Gnarabup Beach: Everything You Need To Know (2023)
Gnarabup Beach is located just a 7-minute drive from Margaret River and is a great spot to spend a day laying on the beach! Gnarabup Beach offers stunning views of the coastline and plenty to do, including swimming, fishing, surfing, and places to walk your dog!
Just south of the famous Surfers Point, Gnarabup Beach is sheltered by a limestone reef and a headland to the south, making itan excellent swimming beach, especially for smaller children.
Summary
- Where Is Gnarabup Beach?
- How To Get To Gnarabup Beach?
- What Can I Do At Gnarabup Beach?
- Gnarabup Beach Camping
- Gnarabup Beach 4WD
- Gnarabup Beach Fishing
- Gnarabup Beach Surfing
- Gnarabup Beach Swimming
- Is Gnarabup Beach Dog-Friendly?
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Where Is Gnarabup Beach?
Gnarabup Beach is located a 7-minute drive to the west of Margaret River. It starts at Riflebutts Reserve in the north and extends down to the Gnarabup Boat Ramp in the south. Gnarabup Beach faces due west and is 1.6km long, but is protected by near continuous reefs about 500m offshore.
Location: Google Map
How To Get To Gnarabup Beach?
You can access Gnarabup Beach from four locations if you are driving there;
- Starting at the north, there is a carpark at Riflebutts Reserve. Here, you will find not only access to the beach, but also a kid’s playground, a grassed area where you are allowed to have your dogs off-lead, toilets, and picnic tables.
- Halfway along the beach, there is a very small car park on Mitchell Drive, which is a short walk through the dunes onto the beach. There is only room for 12 cars at this car park, so you can be guaranteed this is a quieter section of the beach.
- At the south end of Gnarabup Beach, is a large car park, which is what most people think of as Gnarabup Beach. There is room for boat trailer parking here, as this is where a busy boat ramp is located. You will also find the iconic White Elephant Beach Cafe, which offers unpretentious, casual beachside dining. This is a great spot to grab a coffee, but it can be jam-packed, especially during peak periods.
- Lastly, if you’re looking for a spot to take a nice photo, or just to sit and watch the ocean while you have your lunch, head to the Gnarabup Lookout. We have spent many hours here just watching the water, away from the crowds at Surfers Point!
What To Do In Gnarabup Beach?
Gnarabup Beach Camping
Are you wondering can you camp at Gnarabup Beach? Unfortunately, the answer is no, however you are very close to Boranup, Contos, Jarrahdene and Point Road Campgrounds. Click to find out more about the Best Bush Camping Spots in Margaret River here.
Gnarabup Beach 4WD
You cannot drive on Gnarabup Beach, check out my posts on 4WD Tracks In Margaret River to find out some nearby locations for that, the closest place to Gnarabup to drive on the beach would be Kilcarnup Beach.
Gnarabup Beach Fishing
The fishing here is fantastic, with plenty of good Herring, Tailor, King George Whiting, Tarwhine and Skippy biting regularly. You can even target Mulloway in the deeper channels. This is also a great beach for catching Salmon during the annual Salmon run. The jetty at the boat ramp is also a good spot to catch squid and cuttlefish. Click here for more Margaret River Fishing Spots.
Gnarabup Beach Surfing
When there is a huge swell around, you can catch a wave at what is known locally as “Gnarabup Beachie.” Park at the main Gnarabup Beach car park to the south, and you will find it to the right of the jetty. There has to be a huge swell for it to be there, otherwise, it’s too sheltered of a location and the waves are small dumpers or don’t break at all. Local surf schools use Gnarabup for their “How to Surf” classes as it has a great wave for beginners and learners.
Gnarabup Beach Swimming
Are you wondering can you swim at Gnarabup Beach? Gnarabup is the most popular swimming beach near Margaret River and provides calm conditions for swimmers, making itvperfect for children.
Is Gnarabup Beach Dog-Friendly?
There are a couple of places along the stretch of Gnarabup Beach where you can take your dog. This Map from the Augusta Margaret River Shire outlines it all, but here’s a quick summary;
- You are not allowed to have dogs on the stretch of beach north of the main Gnarabup Beach car park
- You can have dogs off-lead on a 300m stretch of beach south of Narda Avenue
- You can let your dogs off-lead at the beach known as “Back Beach,” accessed by the steps off Reef Drive Car Park. Dogs are allowed off-lead here 170m north of the steps and 130m south of the steps.
- You can have your dogs off-lead in Rifle Butts Reserve, excluding the children’s playground
- As indicated on the Map from the Augusta Margaret River Shire, dogs are prohibited from 15 December, 2021 until 15 March, 2022 from south of Back Beach to north of Boodjidup Beach. Outside this time they are allowed on leads.
Please remember that the above sites designated as dog exercise areas mean that dogs may be off-lead, but still must be under effective control at all times.
Conclusion
Overall, Gnarabup Beach is a great place to visit whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, catch some waves or go fishing. There’s something for everyone and it’s easy to get to. Just remember to pack everything you need for a fun and safe day at the beach!
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