Explore Perth’s Coast This Summer 

Endless sunshine. Pristine beaches. Natural beauty. That’s Perth in a nutshell. With the weather heating up, now is the perfect time to get out (or get here!) to explore Perth’s coast. Western Australia’s sun-soaked capital naturally boasts infinite coastline and water-based adventures. Swim with dolphins, learn to surf, embark on a boat cruise or simply relax and unwind on a secluded beach. Stay cool with our guide to the ultimate summer on Perth’s picturesque coast.

Visit Mandurah

Seashells Mandurah | Mandurah
Seashells Mandurah | Mandurah

Even if you’ve been here before, Mandurah is that special place you can visit again and again and still discover something new. Mandurah is brimming with great places to eat, drink, play and stay. Located less than an hour from Perth by car or train, Mandurah is a minimum fuss, maximum enjoyment destination for a day trip, romantic getaway or family holiday.

Mandurah is famous for its waterways, making it the perfect location to spend some downtime this summer. Fish, swim, go crabbing or simply cruise the waterways and tranquil estuary with Mandurah Cruises. For a unique experience, stay in a houseboat or unwind at a resort such as The Sebel Mandurah or Seashells Mandurah

For thrill-seekers, Stag Watersports offers jet ski hire in Mandurah and the Peel Region. Explore the scenic, sheltered waters of the Peel Estuary at your own leisure on a three-seater jet ski. It’s safe, comfortable for all ages and experience levels and most importantly, super fun!    

While you’re in Mandurah, discover the magical world of leading recycle artist, Thomas Dambo at Giants of Mandurah. In this special exhibition, Dambo shares his insights into recycling, sustainability and imagination. To help inspire people to get out into nature, he creates larger-than-life sculptures from recycled wood and places them all over the world, including own very own Mandurah. 

All along the foreshore, discover tasty places to eat, drink and while away a summer’s day. A favourite among locals and visitors is Cicerello's Seafood Restaurant. Picnicking on the foreshore is a refreshing alternative, and highly recommended for your takeaway is the legendary Miami Bakehouse pies. 

Summer is also the perfect time to browse the markets for unique, artisan gifts and souvenirs. Mandjar Markets are Mandurah’s premier waterfront markets. Located on the picturesque Eastern Foreshore, the Mandjar Markets are home to quality local products, gourmet delights, children’s activities, local entertainment and more.

Rediscover Rockingham

Travel just 45 minutes south of Perth to discover where the coast comes to life with breathtaking beaches, abundant marine life and ancient natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, a close encounter with wildlife or a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone in Rockingham.

Board a cruise with Perth Wildlife Encounters for an exhilarating wildlife encounter with famous bottlenose dolphins. Perth Wildlife Encounters has been operating the award-winning Swim with Wild Dolphins Cruise since 1989. Fun fact: there are more 200 local bottlenose dolphins that live in the sheltered waters of Rockingham’s bays and islands. 

Next, catch the ferry to Penguin Island, home to the world’s smallest seabird and a popular destination within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Positioned just 600 metres from the mainland, the island is easily accessed (a five minute journey) onboard Perth Wildlife Encounters hourly return ferry service. Once you reach the impressive island, expect to find safe, sandy beaches with pristine turquoise waters and shallow lagoons ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

Perth Wildlife Encounters | Rockingham
Perth Wildlife Encounters | Rockingham

Explore Perth’s Harbours

Let’s go harbourside. Perth’s harbours are the perfect spot to spend a summer’s day. In the north, visit the stunning waterside destination: The Marina, Mindarie. With the crystal waters of the marina, stunning sunsets and a laid-back Mediterranean feel, The Marina, Mindarie is the ideal destination for waterfront dining, entertainment, family fun and chic accommodation.

Cool off by taking a dip at the sandy beach next to Hillarys Boat Harbour, followed by a bite to eat and cold drink on the boardwalks of Sorrento Quay. Families will find great activities for kids and an eclectic mix of shops to browse for mementoes and beachwear. Head south to Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this working harbour, brimming with world-class bars and restaurants featuring some of WA's freshest seafood. 

The Marina, Mindarie | Sunset Coast
The Marina, Mindarie | Sunset Coast

Unwind on the Sunset Coast

Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular spots for beach-goers on the Perth coast. The revitalized Scarborough Foreshore is a world class stretch of coastline with bustling pedestrian promenades, children’s adventure playground, art projects, skate bowls, exercise equipment, amphitheatre and magnificent sunset hill. There are loads of cafés, bars, restaurants and shops to discover, and a large range of accommodation from hostels and family apartments to luxury hotels with ocean views. 

While you’re here, hit the surf! Learn to surf and experience the thrill of the ocean with an epic lesson from Perth Go Surf or Scarborough Beach Surf School. 

A little further north of Scarborough Beach is North Beach. This stunning strip of coastline and cafes is hugely popular with Perth locals for walking, cycling, swimming and of course, morning coffee dates. The sheltered Mettam's Pool is the ideal spot for children to learn to snorkel. Dive in and explore the rocky crevices and holes where you can get up close and personal with the local marine life. 

Perth Go Surf | Sunset Coast
Perth Go Surf | Sunset Coast

Discover Perth’s island paradise 

All aboard! Jump on a ferry with Rottnest Express or Sealink from Perth or Fremantle, or Rottnest Fast Ferries from Hillarys, to Perth’s very own secluded island paradise.

Once you’re on the island, hire or BYO bike to explore, laze on the beach, snorkel the underwater shipwreck trail, snap a selfie with the famous quokkas, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the laidback waterfront bars and restaurants or jump on board an epic boat tour.

Charter 1’s iconic yellow sailing catamaran is a much-loved icon of Rottnest Island. From romantic sunset sails to adventure packed day tours, each experience provides a magical adventure. Visit secluded bays only accessible by boat, brimming with marine life and spy playful sea lions before diving into the turquoise waters for a snorkel, kayak or SUP.

The Rottnest Snorkel Experience Tour is the perfect way to see more of the island by boat and get up close and personal with the underwater locals. This interactive and educational tour is a must-do for all ocean lovers visiting the island.

For a deluxe dining experience, check out the Luxe Island Seafood Cruise on board Rottnest Cruises. When we say deluxe, we mean it: feast on a seven course degustation menu of fresh local ingredients and seafood prepared by a private chef, and sip on your welcome cocktail and premium wines and craft beers. Plus, you can swim, snorkel, ?oat or just relax on board while anchored at Island Bay.

There’s an accommodation option on Rottnest Island to suit every visitor, including our favourites: Discovery Parks Rottnest Island and Samphire Rottnest. 

Snorkelling | Rottnest Island
Snorkelling | Rottnest Island

Destination Perth is here to help you get the most out of your summer on Perth’s pristine coastline.