Perth has some of the most pristine coastline in the world.
Perth’s Sunset Coast is where white sands, turquoise water and golden sunsets meet - a 50-kilometre stretch of beach bliss from Cottesloe to Yanchep. It's where Perth's outdoor lifestyle shines, offering ocean swims, beachside dining, scenic parks and plenty of ways to soak up the sun. And the best part? You don't need to spend a cent to enjoy it.
Here are 14 of the best free things to do along Perth's iconic Sunset Coast - from morning dips to sunset views and everything in between.
1. Walk or cycle the Sunset Coast Tourist Drive
The West Coast Highway walk and cycle path from Cottesloe to Hillarys features 25 kilometres of Perth's beautiful coastline complete with white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise water and many great cafes to stop at along the way. When the weather is clear and you have a few hours to spare, you can pick any section of this route to tackle by foot or bike and take in some of Perth's most magical scenery. Of course, this route can also be driven – check out our Sunset Coast Self Drive Trail.
2. Climb to the top of Reabold Hill
Located in Bold Park in Floreat, Reabold Hill is the highest natural point on the Swan Coastal Plain in the metropolitan area. From the top of the hill, marvel at sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, Perth City, Rottnest Island and beyond. The raised boardwalk was designed with accessibility in mind and offers a unique bushland experience. Hint: head there late afternoon for an epic sunset!
3. Picnic at Herdsman Lake
Pack a picnic and head to the grassy parklands of Herdsman Lake to unwind. If you're up for a stroll in nature, the eight kilometre Herdsman Loop is one of the best bird-watching areas in Perth. More than 100 species of birds are recorded at the lake, some of which have travelled from the other side of the world. Take the short detour to include the impressive Olive Seymour Boardwalk on your circuit.
4. Catch a wave at Trigg Beach
The Sunset Coast is home to a whopping 19 sensational beaches. Trigg Beach is one of the best and most consistent beach breaks if you're thinking of chasing some tubes. The long stretch of white sandy beach and grassed reserve to the north is very popular among locals and provides lots of open space for visitors.
5. Explore Scarborough
Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular spots for beachgoers along Perth's metropolitan coastline. Situated here is a dynamic stretch of coastline with bustling promenades, a children's adventure playground, skate bowls, a climbing wall, exercise equipment and magnificent Sunset Hill. Unwind with a beachside barbeque, take a dip, or run amuck with the family. Come for the day and stay for the evening when the Scarborough Sunset Markets come alive.
6. Snorkel at Mettams Pool
The calm, pool-like conditions at Mettams Pool create endless opportunities to get out and explore the limestone reef. Much-loved Mettams is the ideal beach for swimming and snorkelling – swim through underwater caves and discover the unique marine life that call the reef home. Within a few steps into the sparkling water, you'll be sure to spot fish, starfish, molluscs and more.
7. Get sweaty at Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub
Hillarys Beach Park offers a health and wellness hub complete with shaded playgrounds, nature play, picnic areas, barbecues and universal access footpaths. For the fitness-focused, tackle the exercise stairway that extends up the dune landscape and ends with unbeatable coastline views. The stairway is linked to running tracks and a dedicated outdoor fitness equipment area. Did we mention the hub is also home to Australia’s largest outdoor park warrior course? After you've worked up an appetite, grab a wholesome lunch at Lot One Kitchen.
8. Unwind in nature at Yellagonga Regional Park
Yellagonga Regional Park is a culturally significant, leafy oasis in the heart of suburbia. Lakes, wetlands and green spaces stretch south from Burns Beach Road in Joondalup to Hepburn Avenue. Visit with family, mates or your favourite four-legged friend – everyone’s welcome. There are kids' playgrounds to keep the tiny tots happy, walking and cycling trails, spots to unwind on your picnic rug and nature galore.
9. Drop a line at one of Perth's best fishing spots
The WA coastline is peppered with great fishing spots – especially along the Sunset Coast. For family-friendly fishing, drop a line at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Fish off the north or south break walls where, depending on the season, you’re in with a chance to catch herring, garfish, small tailor, tarwhine, pilch and bonito. Yanchep Lagoon is another family-friendly fishing spot popular with fishers and snorkelers. At Trigg Beach, you can fish anywhere along the beach, but the rocky reefs around Trigg Point are ideal for catching herring and tailor.
10. Swim at Quinns Rocks
Pack your bathers, towel and sunscreen and venture to the outer coastal suburb of Quinns Rocks for the ultimate beach day. Quinns Rocks is one of Perth's safest swimming beaches with dedicated and well-equipped patrol volunteers. It’s also one of the few Perth beaches featuring a swimmer enclosure. While in the area, be sure to hit one of the local cafés for a bite to eat!
11. Spend the day (and night!) at Hillarys Boat Harbour
Situated on the water and hosting a range of boutique stores, delicious dining destinations and awesome adventure experiences, there's loads to love about Hillarys! It’s the perfect place for families, with beautifully-kept public parklands and a sheltered, accessible beach. Hillarys is also home to AQWA - the Aquarium of WA (entry fees apply) and for adventure lovers, there are boat cruises, seasonal whale watching, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, diving, jet boarding and helicopter flights or simply relax and unwind at a harbourside bar or restaurant.
12. Paddleboard at The Marina Mindarie
The sheltered waters of The Marina Mindarie offer the perfect location for stand-up paddle boarding. Bring your own board and soak up the tranquil surrounds, before indulging in a meal at The Boat or Indian Ocean Brewing Co afterwards!
13. Discover koalas, caves and indigenous culture at Yanchep National Park
The beautiful bush setting of Yanchep National Park features a koala sanctuary, incredible limestone caves and educational experiences of Aboriginal culture. The beauty of this diverse region is that whatever kind of WA experience you desire, from relaxing on the beach to thrilling-seeking action, you can find it nearby. Visiting Yanchep National Park is completely free if you are a City of Wanneroo resident, or if you walk or cycle into the park.
14. Watch the sunset at City Beach
No visit to the Sunset Coast is complete without watching the sun dip below the Indian Ocean. City Beach offers one of the best vantage points, with wide sandy shores and grassy terraces perfect for a picnic or evening stroll. Pack some snacks, find a spot on the grass, and enjoy Perth's famous golden-hour glow as the day comes to an end.
Discover the magical Sunset Coast with Destination Perth – your guide to beachside adventure in Perth.
