The 5 most beautiful beaches in Western Australia

By Carla Grossetti
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Whether you’re seeking A-frame waves or sheltered coves, WA has no shortage of great beaches. Here are five of the best.

1. Cable Beach, Broome

Watching the sun tint the sky and sea tangerine while plodding along Cable Beach on a camel is quintessential WA. The 22-kilometre-long beach, just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Broome, was named after the telegraph cable that connected Australia’s north west to the rest of the world in 1889. And while it’s justifiably famous for its camel rides at sunset, the sandscape is also a popular spot for playing beach cricket and enjoying a sundowner after spending the day dipping in and out of the sea. Download the dinosaur coast track guide app to find 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints at low tide.

Top view of Cable Beach, one of the best beaches in WA

Cable Beach was named after the telegraph cable that connected Australia’s north west to the rest of the world in 1889. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Greens Pool, Denmark

Zebra fish, six-spined leatherjackets, mosaic sea stars and silver drummer fish are just some of the marine creatures you might encounter while pin-balling around the large granite boulders that rise out of Greens Pool. This popular swimming spot delivers on both beauty and geographical drama. Located in William Bay National Park, Greens Pool is one of the most popular destinations in Denmark for families as it’s sheltered from the pounding surf.

Greens Pool, one of the best beaches in WA

This popular swimming spot delivers on both beauty and geographical drama. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

3. Hellfire Bay, east of Esperance

Dulux called and wants to know how to match the particular shades of teal and turquoise on show in the waters off Hellfire Bay. This picturesque crescent of sand is located between the broad shoulders of two rocky headlands, on the fringes of Cape Le Grand National Park. And while Hellfire Bay is already on the map for tourists thanks to its regular inclusion on lists of the area’s best beaches, you are still likely to find moments of solitude here. Hellfire Bay also lures cyclists who hug the coastline along the 1.9-kilometre-long Hellfire Bay Trail.

Hellfire Bay, one of the best beaches in WA

This picturesque crescent of sand is located between the broad shoulders of two rocky headlands, on the fringes of Cape Le Grand National Park. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

4. Misery Beach, Torndirrup

Misery Beach was named Australia’s Best Beach by Tourism Australia in its 2022 list of Australia’s Top 20 Beaches. Although the name of the remote stretch of sand hints at its grim history as a whaling station and hideaway for convicts, the secluded beach has been busy rebranding thanks to its turquoise waters, as pretty as sea glass, and powder-white sands. The beach is bookended by dramatic granite outcrops.

Misery Beach, one of the best beaches in WA

Misery Beach was named Australia’s Best Beach by Tourism Australia in its 2022 list of Australia’s Top 20 Beaches. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Turquoise Bay, Coral Coast

Turquoise Bay beach is fringed by stunning coral reef gardens just metres from the shore inside Cape Range National Park on the Coral Coast. Enter the water at the bay’s southern end and float with the current at the same speed as the tropical fish moving through this section of the Ningaloo Marine Park (a marine superhighway). Turquoise Bay was No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of World’s Best Beaches in the South Pacific in 2022 and you’ll understand why when you enter its waters.

Turquoise Bay, one of the best beaches in WA

Turquoise Bay was No. 1 on TripAdvisor’s list of World’s Best Beaches in the South Pacific in 2022. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Wonil Hotel Perth combines riverside living with a sense of purpose

    By Kirsty Petrides
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    Perched on the banks of Perth’s Swan River, the Wonil Hotel Perth pairs contemporary rooms and sweeping waterfront views with a sense of purpose that sets it apart.

    In a rare model for the hospitality world, Wonil Hotel Perth operates as a not-for-profit hotel, directing 100% of its net revenue toward medical and scientific research across Western Australia’s five major universities. So while guests enjoy the calm of riverside living, their stay also quietly contributes to the future of science, innovation and health in Australia. And it’s a refreshing stand-out in Perth’s hotel scene.

    Location

    an aerial view of Swan River, Perth

    The peaceful riverside hotel is set on the banks of the Swan River.

    Wonil Hotel Perth is located in the inner-city suburb of Crawley, a peaceful riverside locale about 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD. It’s positioned steps from Matilda Bay Reserve, where walking trails hug the shoreline and black swans glide along the water. From here, it’s a short drive or bike ride to Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay and the city’s arts and culture precincts. Though close to the action, the setting feels removed – quiet, leafy and surrounded by nature.

    Style and character

    the reception area at Wonil Hotel Perth

    The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of Matilda Bay.

    Named after the Noongar word for peppermint tree, of which there are many shading the riverbanks outside, Wonil Hotel Perth is the first Australian property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection. The overall style is minimal without being sterile – warm wood finishes, tactile furnishings and clever lighting create a relaxed, understated space that melts into its natural surroundings.

    The lobby is stunning, spacious and filled with inviting leather couches, well-stocked bookshelves and Indigenous art and sculpture work. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out onto a sheltered outdoor deck filled with tables and chairs overlooking the river. During the day this serves as the world’s most picturesque coworking space, but come 5pm, it’s where you’ll find most guests milling around, cocktails in hand.

    Facilities

    the library nook at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Spend time reading books in the cosy library nook.

    Wonil Hotel Perth leans toward a pared-back offering, focusing on what guests actually need. While there’s no on-site fitness centre, hotel staff can provide access to the nearby University of WA gym and pool. But why would you, when the hotel is in prime location for an outdoor workout. Walk along the trails that meander through Matilda Bay Reserve, run along the riverfront to the iconic Kings Park, or even tackle the nearby Kokoda Trail – a steep 150-step ascent designed to simulate the exhaustion and effort of the original Kokoda Track soldiers in WWII.

    The hotel includes West Kitchen & Bar, a small but well-curated restaurant, plus free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and secure paid parking. Limited parking is available on-site with an advanced booking.

    Rooms

    the premier king room with river view at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Each room is sleek and spacious with views over the Swan River.

    The hotel’s 66 rooms range from Standard to Executive and Premium, many with balconies and uninterrupted views over the Swan River, and some with interconnecting options for families or groups. My room was a Deluxe King with a balcony and river view.

    the bathroom at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Bathrooms are luxe and spacious.

    The space somehow manages to be both modernly sleek and warmly inviting – textured grey walls illuminated by warm sconce lights, an exposed concrete ceiling offset by rich timber accents, and a black wrought iron balcony met with earthy-hued, upholstered leather furnishings. The spacious king bed, roomy shower with luxe Mr Smith toiletries, and complimentary coffee add a special touch.

    Food and drink

    the outdoor terrace at Wonil Hotel Perth

    Gather for sunset drinks on the outdoor terrace.

    West Kitchen & Bar offers a truly local experience. When it comes to the drinks, you won’t find anything – wine, beer, spirits – from outside WA. Even the soda water hails from the west. The wine list sees big WA makers like Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Voyager dance alongside smaller producers like Ironcloud, Singlefile and LS Merchants; with beers from local legends Gage Roads, Little Creatures, Beerfarm and Eagle Bay Brewing.

    The dinner menu features seafood, steak and small plates designed for sharing, showcasing local producers. Standouts are the Rottnest kingfish with ruby grapefruit, the barramundi with Tuscan cabbage and the Harvey beef tri tip with smoked bone marrow butter and red wine jus. For dessert, a unique take on a classic – spiced red wine pannacotta, served with poached pear and fresh honeycomb.

    Come morning, the hotel offers a curated selection of buffet breakfast options including seasonal fruits, homemade granola, pastries and sourdough. Plus, guests also get a choice of one item from the à la carte breakfast menu – the tomato bruschetta with balsamic, basil, feta and poached eggs on rye was exceptional.

    Does Wonil Hotel Perth have access for guests with disabilities?

    There are accessible rooms to accommodate guests with accessibility needs.

    Is Wonil Hotel Perth it family-friendly?

    Yes – the interconnecting rooms make family stays appealing, and the vast grassland and river foreshore of Matilda Bay Reserve are a beautiful spot for kids to run, splash and play in nature.

    Best for: Couples, families, business travellers

    Address: 21 Hackett Drive, Crawley