Best BBQ spots in the south-west

There’s something quintessentially Australian about a barbecue in summer. The distinct chargrilled scent wafting in the warm evening air, eating outdoors with friends and family, watching the sunset with a glass of crisp white in hand.

This is even more true when holidaying in Australia’s South-West, where there is no shortage of fantastic barbecue spots along the coast.

Whether it’s family-friendly options or secluded, romantic locations, there’s something for everyone. We’ve picked eight of the best.

Yallingup Beach

With a large playground and modern barbecue facilities, Yallingup Beach is perfect for families. Take the kids for a dip in the sheltered lagoon, then head to the grassy picnic area to watch the sunset. Forgotten something? Pop into the Yallingup General Store & Café or Shaana Café for home-made treats to add to your picnic basket.

Meelup Beach, Dunsborough

This picturesque beach is ideal for a summer barbecue. With calm, turquoise waters, shaded grassy areas and great barbecue facilities, you can cook up a summer feast while taking in the spectacular view of Geographe Bay. You may like to stop at Wise Wine or Eagle Bay Brewing Co on the way for picnic drinks.

Meelup Beach – Photo Elements Margaret River

Dunsborough Foreshore

The Dunsborough Foreshore is a family favourite for its calm waters, where you’ll find a swimming enclosure and pontoon in the summer months. The foreshore has barbecue facilities plus a fun nature-based children’s playground to keep the little ones entertained. For award-winning sausages for your barbecue, head to Beef by the Reef in Dunsborough.

Surfers Point, Prevelly

Home to the region’s most famous surf break and the location of the Margaret River Drug Aware Pro, this is where you go to watch the locals tackle the region’s big waves. For the romantics, throw a picnic rug down on the tiered grassy areas and take in one of the region’s most spectacular sunsets with your loved one, or make use of the barbecue under one of the two gazebos on site for a meal with a view.

Castle Rock Bay, Dunsborough

Located on the eastern side of Cape Naturaliste, Castle Rock Bay is a slightly more secluded bay. Here, you’ll find barbecue facilities, picnic tables and it’s just a short walk to the top of Castle Rock for a panoramic view of the bay. Margaret River Gourmet Escape Beach BBQ is held here each year, so visit for an afternoon swim or SUP and create your own gourmet BBQ picnic.

Castle Rock Bay – Photo Elements Margaret River

Riflebutts Reserve, Prevelly

The big playground at Riflebutts Reserve will keep the children entertained, while the barbecue area and generous seating is perfect for a big gathering. This reserve is close to Surfer’s Point and available for furry members of the family -adjacent to a dog park and dog beach. For those feeling energetic you can walk along the beachside path to Gnarabup (1.5km).

Riflebutts Reserve., Prevelly, near Margaret River.

Busselton Foreshore

A multimillion-dollar upgrade has transformed the foreshore into one of the region’s top spots for a barbecue by the beach. New shelters, seating and playground, and an upgraded promenade are among the new features. Combine a visit to the historic Busselton Jetty with a barbecue, then sit back and enjoy the view over Geographe Bay.

Busselton foreshore.

Middleton Beach, Albany

Located close to the town centre, Middleton Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its sheltered waters and shady grassy areas. At the southern end of the beach, you’ll find Ellen Cove, which has a terraced area ideal for picnics, while 4.5 km further northeast is Emu Point, where a tiered grassy area and playground offer another great picnic spot.

Mandurah Foreshore

The Eastern Foreshore playground is a popular picnic spot with barbecue facilities and grassed areas where, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the area’s resident dolphins frolicking in the estuary. Hop across the road to a host of cafés along Mandurah Terrace, where you can pick up some sweets for dessert.

Mandurah Eastern foreshore – Stephen Heath Photography

Already planning your next summer barbecue in the South-West?

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View our portfolio for inspiration, alternatively, get in touch with our friendly bookings team on (08) 9750 5444  or bookings@privateproperties.com.au.

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