Beach of the Week: Turquoise Bay, Australia

BEACH: Turquoise Bay, Western Australia

WHERE: Tucked into the edge of Western Australia’s North West Cape, Turquoise Bay overlooks the waters of the Ningaloo Reef, famed for the whale sharks which annually flock there to feed.

H20: The clue’s in the name…

SAND TONE: Whitest white

HOW: Catch a direct flight to Exmouth from Perth and then it’s only a speedy 60km road trip south, through the scenic Cape Range National Park, before the stunning shores of Turquoise Bay appear before you.

WHY: With pristine sandy shores and vibrant waters that truly make it worthy of its name, it’s no wonder that Turquoise Bay is known for being one of the best of Australia’s many prized beaches. Sit back and soak up the beach vibes as you look out across the Ningaloo Coastal waves. Getting itchy feet? Try your hand at drift snorkelling by plunging into the waves at the southern end of the beach and letting the current sweep you over the intricate coral gardens and teeming marine life below.

STAY: For the true Aussie experience, stay in your very own luxury wilderness tent at beachside eco-bush camp Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, nestled in the dunes of Cape Range National Park. Wake to the view of kangaroos grazing in the surrounding sands and enjoy your breakfast watching the spectacle of breaching whales in Ningaloo’s crystal waters. Tent not your idea of luxury? With higher ceilings than we have at home, and 500 thread count organic cotton sheets spread on handmade jarrah beds, you’ll soon come round to this being the perfect oasis from which to take in the sounds of the surrounding bush and nearby ocean.

WHEN: With temperatures soaring to often over 40 degrees in the summer months, we recommend visiting between April and November to enjoy the pleasanter climes. Narrow this down to between April and June and you’re in with a high chance of spotting the famed whale sharks that migrate here to feed.