Western Australia Beaches - North
Cable Beach, Cape Leveque, The Coral Coast and Ningaloo Reef
Oct 15, 2008
Some of Western Australia’s finest beaches are found in the north of the state, where their remoteness only adds to their appeal.
Cable Beach
The highlight of the beaches in the north of WA has to be Cable Beach. Located near Broome in the tropical north west, it has a vast, 22km expanse of golden sand, making it easy for sunbathers to find their very own private piece of paradise.
- The warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are ideal for swimming, though between the months of November and April, jellyfish (or stingers) can be found in the water. Full length ‘stinger suits’ can be found in Broome.
Watching the sun set out over the Indian Ocean is a Broome institution. Relax with a drink at the famous Sunset Bar at the Cable Beach Club Resort, overlooking the sand and watch the camel rides taking place along the beach. Alternatively, join one of the camel safaris for a true Broome experience.
Cape Leveque
Situated on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, over 200km north of Broome. The coastline in this remote region of the Kimberley features endless deserted coves and stunning beaches, backed by spectacular red cliffs and rock formations. The waters here are great for fishing, swimming (no jellyfish or crocodiles) and snorkelling.
- The Kooljaman Resort, an award winning Aboriginal Wilderness Camp, has a variety of accommodation, from tent sites and beach cabins to luxury safari tents.
The road here is rough and unsealed so a 4WD vehicle is required. The road between Broome and Cape Leveque passes through Aboriginal communities such as those at Beagle Bay and Lombadina. Cape Leveque tours are also available from Broome.
Eighty Mile Beach
Running parallel to the Great Northern Highway south of Broome, this beautiful stretch of beach is a great way to break the journey if travelling to and from Broome or heading to Karijini National Park.
Coral Coast
This region, on the central coast of Western Australia, features yet more pristine beaches and is home to the Ningaloo Reef, where it's possible to snorkel close to the shore, dive with whale sharks or feed the dolphins at Monkey Mia.
Exmouth
The jumping off point for many diving excursions to the Ningaloo Reef, the most popular of which is the chance to dive with whale sharks. Two of the best beaches around Exmouth are Bundegi Beach and Mauritius Beach.
- Places to stay include the Exmouth Cape Tourist Village and the Ningaloo Caravan Park
Turquoise Bay
South of Exmouth is the exquisite Turquoise Bay, which truly does live up to its name. It’s also one of the best places to snorkel the Ningaloo Reef because of its close proximity to the shore.
Snorkellers can swim out to the reef from the southern end of the beach and let the current drift them along the reef to the other end of the beach. Because of the current, it's then best to get out of the water, go back to the beginning and start again. There are turtles, rays, and the most colourful array of fish and coral imaginable.
Coral Bay
The beach at Coral Bay is another great place to explore the world’s largest fringing reef. Swim out from the shore or take a guided kayak tour a little further out to sea for an even better snorkelling experience. Keep an eye out for ancient looking sea turtles and reef sharks
Monkey Mia
The beach at Monkey Mia, near the quiet seaside town of Denham and in the heart of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, is renowned for being a great place to see dolphins. Every morning these wonderful creatures approach the shore for feeding, allowing visitors a close up view, and often the chance to feed them.
After the crowds depart, it’s worth hanging around for the rest of the day. Explore the excellent information centre, lounge on the beach and go for a swim – more often than not the dolphins will return
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