What is there to do at Scarborough Beach?

Swimming, surfing, the Scarborough Beach Pool, skate park and playground, sunset watching, beachfront dining and nightlife, plus coastal cycling, snorkelling at Marmion Marine Park and day trips to Rottnest Island.

Is Scarborough Beach good for families?

Yes. The foreshore has a playground, patrolled swimming in season, free barbecues, grassy areas and the beach pool, all close to cafés and toilets.

How far is Scarborough from Hillarys Boat Harbour?

About 10 minutes by car, or about 25 minutes by bike along the coastal path.

Can you snorkel near Scarborough Beach?

Yes. Mettams Pool in Marmion Marine Park, about 5 km north, is a sheltered reef lagoon popular for snorkelling in calm conditions.

Can I get to Rottnest Island from Scarborough?

Yes. Fast ferries to Rottnest leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour, about 10 minutes' drive north, and from Fremantle.

What is free to do at Scarborough Beach?

The beach, coastal path, Sunset Hill lookout, playground, skate park, free gas barbecues and many amphitheatre events are free.

Things to Do at Scarborough Beach, Perth

Top things to do

On the beach: swimming between the flags, surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, beach fishing and sandcastles.
On the foreshore: Scarborough Beach Pool, skate park, playground, amphitheatre events and free gas barbecues.
Nearby: snorkel at Mettams Pool (Marmion Marine Park), walk Trigg Bushland, cycle the coast path to Hillarys (about 25 min) or Fremantle (about 1.5 hrs).
Day trip: ferry to Rottnest Island from Hillarys Boat Harbour, about 10 minutes' drive north.

Beach activities and water sports

Swimming: swim between the red-and-yellow flags when the surf lifesavers are on patrol, or try the ocean-side Scarborough Beach Pool.
Surfing and bodyboarding: beginner boards are available for hire from Scarborough surf shops and some accommodation properties.
Kitesurfing and windsurfing: best in the afternoon sea breeze from November to March.
Fishing: beach fishing at dawn and dusk, or deep-sea fishing charters from Hillarys.
Snorkelling and diving: Marmion Marine Park, including sheltered Mettams Pool about 5 km north.
Skimboarding, shell collecting, sand sculpture and coastal bird watching — free and fun for all ages.
Yoga on the beach: look out for free community yoga sessions at Brighton Beach.

Marmion Marine Park reef near Scarborough Beach, Perth — Marmion Marine Park protects reefs and lagoons just north of Scarborough.

Cycling and walking the Sunset Coast

The coastal shared path is one of the best ways to see Perth's beaches, with few road crossings. From Scarborough you can ride:

North to Hillarys Boat Harbour in about 25 minutes, past Trigg Bushland, Trigg Island and sheltered Mettams Pool;
South to Fremantle via City Beach and Cottesloe in about 1.5 hours.

Bikes can be hired locally. Walkers can follow the same coastal path to Hillarys in about two hours.

Day trips from Scarborough

Rottnest Island ferry at Hillarys Boat Harbour — Fast ferries to Rottnest Island leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour and Fremantle.

Rottnest Island: take the fast ferry from Hillarys Boat Harbour (10 minutes' drive north) or Fremantle; you can bring your bike.
Hillarys Boat Harbour: restaurants, the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA), sheltered swimming and sailing.
Fremantle: markets, the historic port and the prison, about 30 minutes' drive south.