Incredible beaches to flee to on Fridays

SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

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SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

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Western Australian has some of the most pristine beaches on Earth. People from all over the world spend days in transit just to catch a glimpse of the paradisiacal waters and breathtaking white sand of places like Coogee Beach, Mandalay Beach and Jurien Bay.

These slices of heaven are less than five hours drive from Perth’s CBD, so if you’re looking for a Western Australian microadventure of a lifetime, pack the car and set off on a postcard-worthy road trip along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.

All you need is water, snacks, beach towels and a summer tunes playlist.

First stop, Fremantle

Just 30 minutes drive south of Perth’s CBD is Fremantle, home to Port Beach, Bathers Beach, Leighton Beach, River Beach, South Beach and more. Every beach in “Freo”, as it’s locally known, offers a unique experience, so why choose just one? The coastline spans around 7km, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the turquoise water, soft sand and views of the Indian Ocean.

If you want to set up shop and explore everything Freo has to offer, check in for the night at  , which is a fantastic family-friendly holiday park just ten minutes walk from South Fremantle Beach. It has affordable caravan and camping sites and an unbeatable central location.

Option one: head south

If you’re interested in checking out what Western Australia’s south coast is all about, make sure you visit -MandurahBeach. It’s just an hour from Fremantle and is perfect for families, with plentiful parking, calm waves for safe swimming, perfect spots for afternoon picnics and BBQs for public use.

Cook the fish and crabs you’ve caught in the waterways of the Peel region right in camp at Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park, nothing beats the taste of the sweet crab meat.

If you’ve got time, the four and a half hour drive to Mandalay Beach is more than worth it. Prepare to scrape your jaw off the floor when you arrive, because it’s surely one of the most spectacular sights in the world. This secluded, quiet beach boasts stunning views from the boardwalk and while the swell here can get big, the waves only add to the rugged beauty.

Spend the night at  , just a five-minute walk from the beach. It offers self-contained villas and cottages for the whole family, as well as a state-of-the-art pool that looks like it belongs to a five star hotel. Before you retire indoors for the night, be sure to glance up at the sky and take in the glory of the Milky Way.

Option two: head north

If exploring the northern coast of Western Australia is more your style, you won’t regret making the three-hour driver to Jurien Bay. It’s a microadventurer's dream — a true getaway that is totally accessible within a weekend. Jurien Bay is an ideal swimming spot and it’s not uncommon to come across endangered Australian sea lions during your stay. Be sure to book a snorkelling tour while you’re here so you can get up close to some vibrant coral life, too.

If you’re looking for accommodation before heading back to Perth the next day, Jurien Bay Tourist Park is a great family-friendly option. It has powered campsites as well as one and two bedroom chalets, so you can take in ocean views from the comfort of your own veranda.

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