The Wanderer
Tucked in the gentle curve of Geographe Bay, Meelup Beach is the unsung hero of the Margaret River region. Fall in love with the pure white sands and gentle rolling waves of this south-west stunner, flanked by native bush just north of Dunsborough. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views over the Indian Ocean, colourful wildflowers in spring, and a shady spot to stash your gear while you snorkel in the shallows.
Most famous for its killer whale aggregation from January to April, Bremer Bay is also home to a collection of none-too shabby beaches. And because it’s a good six-and-a-half-hour drive south-east of Perth, you won’t have to share them with too many pesky tourists. Swim, surf, fish, lace up your bushwalking boots or get set for a four wheel drive adventure through Fitzgerald River National Park. Rolling out a towel on Bremer Beach is equally acceptable, too.
As if pearly white sand and turquoise water aren’t enough, Hamelin Bay is also a popular hangout for stingrays. The majestic rays are known to come in close to shore, where beachgoers can admire their hovering shadows from the sand. For snorkellers and divers, there is plenty of interesting plant and marine life to explore, as well as several shipwrecks and caves. Landlubbers can enjoy the sea cliff trails.
Who made sand the king of buckets and spades? At Shell Beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, a 100-kilometre swathe of coastline is made up entirely of tiny shells. Trillions of Fragum cockle shells smother the shore, up to 10 metres deep. Crunch across the beach (the shells are soft underfoot) and enjoy a swim in the super-salty sea. Fragums thrive in the hyper-saline water, which is twice as salty as the ocean.
Tantalisingly close to Perth yet a world away from the big smoke, Rottnest Island is a sand warrior’s paradise. But before you disgorge your towel and goggles on popular Pinky Beach, know that Rotto has 63 beaches – and one of the best, lesser-visited swathes of sand is Little Salmon Bay. Here, near the southernmost tip of the island, you'll find calm, clear water and excellent snorkelling. If you’re lucky, you may even have a sunbaking sea lion for company.
Perthlings can count their lucky stars because they have this glorious northern ’burbs beach on their doorstep. Mettam’s Pool is a natural lagoon located just 16 kilometres from the centre of Perth. Perfect for swimming and snorkelling, the sheltered pool is home to schools of buffalo bream, sea mullet and banded sweep; while anemones, shellfish and cushion stars can be found hiding in the shallow reef.
In 2022, Tourism Australia named Misery Beach near Albany Australia’s best beach. But we reckon Little Beach at nearby Nanarup, on the other side of Frenchman Bay, is an equally worthy contender. This picture-perfect spot with turquoise water, white sand and striking granite boulders is tucked beneath Mount Gardner in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Swim, fish, explore the coastal trails or simply sit on the beach and pinch yourself… Is this place real?
Category: Features
Written: Thu 11 Dec 2025
Printed: November, 2025
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