Conto Beach
Wild limestone reef, white sand, zero development
About
Conto Beach sits within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park south of Margaret River, a 1,500-metre sweep of white sand backed by untouched bush and open to the Southern Ocean. At low tide, a limestone reef shelf emerges from the crystal-clear water, drawing snorkellers into shallow pools teeming with marine life. There's no kiosk, no lifeguard tower, no development of any kind — just the reef, the sand, and the wind off the ocean. A campground sits directly adjacent, making this a rare spot where you can wake up metres from the waterline. The vibe is quiet and unhurried, the kind of place that rewards patience over Instagram reflexes.
How to get there
Drive from Margaret River town — it's roughly 25 minutes by car on sealed road to the campground access track, which is unsealed and limits wheelchair access. Free parking is available at the campground car park, which also serves as the beach access point. Note that a national park entry fee applies, so factor that in before you arrive. A ferry access option also exists for those arriving by water.
Who it's for
For couples
Couples who want genuine solitude will find it here — a quiet national park beach with no development, a campground for overnight stays, and reef pools to explore together at low tide.
For families
Families should be aware that swimming is dangerous and the beach is unpatrolled, so it's best suited to older children who can safely explore the low-tide reef shelf on foot rather than in the water. Dogs are not permitted.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Be clear-eyed about what Conto Beach is and is not. It is not a swimming beach — strong rips, rough surf, and powerful currents have made that verdict non-negotiable, and the beach is entirely unpatrolled. What it is, genuinely, is one of the most unspoiled stretches of coastline in the Margaret River region: white sand, crystal-clear water, a limestone reef shelf that reveals itself at low tide, and zero development in any direction. The national park setting keeps it quiet even in summer. Come for the reef snorkelling at low tide, stay at the campground overnight, and spend the rest of your time exploring the caves and karri forest nearby. Skip June through August — cold winter conditions make the reef snorkelling unappealing and the Southern Ocean exposure punishing.
What to do
The limestone reef shelf at low tide is the headline act — time your visit to coincide with low tide for the best snorkelling conditions in the rock pools. Just 2.1 kilometres away, Connelly Cave and Lake Cave (2.4km) offer remarkable underground formations worth a half-day detour. The towering karri trees of Boranup Karri Forest are only 5 kilometres away via Boranup Drive, one of the most scenic forest drives in Western Australia. If you have more time, Hamelin Bay (12km) is famous for its wild stingray congregation near historic jetty ruins.
The exposed limestone reef shelf at low tide is the most photogenic feature — shoot wide at golden hour when the crystal-clear water catches the light across the white sand.
The campground tree line framing the beach from the southern end gives a sense of the national park scale. For detail shots, the rock pools on the reef shelf hold colour and texture that reward a macro lens.
Where to eat
There are no food or drink facilities at Conto Beach itself — pack everything you need before you leave town. The closest dining options are The Common and Lime Beach Reloved & Vintage, both around 10–11 kilometres away, with Watershed a further option at 13 kilometres. Self-catering campers will want to stock up in Margaret River before making the drive out.
Where to stay
Staying at the adjacent campground puts you as close to the beach as it gets — book well ahead for peak season as sites fill fast. If you prefer a roof, Motel Margaret River (14.9km) and Marri Lodge (15km) are the nearest options back toward town.
Photography
The low-tide reef shelf at golden hour — either early morning or late afternoon — offers the most compelling shots, with crystal-clear water pooling over white sand and limestone. For wider landscape frames, shoot from the beach looking south toward the open Southern Ocean to capture the raw, undeveloped coastline.
Good to know
Do NOT enter the water for swimming — this is an unpatrolled beach with strong rips, rough surf, and powerful currents that make swimming genuinely dangerous. The limestone reef shelf is slippery at low tide; wear reef shoes if you're snorkelling and never venture out alone. No fires are permitted on the beach, campground bookings are required during peak season (December to March), and dogs are not allowed anywhere in the national park. Arrive early in the day if you want the reef pools to yourself.
Map
Nearby places
Motel Margaret River
Marri Lodge
Things to see around Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
Boranup Karri Forest
Tall karri forest accessible via Boranup Drive, one of the most scenic forest drives in WA.
Hamelin Bay
Calm sheltered bay with wild stingray congregation near historic jetty ruins.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Australia's tallest mainland lighthouse at the meeting point of two oceans.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other relaxed beaches in Australia
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — dr.scott.mills · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 2 — dr.scott.mills · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 3 — dr.scott.mills · source · CC BY-SA 2.0