Can you see dolphins at Scarborough Beach?

Yes. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the surf and just offshore at Scarborough.

When can you see whales near Scarborough?

Humpback whales pass Perth on their migration, with the best viewing around September to November. Tours leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Are there snakes at Scarborough Beach?

Snakes live in the coastal dunes but are not common. Stay on marked paths and keep away if you see one.

What animals live in the Scarborough dunes?

Bobtail lizards, other reptiles, birds such as gulls and galahs, and introduced rabbits and foxes.

What is Marmion Marine Park?

A marine park protecting reefs, lagoons and seagrass from Trigg Island north to Burns Beach, just north of Scarborough.

How can I help protect Scarborough's environment?

Stay on dune paths, take rubbish home, and join a coastcare group such as Stirling Natural Environment Coastcare.

Scarborough Beach Natural Environment | Wildlife, Whales, Dunes & Plants

Nature at a glance

Marine life: dolphins, migrating humpback whales (best September–November), Australian sea lions at nearby islands, and fish such as herring and whiting.
Dunes: bobtail lizards, snakes (uncommon), rabbits, foxes and many birds.
Plants: coastal dune vegetation, Norfolk Island pines and native wildflowers in spring.
Protected areas: Marmion Marine Park and Trigg Bushland Reserve nearby.

Dolphin in the surf at Scarborough Beach, Perth — Dolphins are regularly seen in the surf off Scarborough.

Marine wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins often surf the waves off Scarborough, and from about September to November humpback whales pass Perth on their southern migration — whale-watching tours leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour. Australian sea lions haul out on islands such as Little Island near Hillarys. Herring, whiting, tailor and salmon feed along the beach and seagrass beds, making it a productive fishing spot. Stranded whales are occasionally rescued on Perth beaches by wildlife officers and volunteers.

Life in the sand dunes

The vegetated dunes behind the beach shelter blue-tongued bobtail lizards and other reptiles, occasional snakes (stay on paths), introduced rabbits and foxes, and birds including silver gulls, pink-and-grey galahs and crows. At night rabbits hop out of the dunes to feed on the lawns. Frogs can be heard in wetter areas after rain.

Bobtail lizard on a dune path at Scarborough — Bobtails are often seen on dune paths.

Coastal plants

Coastal dune plants stabilise the sand and protect the foreshore from erosion. Norfolk Island pines and Moreton Bay figs (the "Trigg figs") are landmark trees, and road verges and vacant blocks bloom with daisies and wildflowers in spring. Stay on marked paths to protect the dunes.

Protected areas nearby

Trigg Bushland Reserve — coastal bushland with walking trails just north of Scarborough.
Marmion Marine Park — reefs, lagoons and seagrass from Trigg Island north to Burns Beach.
Public parks in Scarborough with playgrounds and free barbecues.

Helping the environment

Volunteers from the Stirling Natural Environment Coastcare group weed and replant the dunes. Take your rubbish home, use bins, keep dogs to designated beaches and report injured wildlife to the WA Wildcare Helpline.