Best Beaches in the Margaret River Region: Swimming, Surf and Stingrays

The Margaret River region covers about 100 kilometres of coastline between Cape Naturaliste in the north and Cape Leeuwin in the south , the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. It's a stretch that handles both ends of the spectrum: sheltered family bays calm enough for toddlers, and exposed surf breaks that draw professionals during the winter swell season. Here's what the region's best beaches actually offer.

Canal Rocks

Canal Rocks rates 4.8 stars across 3,033 reviews on BeachCheck, making it one of the highest-rated coastal spots in Western Australia. The draw isn't a traditional beach , it's a series of granite rock formations that create natural channels the ocean pushes through. At the right tide, watching the water surge between the rocks is dramatic enough that most people spend far longer here than they planned.

It's a kilometre north of Yallingup, and the walk out to the viewing platforms is easy. Parking and toilets are on site. The area isn't suited for swimming , the channels are powerful and rocky , but as a coastal experience it's genuinely impressive. Sunrise is worth the early start if you're staying nearby.

Hamelin Bay Beach

Hamelin Bay Beach rates 4.7 stars from 921 reviews and is known for one thing above most others: stingrays. Large southern stingrays congregate in the shallows, particularly around the old jetty remnants near the boat ramp. They're accustomed to people and will approach closely, especially if you're in the water near where boats come in.

The bay itself is sheltered by limestone cliffs and the water is usually calm and clear. It's safe for swimming, including for families with children, and the combination of calm water and stingray encounters makes it unlike most beaches in the region. Parking and toilets are on site. No lifeguards, so keep an eye on younger swimmers.

Meelup Regional Park

Meelup Regional Park sits at the northern end of Geographe Bay, between Dunsborough and Eagle Bay. It rates 4.8 stars from 1,224 reviews , one of the most consistent ratings of any beach in the region. The bay faces northeast, which gives it calm, protected water even when the ocean swells are up.

The water is clear enough to snorkel without gear beyond a mask, with rock pools at the edges and reasonable marine life in the shallows. The sand is white and the setting is sheltered by ti-tree and banksia. There are toilets and a car park, but no lifeguards and no café. Bring food and water. It's about 8 kilometres from Dunsborough along the Cape Naturaliste Road.

Busselton Foreshore

Busselton Foreshore is the most accessible beach in the region for families. It rates 4.7 stars from 2,864 reviews and sits in the centre of Busselton town, with the 1.84-kilometre timber jetty , the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere , running from the beach into Geographe Bay.

The water is calm and shallow for a long distance, which makes it one of the better options for young children. Dogs are welcome, BBQ facilities are available, and the foreshore precinct has cafés, playgrounds and parking. The jetty itself has an underwater observatory at the end accessible by train for a fee. If you're based in Busselton, this is the default beach.

Granny's Pool

Granny's Pool rates 4.7 stars from 598 reviews and sits near the Margaret River town itself, about 10 kilometres inland from the coast. It's not an ocean beach , it's a natural rock pool formation on the Margaret River, sheltered and calm, popular with locals who want a swim without the drive to the coast.

Parking and toilets are on site. The pool is best in spring and early summer before the river drops too low. It's a good option if you're exploring the town and vineyards and want a quick refreshing swim without heading to the coast.

Margaret River Mouth Viewpoint

Margaret River Mouth Viewpoint rates 4.8 stars from 787 reviews. It's not a swimming beach , it's a cliff-top lookout where the Margaret River empties into the Indian Ocean, and on a good swell the view of the river mouth and the surf breaking across the bar is exceptional.

This is where Margaret River's premier surf break sits. The waves can be world-class on a large south swell, and even if you're not surfing it's worth driving down Surfer's Point Road to watch. Parking is limited. The walk to the viewpoint takes about five minutes from the car park.

Little Beach

Little Beach rates 4.9 stars from 704 reviews , the highest rating of any named beach in the Margaret River region on BeachCheck. It's a sheltered cove with turquoise water and white sand, protected from the prevailing swell by rocky headlands.

It's the kind of beach that doesn't feel real when you first see it. The water is clear enough to see the bottom at several metres depth, and the swimming is genuinely excellent. Toilets and parking are on site. No lifeguards. The beach isn't signposted from the main roads, which contributes to it staying quieter than the more accessible spots.

Practical Notes

Best for families with young children: Busselton Foreshore (calm water, facilities, central location), Meelup Regional Park (sheltered bay)

Best for snorkelling: Meelup Regional Park, Little Beach (clear water, rock formations)

Best for surf: Margaret River Mouth (experienced surfers only), Yallingup (intermediate)

Best scenic experience: Canal Rocks, Margaret River Mouth Viewpoint

Stingray encounter: Hamelin Bay Beach , almost guaranteed near the boat ramp

Most underrated: Little Beach, which consistently rates 4.9 but stays relatively uncrowded

For all 50-plus Western Australian beaches in the BeachCheck database, with ratings, photos and facility filters, browse WA beaches on BeachCheck.