Where to swim, snorkel, surf and sip in Scarborough

From calm lagoons to buzzing beach bars, here’s your guide to the best swim spots, surf breaks and ocean-view sips along our 7km stretch of coast.

Tips for your perfect beach outing

• Hop on the Surf CAT, a free service running every 10 minutes between Stirling Station and Scarborough Beach. Hop on, relax and head straight to the sand
• Check the live surf cams before you go to potentially dangerous conditions
• Look for offshore easterly winds – they keep the ocean glassy and clear
• By afternoon, the Fremantle Doctor blows in from the southwest, bringing a refreshing breeze but chopping up the sea. For serenity, go early. For all-day vibes, embrace the white caps!
• Perth’s summer UV is harsh! Slip, slop, slap, seek and hide, especially from 12 noon –3.00pm
• Umbrellas are amazing. Our windy afternoons may disagree. If you pitch your beach umbrella, tether it down to avoid a run down the beach.

Swim and snorkel spots you’ll love

Clear mornings and calm seas are your recipe for underwater magic. Here's where to dip in:

• Mettams Pool – Calm, reef-protected lagoon perfect for families and snorkellers. Crystal-clear water, easy access and marine life galore. Toilets, showers, and picnic tables make it easy to settle in for the day. Goggles on, expect to spot buffalo bream, herring and colourful reef fish darting between limestone ledges
• Bennion Beach – A tucked-away sandy bay between Trigg and Mettam’s. Rocky outcrops frame the shoreline, creating a peaceful bay with rocky ledges that attract schools of reef fish. Best on calm days when the water turns glassy and visibility is high
• North Beach – A local favourite for a quick dip. Easy access from West Coast Drive and calm conditions on low-swell days make it ideal for a refreshing splash before coffee
• Hamersley Pool – A natural rock pool near Hamersley Street that feels like a secret spot. Scenic and salty, with toilets and showers close by. Ideal for a quick swim or a relaxed snorkel with kids or anyone easing into the underwater world
• Watermans Bay – A snorkeller’s playground with limestone outcrops and reef ledges teeming with marine life. You might spot wrasse, parrotfish and the occasional octopus hiding in the rocks. Grassy hill, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and a playground make it a go-to for family outings
• Scarborough Beach Pool – Overlooking the beach with easy access to the buzzing Scarborough Esplanade, Scarborough Beach Pool features an ocean-facing 50-metre lap pool with eight lanes, plus a smaller 25-metre pool with four lanes.

Surf it your way

Summer brings smaller swells and straighter beach breaks. When conditions aren’t firing, ditch the shortboard and grab a foamy for fun rides – perfect for party waves, playful footwork, and longboard style. Here’s where to go:

• Scarborough Beach – The City’s surf icon. Wide sands, consistent waves, and a buzzing foreshore that hums with energy. Great for beginners on small days and shortboard fun when the swell picks up. Surf schools like Scarborough Beach Surf School and Go Surf Perth offer lessons for all levels, while Soul Boardstore offer hire boards from $20 for the first hour
• Brighton Beach – Just south of Scarborough, with the same beach break feel and a slightly more relaxed vibe
• Trigg Beach and Trigg Point – Perth’s most reliable surf. The beach offers space for all levels, especially in summer, while the point draws experienced surfers and a bit of localism. Surf schools such as Surfing WA run programs here, making it a great spot to learn or level up
• Mettams Reef – A mellow reef break with fat, cruisy waves. Longboard heaven when there’s enough push (1m+). Mid tide is best – watch the rocks!
• Tom’s (North Beach) – Soft, forgiving waves on smaller swells, getting punchier when conditions are solid. Popular with longboarders and intermediates. Entry and exit involve an awkward reef jump. Avoid at low tide
• Watermans Bay – Lefts and rights over a mix of sand and rock. Surfable at all tides and can suit all levels depending on the day. Only paddle out if you’re feeling confident and conditions look friendly.

Sip with a view

Start your day with a caffeine hit and end it with a coastal toast:

• Yelo (North Beach) – A local favourite for specialty coffee, açai bowls, smoothies and cold-pressed juices
• Little Wave (Scarborough) – Espresso by morning, wine bar by night. Grab a coffee after your surf, then return for share plates and a curated wine list as the sun sets
• Foam (Trigg) – A laid-back beachside café at South Trigg Beach serving great coffee and casual breakfast bites
• Bennies (Bennion Beach) – Perched above Bennion Beach serving barista coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and easy bites like avocado toast
• Island Market Trigg – A vibrant beachfront restaurant serving Middle Eastern-inspired plates, fresh seafood and creative cocktails
• Froth Craft Beach (North Beach) – A taphouse with serious ocean views. Expect 16 craft beers on tap, WA wines, cider and a fun cocktail list – plus pizzas and share plates for good measure
• The Lookout (Scarborough) – Scarborough’s go-to for beachside beats, icy beers and colourful cocktails.

Ready to plan your perfect coastal day? Find more itineraries and insider tips at @scarborough_beach or visit stirling.wa.gov.au/ExploreScarborough.

Would you like to see your business mentioned in a City of Stirling article? Reach out via ecodevelop@stirling.wa.gov.au