Fun in the sun or stormy seascapes, WA has a beach for all temperatures and temperaments.
Western Australia has some of the country’s best beaches to visit in winter. So, if you’re planning a holiday between June and September, you’ll still be spoilt for choice.
From the stormy, rugged coastline of the southwest to the spectacular warmth of the north, a winter holiday to WA can still include days at the beach.
Cable Beach, Broome
Broome’s Cable Beach is probably the most well-known beach in Western Australia, especially in winter. Between May and October each year, thousands of season-hoppers and travelers flock to the north in search of sun and adventure.
The 22-kilometer shoreline is world famous for its camel treks and amazing sunsets over the Indian Ocean. But there’s a new activity that could rival these popular Cable Beach experiences: tandem skydiving with Skydive Geronimo.
Imagine jumping from a plane over Broome and landing on Cable Beach at sunset. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Paradise Beach, Coral Bay
Just as the name suggests, Paradise Beach in Coral Bay is stunningly gorgeous. Think fine, white sand, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of marine life to gawk at whilst snorkeling the coral gardens.
It’s safe to say that water activities rule holiday itineraries here and swimming with manta rays is a unique excursion that you won’t forget in a hurry. Coral Bay is a year-round destination, but less busy during the winter months.
Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
Exmouth boasts several fine beaches but Turquoise Bay is as pretty as a postcard. It’s also a popular spot for ‘drift’ snorkeling, which means the natural currents will sweep you away while swimming.
This is an activity for experienced, fit swimmers only so if you’re not, it’s advised to enjoy this gorgeous scene from the sandy sidelines.
And remember, offshore is the famous Ningaloo Reef, which is home to whale sharks from March to July.
Thousands of tourists visit the Coral Coast each year to have a swim with the world’s largest shark. Winter is the best time to spot manta rays, humpback whales, dolphins, and the elusive dugong too.
Surfer’s Point, Margaret River
Margaret River is renowned as a surfing destination and Surfer’s Point is the reason why. While its golden sand is perfect for beach walking and the crashing waves make for intense viewing, it’s not a place for carefree swimming.
If you’re an inexperienced surfer, it’s best to live vicariously through the tribe who you’ll see waiting for the perfect set or riding gnarly waves. Winter ‘down south’ means rougher sea conditions and spectacular surf (and surfer) watching.
Shell Beach, Shark Bay
Shark Bay is another hot spot for winter beach visits and Shell Beach is certainly worth a peek. You won’t find sand here though; this beach is made from millions of tiny white cockleshells.
It may not have sand, but it does offer safe swimming in beautiful blue/green water. The water off Shell Beach is super salty and often compared to the Dead Sea for its buoyancy.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth
Maybe the biggest draw to Cottesloe Beach in winter is the fact that it’s less populated. Sure, the water may be too crisp for most people to enter but this iconic Perth beach is not to be missed.
Talk about a winter walk in the sand. Sit and watch the waves crash. Enjoy a hot coffee and inhale the sea air. Cottesloe attracts hundreds, if not thousands of people daily during summer but in winter, you’ll practically have the beach to yourself. Enjoy.
Dillion Beach, Bremar Bay
Dillion Beach near Bremar Bay is located at the bottom of Western Australia, on the Southern Ocean. Dillion is wild and handsome but is considered a highly hazardous beachfront so it’s not for casual playtime.
In this part of WA, winter beach visits often mean storm watching. The southern end of the state is reserved for the adventurous as it’s quite remote and unspoiled. Before planning a day at this beach, consult beachsafe.org.au for more information.
Smiths Beach, Yallingup
Another awesome place for winter storm watching is Smiths Beach, near Yallingup. Smiths Beach is a long stretch of glorious soft sand and crashing waves that attract surfers, body boarders, and general beach lovers from around the world.
And with a luxury resort a stone’s throw away, you can’t ask for a better winter beach holiday setting. This awe-inspiring southwest beach is also part of the Cape to Cape Track, a 135-kilometre walk that runs between Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in Eagle Bay and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse in Augusta.
Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland/Broome
For all the road-trippers heading north to the Kimberley in search of sun-filled days and warm winds, a stop-over at Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park is a must.
The 220-kilometer coastal stretch is located between Port Hedland and Broome. It’s Western Australia’s longest beach and an important rest and feeding area for migrating birds.
Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, shell-hunting, fishing, swimming, and glowing sunsets.
Thomson Bay, Rottnest Island
Thomson Bay is the first place you’ll see when you arrive by ferry to Perth’s favorite holiday destination, Rottnest Island. It’s the location of the ferry jetty and main settlement, which is home to cafes, restaurants, hotels, museums, bike rentals, and the information center.
The bay features a three-kilometer arched beach with pristine white sand and all the feels of a tropical island. Not only is this area splendid for swimming, snorkeling, and people watching, but the soft sandy beach is also used as a skydiver landing pad in winter.
Tandem skydives are available over Rottnest Island year-round.
Whether you’re searching for hot sunny beaches or cool, moody shores, WA is the best state to visit for contrasting winter holidays.
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