The best WA beaches for a summer campervan road trip combine clear water, easy access, and the freedom to stay flexible as conditions change. January is peak beach season in Western Australia, with long daylight hours, warm ocean temperatures, and coastal towns full of life. Travelling by campervan lets you enjoy these beaches without locking yourself into fixed accommodation or rigid plans.

From Perth city beaches to remote coastal icons, WA delivers beach experiences that suit life on the road, especially for couples and small groups.

Quick Summary

• January is prime time for beach-focused campervan travel in WA

• A campervan lets you move with crowds, weather, and coastal conditions

• WA beaches suit short breaks and longer loop-style road trips

• Smaller vans make parking and beach access easier

• Many top beaches sit naturally along popular WA itineraries

Why WA beaches suit summer campervan travel

Western Australia’s coastline is made for road trips. Sealed highways hug the coast, towns are spaced perfectly for overnight stops, and many beaches have nearby parking or camping options.

A campervan makes summer travel easier because you can:

• Visit popular beaches early, then move on as crowds build

• Stay flexible if the wind picks up or conditions change

• Combine swimming, snorkelling, and sunset views without backtracking

• Turn a beach stop into an overnight stay with minimal effort

For couples and friends, it feels like travelling with a compact beach base rather than a traditional car.

Perth beaches to start your road trip

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is an ideal starting point for a Perth-based campervan trip. Just minutes from the city, it offers calm swimming areas, grassy foreshore space, and some of WA’s most famous sunsets.

It works especially well for relaxed weekend getaways from Perth or as your first coastal stop before heading north or south the next morning. Parking is straightforward, facilities are close by, and it is an easy way to ease into beach-focused travel.

South West beaches worth slowing down for

Yallingup Beach

Yallingup Beach is a South West favourite, known for its surf breaks, scenic coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. It suits campervan travel well thanks to accessible parking and nearby coastal trails.

This area fits naturally into the South West Loop, making it a great choice if you want to combine beaches with wineries, food, and forest drives.

Greens Pool

Greens Pool near Denmark is sheltered by granite boulders, creating calm, crystal-clear water that is ideal for swimming in summer. It is best enjoyed early in the day before crowds arrive and pairs well with slower-paced South West travel.

Northern beaches for warm water and snorkelling

Turquoise Bay

Turquoise Bay is one of WA’s most iconic beaches, famous for its clear water and easy drift snorkelling straight from shore. Morning visits usually offer the calmest conditions and best visibility.

It is a highlight on many northern escape itinerary routes, rewarding travellers who are happy to cover longer distances in exchange for unforgettable coastal experiences.

Coral Bay

Coral Bay offers some of the easiest shore snorkelling in Australia. You can step straight off the sand and explore coral reefs just metres from the beach.

In January, Coral Bay suits early starts and flexible planning, which is exactly where campervan travel works best.

Southern coast beaches for longer road trips

Lucky Bay

Lucky Bay is known for its bright white sand, shallow turquoise water, and wide open views. While it is further from Perth, campervan travel makes the journey part of the experience rather than a chore.

This beach is best suited to longer road trips where you are happy to slow down and spend time exploring the Esperance region.

Honourable mentions if you have extra time

If your route allows, these beaches are also worth adding to your plan:

• Scarborough Beach for a lively Perth coastal stop

• Meelup Beach near Dunsborough for calm swimming

• Smiths Beach for surf and sunset views

• Elephant Rocks near Denmark for sheltered snorkelling

They work well as short stops between longer drives.

Choosing the right campervan for a beach-focused trip

Beach road trips often involve narrow coastal roads, busy car parks, and frequent stops. That is where a 2–3 seater campervan really comes into its own.

These compact vans are ideal for couples or close friends. They are easier to park near popular beaches, simpler to drive, and quick to set up for meals or rest breaks. It is much like driving a regular car, but with your bed, kitchen, and storage always ready when you need them.

Planning your January beach road trip

January is busy along the WA coast, but a campervan gives you options. Starting early, travelling mid-week, and staying flexible all help you avoid peak crowds.

If you want more practical advice, our campervan travel tips for WA cover planning, packing, and driving considerations for Western Australian conditions. For a broader seasonal overview, our guide to summer road trips in WA breaks down routes, timing, and what to expect during peak summer travel.

Ready to turn these beaches into your summer road trip?

Exploring the best WA beaches is easier when your accommodation travels with you. With a campervan, you can wake up near the ocean, move on when conditions change, and shape each day around how you want to travel.

At Home On The Road, our campervan hire in Perth is designed specifically for Western Australia’s coastline. Our vans are easy to drive, simple to park near beaches, and set up for relaxed summer travel, whether you are heading south for a few days or committing to a longer coastal loop.

If you are travelling as a couple or small group, our compact campervans give you the freedom to explore WA’s beaches without the hassle of large vehicles or fixed accommodation.