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Forrest Beach Busselton: Locals Guide
⭐RATING: 4.7/5 | 🌏DISTANCE FROM MARGARET RIVER: 66km |📍LOCATION: Forrest Beach Road, Forrest Beach WA | Google Maps | ☀️BEST TIME TO VIST: Spring, Summer, Autumn | 💲COST: Free | 🐶DOGS ALLOWED: Yes | 🕰️OPEN: 24 hours | 🚗PARKING: Yes | 🚻FACILITIES: Rough public toilet | 🛣️UNSEALED ROADS: Yes, small amount
If you’re looking for a beach away from the crowds, check out Forrest Beach Busselton for the ultimate escape! Nestled between Bunbury and Busselton on Western Australia’s south coast, you won’t be able to find a quieter spot.
In this post, I’m going to show you the laid-back charm of Forrest Beach. It’s a spot where my family and I have spent loads of time just hanging out, fishing, swimming, and soaking in the gorgeous surroundings.
I’ve put this together especially for folks like you, to show how this beach is the perfect mix of chill and fun. I want to make sure your visit is as unforgettable as the amazing scenery you’ll find here.
🌏Where Is Forrest Beach Busselton?
Forrest Beach is located in the Shire of Capel, 35km south of Bunbury, 19km north of Busselton, 67km north-east of Margaret River and 8km from the townsite of Capel, on the Geographe Bay coast, in between Peppermint Grove Beach and Wonnerup Beach.
📍Forrest Beach Address: 639 Forrest Beach Road, Forrest Beach WA | Google Maps
🚗How To Get To Forrest Beach?
If you’re heading to Forrest Beach from Perth, it’s a 205km drive down Kwinana Freeway, which should take you about 2 hours and 15 minutes without stops.
From Margaret River, head north along Bussell Highway, past Busselton, turn left down Tuart Drive, left down Ludlow Road North, then left down Forrest Beach Road until you reach the beach.
🚻Forrest Beach Facilities
Being a quiet beach away from town, there’s not much in the way of facilities here except for a long drop toilet, a carpark, and 4WD access to the beach. The beach is pet friendly, so you can bring your dog with you!
Try to bring everything you will need for your visit, however if you forget anything, Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park, 6km from Forrest Beach, has a small shop, current opening hours can be found here.
🛌Forrest Beach Accommodation
If you’ve decided that you’d like to stay in accommodation Forrest Beach, there are a couple of close-by options in Peppermint Grove Beach.
1.Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park
For an effortless and tranquil stay in Peppermint Grove Beach, there is no better choice than Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park. This holiday park stands 350m from the beachfront and presents a varied selection of lodging possibilities – ranging from large grassy areas with plenty of shade to refurbished studios – all conveniently equipped with freshly updated amenities.
In addition to the necessities like a laundry, camp kitchen and BBQ area, you can also enjoy other amenities such as an onsite liquor store, licenced restaurant and shop.
“It was exactly what we needed, quiet but close to everything. Staff were very helpful! Room was clean and comfy! Close to cooking facilities that were exceptional! Perfect weekend away!” – Moxon (Booking Review)
✅Check Rates & Book: Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park
2.Bay Beach House – A Family & Pet Friendly Favourite With Direct Beach Access
Experience a luxurious beachside getaway with your family and furry friends at Bay Beach House, a self-contained house, located just steps away from beautiful Peppermint Grove Beach. Fully equipped for the ultimate comfort, you’ll be able to make lasting memories in absolutely no time!
Whether it’s a weekend away or a longer holiday, Bay Beach House ticks all the boxes. This exquisite residence is equipped with all the necessities, including three comfortable bedrooms, a fully-stocked kitchen and one full bathroom. But that’s not all – it also boasts an expansive BBQ area in its backyard, perfect for entertaining!
With plenty of room to park your car and boat, plus direct access to the beach just a few steps away from your front door – it doesn’t get better than this!
“Peaceful and enjoyable, would recommend to friends. Awesome little house, had everything you need, nice open planned living area, amazing beach views and access super close.” – Shane (Booking Review)
✅Check Rates & Book: Bay Beach House
I also have a more comprehensive list of Best Accommodation in Peppermint Grove Beach if you’d like to see more options.
👀Things To Do In Forrest Beach?
Looking for things to do near Forrest Beach? Never fear! Here are my top 3 favourites!
- 🍽️Best For Food And Drinks: Ferguson Valley
- 💲Best Free Activity: Gnomesville
- 👶Best Thing To Do With The Kids: Koombana Bay’s Dolphin Eco Cruise
If this isn’t enough, read my complete list of Things To Do In Peppermint Grove Beach for a whole stack of ideas!
Or, if you’re still looking for things to do, take a day trip to Margaret River and tick off some things to do in Margaret River off your to-do list!
🏕️Forrest Beach Camping
Unfortunately, you are not allowed to camp on the beach at Forrest Beach, but Peppermint Grove Beach Holiday Park is just 6km from Forrest Beach, and offers very affordable rates on sites.
If you are stuck and need a place for an overnight spot, you could try Tuart Drive SC RV Overnight Parking. This camping site is only for people who have self-contained campers, as there are no trash cans or amenities here. It’s a small area and gets filled quickly, so if you plan on staying the night make sure to come early. The maximum allowed stay here is 24 hours; any longer will result in being asked to leave by the ranger.
Capel also has a Self-Contained RV Parking spot, which is only for self-contained RV’s. There are only 3 sites available and there is also a maximum stay of 24 hours that applies.
Both these locations are on my list of Best Free Camping Busselton, so be sure to check this out if you want to know more locations!
🚙Forrest Beach 4WD Track
Forrest Beach is another beach (just like nearby Peppermint Grove Beach) where you can drive on the beach. There are several access points along Forrest Beach Road, but the closest to the main road is where Forrest Beach Road has a sharp 90 degree corner, where the paved road ends.
There is a small carpark here, and a drop toilet, and of course 4WD access right onto the beach. Further along Forrest Beach Road is other access points.
The sand is generally flat and hard, but remember to use common sense if you intend to drive on it.
For more 4WD tracks around Margaret River, read my Guide To Best 4WD Tracks Around Margaret River.
🎣Forrest Beach Fishing
If you’re visiting Forrest Beach for a spot of fishing, rejoice as there are countless opportunities to catch some! Although the weeds could be an issue at times, rest assured that herring, skippy, sand whiting and tailor can all be caught here.
If you go at nighttime (or high tide, depending who you listen to) you can target mulloway as well.
If you know how to dive, there are plenty of crays around on the reef, or if you have a boat you can head a little way out and put out some cray pots.
During the annual salmon run, there are plenty of salmon to be caught here too.
For more fishing spots closer to Margaret River, read my Complete Guide To Fishing Spots In The Margaret River Region.
🏄Forrest Beach Surfing
Forrest Beach is home to a seemingly endless stretch of white sand and perfect waves, making it an ideal spot for surfing enthusiasts – even if the thrills aren’t quite as thrilling as Margaret River!
For more surfing locations further south around Margaret River, check out my Favourite 7 Surf Spots In Margaret River.
🏊♂️Forrest Beach Swimming
If you’re looking for a great spot to take a dip, look no further than Forrest Beach – but please be aware that it is not typically supervised by surf lifesavers. Due to the fact that this is an unpatrolled beach, please be cautious when swimming.
Strong rips and undertows can occur unexpectedly, so if you’re not a trained swimmer it would be wise to avoid entering the water or at least bring someone along who can watch over you in case of emergency.
🐶Is Forrest Beach Dog-Friendly?
Yes, you can bring your pup along to Forrest Beach! Please remember always to keep your dog on a lead, and clean up after them. If you need somewhere to stay with your dog, check out my list of BEST Peppermint Grove Beach Accommodation which has several pet-friendly accommodation options.
❤️Why You Will Love Forrest Beach
Want a location a short distance from Perth, where you can have a relaxed holiday by the beach, but still be close enough to the attractions of Margaret River? Forrest Beach is the perfect spot!
If you’re seeking an adventure, then take on the 4WD beach tracks or head over to the nearby fishing and surfing spots for an exciting day out.
⭐Forrest Beach Reviews
Great to do water sports , fishing and have fun with family and friends.” – Lisa
“Nice beach. Usually fairly quiet.” – Mard
🏖️Wrapping Up: Forrest Beach Busselton
There’s no denying that Forrest Beach is a quiet beach away from town. Even though it’s not as close to Margaret River as other spots, its tranquil atmosphere makes it a great spot for fishing, surfing and swimming. 4WD access is also available if you want to take your vehicle out on the beach and explore!
What are you waiting for? Pack up your car and head over to Forrest Beach today!
Read More on Nature and Outdoors:
Australia Travel Planning Guide
🚑Should I buy Australian travel insurance?
100% YES! — Australia has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I like SafetyWing – their Nomad Insurance starts at just $1.50 USD a day!
🚗Should I rent a car in Australia?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Australia! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, and even if you’re staying in a major city, you’ll want to rent a car. If you are visiting Margaret River, it will be even more important that you hire a car, you’ll need it to be able to get around and see all the great attractions and wineries!
🏨What’s the best way to book my Australian accommodation?
My go-to for Australian hotels is Booking.com. Pretty much all registered accommodation use Booking.com (but not necessarily any of the other major booking platforms), and even most of the holiday homes and caravan parks use Booking.com too!
If you’re planning a trip to Australia where you will stay at multiple locations, it’s super handy to have all your accommodation listed in one place, and accommodation owners like Booking.com because it’s easy to contact the guests using the messaging platform if the guest has an international phone number.
I sincerely hope you enjoy your visit to Margaret River!
