Sheltered by the long sweeping curve of Cowaramup Bay, Gracetown is one of the few spots along the Margaret River coast that offers perfectly calm shallows for swimming, as well as world-class ‘big wave’ action on its outlying surf breaks. This quiet coastal town of beach shacks is also the halfway rest stop along the 123-kilometre Cape to Cape Track – one of the most diverse coastal walking trails on Earth.

Heading south from Perth, the journey to Gracetown is three hours by road. The closest town is Cowaramup, just over 13 minutes drive away but it’s also only 20 minutes from Margaret River – putting you within easy reach of the region’s award-winning restaurants, premium wineries, boutique breweries and gourmet local produce stores.

Featuring high on the list of Margaret River’s must-surf spots, Gracetown’s most popular breaks include the world-class left-hand reef breaks at the back of the bay, the protected waves at South Point, the challenging right-handers, big open barrels of Northpoint and the gentler reef break known as Huzza’s. There are also plenty of good vantage points for those who prefer to watch the local professionals catching waves.

Beyond the bay, many more breaks can be accessed (some via four wheel drive only), including the famous Cow Bombie, Big Rock, Cobblestones, Umbies, Lefthanders, The Womb, Guillotines and Gallows.

The white sands and rocks at Cowaramup Bay are also popular spots for fishing and the sheltered shallows are a great place for young families to swim and play.

To make Gracetown your holiday base, choose from holiday houses, chalets or the caravan park. A small general store by the beach offers the essentials and there are heaps of options for breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch and dinner, all just a short drive away.