Sunset Coast
Perth has some of the most pristine coastline in the world. Powdery white beaches stretch from the city’s western suburbs to Lancelin, 125 kilometres north of Perth. Although local life revolves around the water, Perth’s beaches are never crowded, giving a sense of space and freedom. Make the most of the glorious sunshine with a beach side picnic along the sunset strip, or try something more active like windsurfing or yachting. A local favourite is Cottesloe, 15 minutes from Perth city. Bustling cafes, children’s playgrounds, warm sunshine and the inviting Indian Ocean draws young crowds and families for body boarding, surfing and snorkelling. City Beach and Floreat Beach are also excellent for body boarding and sunset beach fishing. Surfers should head further north to Scarborough Beach and Trigg Island, 15 minutes north-west of the city.
Nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts will have a ball in Marmion Marine Park, stretching from Trigg Island to Burns Rock. The reef has formed shallow crystal lagoons where dolphins play, and sea lions laze nearby on Little Island. Mettams Pool is a calm snorkelling spot, ideal for little people and new swimmers. Find it by following the ocean front cycle track from Sorrento Beach to Trigg. Hillarys Boat Harbour also offers shallow, protected swimming, and the famous Sorrento Quay is right next door with its timber board walks lined with cafes and specialty shops. Hillarys and Ocean Reef have marinas with public boat launching facilities.
At Joondalup, in the northern suburbs, there are picnic areas and a walk trail where visitors can view and interact with kangaroos and local bird life. Half an hour north-west of the city and you’re among dunes, limestone cliffs, bushland and parks, such as Yellagonga and Neerabup. For trails through native bushland dotted with kangaroos and birds, Yanchep National Park is hard to beat. It’s located within an hour of the city, and is also famous for its koala sanctuary, limestone caves and Aboriginal program. Local Nyoongar people teach visitors about bush tucker, playing the didgeridoo and traditional dancing. Another half hour will find you in a small fishing village called Lancelin, basking between glittering ocean and gigantic sand dunes. This is the spot for the adrenalin rush of world-class windsurfing and exhilarating sand boarding, as well as great fishing, sailing, diving and surfing.
