and surf spot, adored by families and wave-chasers alike. It’s also often frequented by snorkellers and stand-up paddle boarders, and for good reason. But it’s the drive down Yallingup Beach Road that’s enough to take your breath away. Fittingly, Yallingup also means “place of love” in the Wardandi Aboriginal language.

Greens Pool 

Fit for a postcard, Greens Pool is easily Denmark’s most popular, bucket-list worthy beach, and for good reason. Perched about 415 kilometres from Perth, within William Bay National Park, the wonderfully aqua bay is fringed by a large granite boulder and a glorious expanse snow-white sand. It’s adored by locals and travellers alike, who visit to swim, snorkel, rock jump, paddle board and picnic. Elephant Rocks is another equally-treasured sheltered cove, only five-minutes by foot from Greens Pool. The name comes from the resident soaring granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the shallow waters.

Eagle Bay

Characterised by sparkling azure water and dazzling white sand, Eagle Bay is another hard hitter when it comes to the South West beach scene. Just below the eastern tip of Cape Naturaliste, its calm coastline makes it a favourite for sun soakers, ocean lovers and families. The small beachside suburb also boasts an impressive collection of things to do, from wine tasting to whale watching, so you’ll never be short of ways to while away the hours.

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and Little Beach

After making a name for itself on social media, Two Peoples Bay is now recognised far and wide as one of Western Australia’s most spectacular nature reserves. Synonymous with sweeping curves, crisp white sand, azure waters and granite boulders, the picture-perfect swim, dive, canoe and fishing spot is the feature of countless award-winning photographs. Located only 35 kilometres east of Albany, be sure to check out the scenic heritage trail and loads of gorgeous lookout spots along the way — approximately a two-hour round trip.

Boranup Beach

Stretching 7.8 kilometres north from Hamelin Bay, Boranup Beach is one of the longest beaches in the Margaret River Region. The bumpy four-wheel-drive access track leading to the dream-like coastline is as challenging as the destination is spectacular. Think white sand framed by the forest on one side and pristine blue ocean on the other. Not to mention, no crowds. Heaven.

Meelup Beach

You won’t ever go wrong with a visit to one of Dunsborough’s most popular, family-friendly beaches. Known for its glistening turquoise water and native flora and fauna, the generally subdued shore of Meelup is a great place to park up for the day with an umbrella. Its name is an Aboriginal word meaning “place of the moon rising” because at certain times of the year, the moon appears to rise from the sea. If you’re keen on a little exercise, try the “Meelup Foreshore Walk Trail” which takes you along the coast for four kilometres from Meelup to Dunsborough. Don’t forget to check out other Castle Rock — another South West icon — and Curtis Bay along the way.

Contos Beach

Framed by steep hills and limestone cliffs, Contos well and truly nails the brief when it comes to natural beauty. The beach is best for swimming and fishing on calm days, and suitable for surfing when mid-sized swells roll in. Contos is also a fabulous place to hike, as the famous Cape to Cape Track follows the cliffs above the beach. It’s quite possibly the prettiest section of the track, well worth a half day hike to Bob’s Hollow and back. You might even be lucky enough to spot an emu, goanna, or kangaroo while you’re at it.

Lights Beach

Perched south-west of Denmark, Lights Beach is an incredibly beautiful, rocky stretch of coastline, lined by large, powerful waves. In winter, you’ll spot hordes of surfers tackling the tides, while summer sports dogs aplenty as others float in the rock pools. It’s also one end of the Wilderness Ocean Walk (WOW) Trail, a 6.2 kilometre (one-way) bitumen trail between Ocean Beach and Lights Beach.