The secluded beaches of Hopetoun on Western Australia's far south coast are among the most pristine and untouched in the country. Here, it's easy to find an entire stretch of coastline all to yourself for swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the sand. Isolated coves offer beachside picnicking, camping, bushwalking, fishing and surfing. The surf is often up at Starvation Bay and Powell Point near the eastern end of Hopetoun and these spots are also good for swimming. You'll also find boat ramps, camping facilities, barbecues and toilets. Munglinup Beach and Mason Bay are popular for swimming, while a reef about 13 kilometres offshore from beautiful Twelve Mile Beach makes for excellent boat fishing. Take one of the walk trails near West Beach and Four Mile Beach and you might spot humpback whales migrating off the coast. The fishing here is top class and there are good barbecue facilities. Continue west to Fitzgerald River National Park for more isolated beaches just waiting to be discovered. Hopetoun is about a six hour drive from Perth.
