When you think of great Aussie beaches, there’s a good chance that your mind will conjure up the sun-drenched sands of the Gold Coast, or the urban paradise of Sydney’s sea shores. However, if you want some prime beach time a little bit off the beaten track, set your compass towards Western Australia.
Turquoise Bay, Exmouth
This stunning beach is certainly deserving of the name – set upon a pristine sandy shore, the sea is a glorious shade of azure blue that stretches out to the infinite horizon. Its glassy waters are ideal for snorkelling, with the Ningaloo Reef nearby ushering a rainbow of colourful fish towards the shores of Turquoise Bay.
Here, you also have the chance to ‘drift snorkel’, an incredible experience where you let the current gently carry along the beach. You can access this unique snorkel site via the marked drift snorkel car park.
Stroll south along the sand for about 300 metres before jumping into the water. Swim straight out, then chill out as you are borne at a leisurely pace up the beach, past the vivid coral and its underwater residents. At the end, you’ll be able to exit by the sandbar that signals the start of the main beach.
You can reach Turquoise Bay from nearby Exmouth in just over an hour’s scenic drive along the coastline.
Little Beach, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve
Not far from the laid back town of Albany, you’ll find one of the most wonderful secluded bays in the state. Despite its off-grid allure, this wee paradise actually won a 2015 Traveller’s Choice award from Trip Advisor.
Situated less than an hour’s drive from Albany, Little Beach forms part of the picturesque Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, and is one of the most pleasant spots to while away the day. The sand is a gleaming white, and the water rivals those of Turquoise Bay for their crystal clarity.
Make sure you take a break from sunbaking to walk along the shore and visit Little Bay’s lone, giant rock, beached on the sand. If you feel like stretching your legs even further, there’s some beautiful nature trails that take you through the reserve, accessible from the beach.
Cottesloe Beach, Perth
One of WA’s most celebrated beaches, Cottesloe is one beach you simply can’t miss when you next visit the state capital. You can reach it’s smooth, white-sand shores either by a quick, 15-minute drive, or by hopping on the Fremantle train line and walking towards the smell of the ocean and the sound of seagulls. If you don’t fancy walking, you can jump on the Cott Cat, which will take you from the station to the sea during the summer time.
There’s something for everyone at Cottesloe beach, whether you’re looking for a casual paddle, a snorkelling session or even a bit of surfing. While it’s beautiful to visit all day long, you might want to plan a special outing in the late afternoon, as the sunset over the Indian Ocean is something out of this world.
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