Five Beaches Worth Exploring Near Barnwood Escape
These are the beaches we find ourselves returning to—each offering something a little different, from quiet morning walks and world-famous surf breaks to long summer afternoons and unforgettable sunsets.
There's No Wrong Beach
One of the greatest joys of staying in Margaret River is that the coast is never far away.
Within a short drive from Barnwood Escape you'll find dramatic headlands, sheltered bays, world-renowned surf breaks and long stretches of white sand where you may only share the beach with a handful of other people.
Every beach has its own personality.
Some invite you to swim.
Some encourage long walks.
Others are simply places to sit quietly and watch the ocean.
These are the five we return to most often.
Gnarabup Beach
Best for slow mornings
If we had to recommend one beach that captures the relaxed spirit of Margaret River, it would probably be Gnarabup.
Protected by reef, the bay is often calm enough for swimming while still offering beautiful views across the Indian Ocean. It's the kind of place where mornings naturally begin with a coffee, a swim and absolutely nowhere else to be.
Afterwards, wander up to White Elephant Café for breakfast overlooking the water.
Sometimes that's enough for an entire morning.
Perfect for:
Morning swims, families and coffee by the beach.
Redgate Beach
Best for feeling like you've escaped
Redgate feels wonderfully untamed.
Long stretches of sand, rugged limestone cliffs and rolling surf make it one of the most spectacular beaches in the region.
Even during busier holiday periods it often feels surprisingly peaceful.
We love visiting in the late afternoon when the light softens across the dunes and the coastline feels almost untouched.
Bring a picnic, stay until sunset and take your time heading home.
Perfect for:
Long walks, photography and quiet afternoons.
Surfers Point (Prevelly)
Best for watching the ocean
You don't need to surf to appreciate Surfers Point.
Watching experienced surfers paddle into powerful Indian Ocean swells is an experience in itself, particularly during winter when some of the world's best surfers arrive for competition season.
The elevated viewing platforms make it easy to simply sit, watch and take in the coastline.
It's one of those places that reminds you just how wild and beautiful this part of Western Australia really is.
Perfect for:
Ocean views, photographers and watching surfers.
Injidup Beach
Best for discovering something special
Just north of Yallingup, Injidup is one of those beaches that always feels like a little discovery.
The protected lagoon is beautiful for swimming on calm days, while the nearby Injidup Natural Spa has become one of the region's most photographed coastal spots.
Arrive early if you're hoping to visit the Natural Spa during summer, then spend the rest of the morning exploring the coastline at your own pace.
Perfect for:
Swimming, exploring and coastal adventures.
Smiths Beach
Best for golden hour
There are sunsets…
And then there are Smiths Beach sunsets.
Wide open skies, soft white sand and uninterrupted ocean views make this one of our favourite places to finish the day.
Bring fish and chips, a takeaway pizza or simply a bottle of sparkling water and watch the changing colours as the sun disappears into the Indian Ocean.
Sometimes the simplest evenings become the most memorable.
Perfect for:
Sunsets, couples and relaxed summer evenings.
A Few Things We Always Pack
Our beach bag is rarely complicated.
Beach towels
A picnic rug
Hats and sunscreen
Reusable water bottles
A good book
Something delicious picked up from a local bakery
The best beach days are usually the ones with the least amount of planning.
Our Perfect Coastal Day
If we were spending a day exploring the coastline, it might look something like this:
Morning
Coffee from Margaret River before an early swim at Gnarabup Beach.
Late Morning
A scenic drive through Prevelly and a stop at Surfers Point to watch the waves.
Lunch
Fish and chips or a relaxed lunch nearby before heading south.
Afternoon
A walk along Redgate Beach, taking your time and enjoying the quieter pace.
Evening
Return to Barnwood Escape, pour a glass of local wine and watch the light disappear through the trees from the deck or beside the fire.
For us, that's pretty close to a perfect day.
Back to Barnwood
One of the things we love most about Barnwood Escape is that you can experience the energy of the coastline without ever feeling surrounded by it.
After a day of salt air, sandy feet and sunshine, returning to the quiet of the bush feels restorative.
The contrast is part of the magic.
Ocean in the morning.
Forest in the evening.
It never gets old.
Planning your Margaret River getaway?
Whether you're chasing a sunrise swim, an afternoon surf or a beach you'll have almost to yourself, Barnwood Escape places some of the South West's most beautiful coastline within easy reach.
We hope these beaches become some of your favourites too.
From the Barnwood Journal
These are the beaches we genuinely return to ourselves, in every season. Some are well known, others are a little quieter, but each one reminds us why Margaret River continues to draw us back. We hope you'll discover a favourite of your own.