If you’re planning a road trip down south, you absolutely have to throw Meelup Beach on your itinerary. It’s one of my favourite beaches in the South West and I love showing it off to visiting family and friends!
Meelup Beach is part of the Meelup Regional Park, which is known for its protected bays, rugged granite outcrops and lush bushland. Like most South West beaches, Meelup is stunning. The crystal-clear turquoise water of the bay meets bright white sand and the foreshore is shaded by beautiful native trees like eucalyptus and banksia. There’s also plenty to do, from water sports and walking trails to picnics or just chilling on the beach, so it’s no surprise that Meelup has been a popular holiday spot for families and outdoor lovers for decades. Plus, the calm, safe waters of the sheltered bay make it perfect for visiting with children – it’s a great spot for a family day at the beach.
Meelup Beach is located on Wadandi Noongar boodja, which is the traditional land of the Wadandi people who have occupied the region for at least 48 000 years. Meelup is said to mean ‘place of the moon rising’ because the full moon looks like it’s rising out from the ocean a few days of the year.
Read on for everything you need to know about Meelup Beach, from things to do, facilities, best time to visit and everything else you need to make your Meelup getaway your best yet!
- How to Get to Meelup Beach
- 15 Best Things to Do at Meelup Beach
- Best Time to Visit Meelup Beach
- Meelup Beach Facilities
- Are Dogs Allowed at Meelup Beach?
- Can you Camp at Meelup Beach?
- Meelup Beach Accessibility
- Western Australia Beach Safety
- Best Bars and Restaurants Near Meelup Beach
- Last Words
- More Weekend Inspiration
How to Get to Meelup Beach
Meelup Regional Park stretches 11.5 kilometres from Dunsborough to Bunker Bay and Meelup Beach sits smack bang in the middle. It’s a 3-hour drive southwest of Perth via the Kwinana Freeway and Bussell Highway to Dunsborough. From there it’s just a 10-minute drive along Meelup Beach Road.
If you’re coming from Margaret River, the drive will take around 45 minutes – just head north on Caves Road, then follow the signs to Dunsborough and Meelup Beach.
Perth to Meelup Beach
Margaret River to Meelup Beach
There’s a large carpark, but it fills up during long weekends and school holidays in summer, so it’s best to arrive early.
15 Best Things to Do at Meelup Beach
There’s so much to do at Meelup Beach and it’s a great spot to head for a day at the beach. Here are some of the best things to do in the area:
1. Go for a Swim
Meelup Beach is sheltered within Geographe Bay, which acts as a natural barrier against rough conditions. Its northeast-facing orientation adds extra protection, making the bay calm and perfect for swimming.
The beach is patrolled on weekends and public holidays from November to January each year, so you can stay safe swimming between the red and yellow flags.
2. Have a Sausage Sizzle
Meelup has a huge shaded grassy foreshore, perfect for picnics! There are gas BBQs and picnic tables throughout the area so you can cook up some snags after a long morning swimming.
3. Go on a Bushwalk
Dust off those hiking boots and take advantage of the coastal walking trails that wind through Meelup Regional Park. There are a range of trails, each offering a different challenge and unique landscapes to check out. As you wander through the native trees like Eucalyptus, Marri, Coastal Peppermint and Banksia you might get the chance to spot the kangaroos, cockatoos and quendas who call the area home. You’ll find signs with walk trails and maps in the area.
The best walks and trails include:
- Meelup Reserve Trail: A 7.4 km coastal walk with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and native bushland. It Stretches from Dunsborough to Eagle Bay, passing by Meelup Beach.
- Meelup Beach to Eagle Bay Walk: A 3.3 km trail that connects Meelup Beach to Eagle pay, passing by Point Picquet. You’ll walk through sections of native flora, granite outcrops and get amazing Indian Ocean views.
- Meelup Beach to Castle Rock Walk: An easy 3km return trail from Meelup Beach to Castle Rock Bay. It follows the coast with lots of pretty lookout points along the way.
- Dunsborough to Meelup Beach Walk: A 3.7 km walk from Dunsborough to Meelup Beach, passing through bushland offering spectacular views of Geographe Bay.
- Meelup Brook Trail: 1.2 km trail that follows Meelup Brook through bushland. The first 250m section of the trail is designed to be suitable for wheelchair use. The universal access section of the trail begins at Meelup Beach and ends at a timber deck overlooking Meelup Brook.
4. Go Fishing
Meelup is a great spot for beach fishing and common catches from the shore include herring, whiting and skippy. Meelup’s sheltered waters make it a particularly good fishing spot for kids or beginners to learn the ropes. Choose your fishing spot wisely – be aware of people swimming in the area.
For more fishing spots and tips about fishing in the area, check out my Complete Guide to Fishing in Dunsborough.
5. Go Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
You won’t find a better coastal spot for stand-up paddleboarding than Meelup Beach. With the bay being protected, the waters are calm and flat, making it perfect for a relaxing paddle – especially if you’re a beginner.
6. Relax on the Grassy Foreshore
Meelup Beach has a wide, grassy foreshore, shaded by large native trees. If you’re spending the day here, find yourself a beaut spot, lay out the picnic blanket, grab a good book, and relax under the trees, with the occasional dip in the ocean. I can’t think of a better way to spend a day!
7. Have a Round of Beach Volleyball
Grab a few mates and have a round of Beach Volleyball. There’s a net set up on the beach so all you have to bring is the ball.
8. Go Kayaking
Meelup’s protected bay with calm water is ideal for exploring by kayak, especially for beginners. Plus, the beach is closed to motorised boats, so you can paddle in peace.
9. Go Snorkelling
Meelup Beach is located in a Sanctuary Zone within Ngari Capes Marine Park, which is designed to protect marine biodiversity and maintain a healthy ecosystem. The area is home to lots of marine life, including heaps of fish species and plenty of other marine plants and animals.
In addition to its rich marine life, the beach’s sheltered position and calm waters provide excellent visibility, making it a safe place for kids and beginners to learn to snorkel.
10. Go Wildflower Spotting
If you’re keen to see wildflowers without too much effort, Meelup beach is the perfect spot for a casual wander. In spring, during wildflower season, the surrounding trails burst with colourful native blooms! You can walk along the trails to spot orchids, like the Cape Spider Orchid – only found in Meelup Regional Park, wattles and more, all while enjoying ocean views in the background.
11. Go Mountain Biking
Meelup Beach isn’t just about relaxing by the water – it’s also a top spot for mountain biking! The firebreaks and trails in Meelup Regional Park offer a mix of tracks, adding a little adventure to your day at the beach! You can go for a chill ride or tackle the more challenging paths depending on your skill level. Check the Dunsborough and Districts Country Club for bike trails and grading, but remember, all other trails in the park are for walking only.
12. Spot the Local Wildlife
Meelup is also a great spot for wildlife lovers! Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos grazing, especially in the early mornings and late afternoon. You might also spot dolphins playing in the bay, along with quendas (bandicoots), possums, bobtail lizards and heaps of birds, including several species of black cockatoo.
13. Go Surfing
While Meelup Beach is more famous for its calm waters, nearby beaches like Eagle Bay, Point Picquet and Yallingup offer excellent surfing conditions. Just a short drive away, you’ll find waves suitable for all levels, from beginner-friendly breaks to more challenging swells. If you’re not coordinated enough to surf (like me!) you can sit back and watch the surfers do their thing from the shore.
14. Visit Nearby Beaches
There are plenty of beautiful areas to explore near Meelup from hidden gems to classic spots, here are some of the best:
- Injidup Natural Spa: Natural rock pool where waves crash over rocks to create a spa-like effect – very instagrammable!
- Injidup Beach: Very pretty beach, popular for surfing and excellent sunset views.
- Dunsborough Beach: Easy to get to located in Dunsborough, great for swimming and some areas are dog-friendly.
- Smith’s Beach: Known for beautiful scenery, lookout points and good surf conditions.
- Castle Rock Bay: Surrounded by rocky outcrops, great for snorkelling.
15. Photography
Meelup is a photographer’s dream, with its clear blue waters, rocky coastline and crisp white sand. Capture the native wildflowers in spring, dramatic coastal cliffs or even the dolphins in the bay if you’re lucky! Golden hour in the early morning and late afternoon is particularly special here.
Best Time to Visit Meelup Beach
Meelup Beach is great year-round. I personally like to visit on sunny days in winter because I love laying on the sand and soaking up the sun while it’s less crowded.
The most popular time to visit Meelup Beach is during the warmer months of December to March. The weather is toasty, making it a great time to enjoy the swimming and water activities and it’s patrolled for extra safety.
Keep in mind that the flies can be really bad here in summer. On one of my trips they were so annoying that we had to leave after 10 minutes. A fly-net hat would make a day like that more enjoyable.
Meelup Beach Facilities
Meelup has everything you need for a great day out at the beach. Here are the facilities you’ll find in the area:
- Toilets
- Showers
- Water fountain
- Gas BBQs
- Picnic Tables
- Rubbish bins
- Emergency defibrillator
- Large carpark
Are Dogs Allowed at Meelup Beach?
No, Dogs are not allowed at Meelup Beach (or in Meelup Regional Park). Check this Dog Exercise Areas Brochure for some nearby dog friendly beaches.
Can you Camp at Meelup Beach?
No, you cannot camp at Meelup Beach or anywhere in Meelup Regional Park. The nearest camping spots are:
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Yallingup Caves: 14 minute drive
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Yallingup Beach: 16 minute drive
- Southern Stars Holiday Park – Dunsborough: 17 minute drive
Meelup Beach Accessibility
The Meelup Beach Accessible Footpath was designed for universal access and is suitable for someone using a wheelchair. The path starts at the carpark and winds 100m down to the beach, where matting extends onto the sand and down to the water.
Western Australia Beach Safety
A day out at the beach can be super relaxing, but it’s important to enjoy it safely. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Swim Safety: Swim between the red and yellow flags when the beach is patrolled
- UV Safety: Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays and slip, slop, slap
- Shark warnings: Visit Shark Smart to stay up to date with any shark warnings, alerts or beach closures
Best Bars and Restaurants Near Meelup Beach
If you’ve worked up an appetite lazing in the sun, here are the best restaurants and bars nearby.
Meelup Farmhouse
Meelup Farmhouse is just a 4 minute drive from Meelup Beach. It’s a relaxed restaurant and bar set on a hobby farm, offering brunch and lunch on a verandah that overlooks bushland and paddocks. They showcase South West produce with a menu that features seasonal ingredients.
Meelup Farmhouse is located at 54 Sheens Rd, Naturaliste
Eagle Bay Brewing Co
Eagle Bay Brewing Co is a 6 minute drive from Meelup Beach and is one of my favourite down south spots for a long lunch! It overlooks farmland and bush with views of Cape Naturaliste and the Indian Ocean in the distance. It’s a brewpub-style dining experience, with handcrafted beers and seasonal food. There’s a playground and lawn area for the kids to enjoy
Eagle Bay Brewing Co is located at Eagle Bay Rd, Eagle Bay
Other Side of the Moon
Other Side of the Moon is a 15 minute drive from Meelup Beach, located within the Pullman Resort. It’s named after the nearby Other Side of the Moon surf break, where you can watch the moon rise and set over the ocean. The restaurant and bar highlights Margaret River’s local quality produce while overlooking the ocean.
Other Side of the Moon is located at 42 Bunker Bay Rd, Naturaliste
Last Words
Meelup Beach is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the South West. With its calm water, natural beauty, and plenty of activities like bushwalking, wildlife spotting, and water sports, it’s perfect for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts who are keen for a beach day. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the beach or some adventure on the nearby trails, Meelup Beach offers a little something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out WA’s other famous spots like Cottesloe Beach for even more coastal fun!
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