The Best Southwest WA Beaches for Kids
There is something extra special about a southwest WA beach day, the peppermint trees swaying in the sea breeze and incredible landscapes, punctuated by ancient granite rocks. Down here, the “best beach” isn’t just about the clearest water, not for the kiddos anyway, it’s about the proximity of the nearest playground and the likelihood of spotting a stingray in the shallows. From the sheltered, family-friendly bays of Dunsborough to the wild beauty of Denmark’s rock pools, the Southwest is a salt-crusted playground designed for making sun-drenched memories.
Kid Friendly Beaches in the Margaret River Region
Gnarabup is the local’s choice for a morning dip, offering a protected spot just a stone’s throw from the famous (and much wilder) Surfers Point. The limestone reef acts as a natural breakwater, keeping the swell at bay and creating a calm basin that’s perfect for stand-up paddleboarding or a gentle morning swim with the grommets. After the salt-rinse, take a walk up the stairs to White Elephant Beach Café, where the kids can tackle a bowl of chips while you caffeinate with an ocean view. In peak times, parking can be hard to come by.
A trip to the “River Mouth” is a good idea for beach lovers and sightseers alike. Set up the beach tent at THE Margaret River, where you’ll get a choice of swimming in the calm river, or ocean (though it is often very choppy here). You may even spot a sculpture amongst the rockpools too. Read more here.
Yallingup Main Beach is a tale of two halves: a world-class surf break for the pros out back, and a crystal-clear, reef-fringed lagoon for the families inshore. At low tide, the lagoon is like a giant aquarium, shallow enough for toddlers to splash while older kids snorkel the rocky edges. When the swimming is done, the massive ‘beach shack’ playground on the hill beckons. Read more here.
If you’re looking for that postcard-perfect vibe, Bunker Bay is it. Sheltered from the prevailing south-westerly winds by the Cape Naturaliste headland, the water here is often as flat as a pancake. It’s a premium spot for a long, lazy beach day. Why not make a stay of it, and book a room at the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort? Read more here.
For something different, pop around the corner to Shelley Cove. While the sand is course, it is full of shells, the kids love finding pretty shells there and even sea lions hang out there! Its walkable from the end of Bunker Bay.
The Dunsborough Foreshore is the ultimate low-stress beach destination. At Old Dunsborough, the shark net provides extra peace of mind for parents, while the boat ramp and jetty offer endless entertainment for kids with fishing rods. Just a short drive away, Meelup Beach is a slice of paradise with its iconic peppermint trees providing natural shade right down to the sand’s edge, handy for those who forgot the beach tent.
Busselton Beachfront, on Geographe Bay, is perfect for families. The water is calm, shallow and clear, stretching out in a long, gentle arc in front of the iconic Busselton Jetty. A seasonal swimming enclosure adds extra peace of mind, and the foreshore itself is a full day’s entertainment with shaded picnic areas, BBQs and a network of paths perfect for scooters and bikes. The star of the show is the Shipwreck Adventure Playground, an ocean-themed mega-playground right next to the beach featuring a giant clipper ship dramatically capsizing on a wave, a monstrous orange Kraken to climb, and a humpback whale whose tail doubles as a water spray on hot days. Read more here.
Kid Friendly Beaches in Augusta
Flinders Bay is Augusta’s classic family swim beach. The bay is protected by rocky outcrops, so the water is calmer and clear. Confident swimmers will gravitate to the jetty and pontoon for endless “Watch me, Mum!” jumps, plus there is easy step access from a walkway into the shallows. Shade from tall pines, a big grassy strip and the nearby facilities make it an all-day option. Read more here.
Just around the corner from Flinders Bay, Granny’s Pool feels like a giant natural saltwater bath made for little ones. The shallow, mostly knee-deep water is sheltered by rocks from the ferocious Southern Ocean, so you can often get crystal-clear, almost wave-free swimming and hardly any seaweed. Pack the goggles! Read more here.
Say G’day to the friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay! This beach hamlet is home to a caravan park and a beautiful beach. The long sweep of bright white sand and turquoise water is a great spot for families to enjoy a beach day. Keep your eye on the weather forecast and head there early, when the wind is low. The kids will talk about seeing he Hamelin ‘rays long after the trip, and it’s a brilliant way to teach them to respect wildlife. Read more here.
If the ocean is choppy, head inland to the Hardy Inlet Foreshore. This is where the Blackwood and Scott Rivers meet the ocean, so the water is shallow and perfect for splashing, paddleboarding, fishing or floating about. A nature playground in front of Turner Holiday Park keeps little climbers happy, and there are shady trees, picnic tables and takeaways from the Colourpatch cafe. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins and pelicans, and wander to the fish cleaning station at Seine Bay to spot huge stingrays hovering for scraps. Read more here.
Kid Friendly Beaches in Bunbury
Koombana Bay is a family powerhouse, famous not just for its calm, protected swimming waters but for its most famous locals: the wild bottlenose dolphins. The foreshore has a huge playground, accessible walkways, lots of shade on the beach itself and the Dolphin Discovery Centre right on the sand. Read more here.
Located on the Leschenault Inlet, Sykes Foreshore is the go-to for a relaxed afternoon. The water is shallow and still, making it a safe haven for little kids who aren’t quite ready for the ocean swell. With plenty of BBQs, a great playground, a path perfect for scooters or bikes and even a FREE water playground, it’s a fab spot for a Sunday family gathering. Read more here.
For those staying south of the city, Dalyellup Beach offers a vast stretch of sand and a fantastic community feel. While it can be a bit more exposed than the bay, on a calm day, it’s a beautiful spot for the kids to run off some steam and we even met some dolphins there! Just pack light, as there are a lot of steps from the carpark to the beach. Read more here.
Pack the boogie boards, the snack bag, and prepare for a coastal crawl through the region’s most iconic Southwest WA beaches for kids.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, (first as “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life”) Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA for her blog ‘Simply PERTHfect’. You’ll find her checking out the newest foodie spots (brunching, tapas or something a little fancy), as well as fun family activities with the kiddos in tow, so Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
