Prevelly Beach, Margaret River: Swimming, surfing & accommodation
Officially known as Gnarabup Beach, Prevelly Beach is home to some of Western Australia’s most famous surf breaks. Either watch from the Surfers Point Lookout or swim between the flags.
The little surf town of Prevelly is one of the spots that people come to in the Margaret River region before they head out wine tasting. This is partly because the breaks off Surfers Point at the northern end of Prevelly Beach are some of the best in Western Australia.
Prevelly Beach is hardly a secret – surfers come here in their droves. It isn’t officially called Prevelly Beach, however. If you’re looking for it on a map, the one you want is Gnarabup Beach.
9 Margaret River experiences worth booking.
1. Wine tours. 2. Wine & chocolate tasting. 3. Whale-watching. 4. River canoeing. 5. Lake Cave. 6. Nature and culture tour. 7. Surfing lesson. 8. Stand-up paddleboarding. 9. Coffee discovery experience.
Surfing at Prevelly Beach
The main surf breaks are off the reefs that flank the Gnarabup Beach, with the two most popular at the northern end being the Bombie and Suicides. Both of these handle big swells, but they are not breaks for beginners.
If you’re not really sure what you’re doing on a surfboard, then you’re better off watching from the Surfers Point Lookout.
Swimming at Prevelly Beach
Because of the reefs, the waves that eventually reach Prevelly Beach are relatively tiny. It is not the safest swimming beach in Australia, but it is safer than its big surf reputation might suggest.
Gnarabup Beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers on weekends and public holidays between October and April. Make sure you stay between the flags.
Prevelly accommodation
There are several accommodation options in Prevelly, albeit mainly holiday homes. Relatively affordable choices include the Sea and Soul apartments and the Beachside Prevelly Villas.
The drive from Margaret River to Prevelly is 8km long. Meanwhile, the Perth to Prevelly drive is 278km long.
Other Margaret River region beaches include Boranup Beach, Eagle Bay, Hamelin Bay, Injidup Beach, Meelup Beach and Smiths Beach. For more Western Australian beaches, visit the Australian Beach Guide.
Why you should stay in the town of Margaret River
There are plenty of great places to stay in the Margaret River region. But stay in the town itself has one massive advantage – you can walk to the bars and restaurants in the evening after a day’s wine-tasting.
If you’d like to avoid driving in the evening, these are the best accommodation options in the town of Margaret River.
- For apartments with a pool (honestly, this is the best choice): Margarets In Town.
- For chalets by the river: Riverview Tourist Park.
- For a centrally-located motel: Margaret River Motel.
- For a bit more style: Prideau’s of Margaret River.
More Western Australia travel
What to see on the Exmouth to Karratha drive.
How far is Hellfire Bay from Esperance?
Is there anything worth seeing on the Kalbarri to Exmouth drive?
Should I stay at the Point Samson caravan park?
Where to stop on the drive from Kalgoorlie to Eucla.