There’s something about the Western Australian coastline that feels a little untamed in the best possible way. Long stretches of empty beach. Salt on your skin before 9 am. Towns that still revolve around the wind, the swell, and where to get the best fish and chips. I grew up along this coast, and it remains my favourite region in the world to come back to reset.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to go beyond Perth, this guide brings together ten of the best coastal towns in Western Australia. Some are well-known favourites, others are quieter pockets you might not have heard of yet. All of them are worth slowing down for.
1. Margaret River
If you want a little bit of everything, Margaret River delivers. World-class surf breaks, wineries tucked into rolling countryside, and beaches that feel wild and expansive.
While the town itself sits slightly inland, the coastline is where you’ll spend most of your time. Places like Prevelly and Gnarabup are local favourites for morning swims and sunset walks. It’s also one of the best spots in Australia for whale watching between June and November.
Come for the surf and wine, but stay for the (slower pace).
If surf holidays are your thing, check out my guide to surfing in Tamraght, Morocco, and the best places to eat when you’re there.
2. Dunsborough
Just a short drive from Margaret River, Dunsborough has a completely different energy. The water is calmer, the beaches are more sheltered, and it’s ideal if you’re travelling with family or just want something a little more relaxed.
Meelup Beach is one of the most beautiful in the state, with clear turquoise water and soft white sand. You can spend the whole day here without needing much more than a towel and a good book.
It’s also a great base for exploring Cape Naturaliste and nearby walking trails.
3. Yallingup
Yallingup feels a little more rugged and tucked away. It’s known for its powerful surf and dramatic coastline, but there’s a softer side too if you know where to look.
The Yallingup Lagoon is perfect for swimming, especially in the mornings before the wind picks up. There are also caves to explore nearby, along with coastal walks that open up to some of the best ocean views in the region.
If you like places that feel slightly wild but still accessible, this is one of them.
4. Augusta
Augusta is where I grew up, so I’m a little biased, but it’s genuinely one of the most peaceful coastal towns in WA.
Sitting at the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans, it has a quiet, almost reflective energy. The Blackwood River winds through town, and Flinders Bay is usually calm enough for swimming.
It’s not flashy. There aren’t many crowds. But that’s exactly the point. Augusta is where you come to slow down completely.
5. Denmark
Denmark feels different to anywhere else on this list. It’s greener, cooler, and has a slightly bohemian edge.
Ocean Beach is a favourite for surfers, while Greens Pool (in nearby William Bay National Park) is one of the most iconic swimming spots in Western Australia. Think granite boulders, clear water, and gentle waves.
There’s also a strong local food scene here, with small wineries, bakeries, and farm gates dotted around the region.
6. Albany
Albany blends coastal beauty with a deeper sense of history. It was the first European settlement in Western Australia, and you can feel that layered into the town.
The coastline here is dramatic. Places like The Gap and Natural Bridge show the raw power of the Southern Ocean, while Middleton Beach offers a calmer place to swim.
It’s also a great base for exploring the wider Great Southern region, with scenic drives, coastal lookouts, and excellent local produce all within easy reach.
And if you’re thinking about renting a car in Australia – then, I’ve put together this incredibly detailed guide for you!
7. Esperance
Esperance is often described as having the whitest sand in Australia, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Lucky Bay, in Cape Le Grand National Park, is the standout. Kangaroos lounging on the beach, water so clear it almost doesn’t look real. It’s the kind of place that feels slightly surreal.
The town itself is small and easygoing, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding coastline.
8. Kalbarri
Kalbarri sits where the Murchison River meets the ocean, creating a landscape that feels a little more rugged and remote.
The coastal cliffs here are striking, especially at sunset. Red rock against deep blue water. Inland, Kalbarri National Park offers gorges and walking trails, including the Skywalk, which gives you a sweeping view over the landscape.
It’s a bit further to get to, but that distance keeps it feeling less crowded.
9. Coral Bay
Coral Bay is one of those places that feels simple in the best way. A small town, a single main road, and the reef just steps from the shore.
It’s one of the easiest places in Australia to experience the Ningaloo Reef. You can snorkel straight off the beach and see coral, fish, and sometimes even manta rays.
There’s not a lot to do here in the traditional sense, but that’s part of the charm.
10. Exmouth
Exmouth is the gateway to Ningaloo Reef and one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks (in season).
The coastline is incredible. Turquoise Bay is often mentioned as one of the best beaches in Australia, and for good reason. The drift snorkel here is something you’ll remember for a long time.
It’s a bit more developed than Coral Bay, but still feels remote compared to most coastal destinations.
Thanks for Reading!
Western Australia’s coastal towns aren’t about rushing from one highlight to the next. They’re about long mornings, salty air, and letting the day unfold slowly.
If you’re planning a trip, don’t try to do everything at once. Pick a few places. Stay a little longer than you think you need. Let yourself settle into the rhythm of the coast.
That’s when these towns really start to show you who they are.
**This article was written by Jessie from Daytrips
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Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by snaphappytravel