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Perth Coastline: Scarborough to Hillarys

An 8 km stretch of Perth's finest coast — surf beaches, reef lagoons, a marine park and a scenic path linking Scarborough with Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Coastline at a glance

  • Distance: about 8 km from Scarborough Beach north to Hillarys Boat Harbour.
  • Highlights (south to north): Scarborough, Trigg Island and Trigg Point, Watermans Bay, Mettams Pool, North Beach and Hillarys.
  • Getting along it: cycle in about 25 minutes or walk in about two hours on the coastal path.
  • Protected: much of the coast is within Marmion Marine Park.
Hillarys Boat Harbour on Perth's coastline
Hillarys Boat Harbour, the northern end of this coastal stretch.

The coastline from Scarborough to Hillarys

  1. Scarborough Beach — Perth's liveliest beach, with surf, the beach pool, cafés and nightlife.
  2. Trigg Island and Trigg Point — about 2 km north; Perth's best-known reef surf break, with rock pools and Trigg Bushland behind.
  3. Watermans Bay — a quiet cove with a marine research facility.
  4. Mettams Pool — about 5 km north of Scarborough; a sheltered reef lagoon, ideal for snorkelling on calm days.
  5. North Beach — a relaxed beach suburb with a jetty and cafés.
  6. Hillarys Boat Harbour — restaurants, shops, AQWA, sailing and ferries to Rottnest Island.

Water sports along the coast

Reef in Marmion Marine Park near Scarborough
Marmion Marine Park reefs are great for snorkelling.

Cycling and walking

Jetty at Hillarys on Perth's coast
The coastal path passes jetties, lookouts and beaches.

Hire a bike in Scarborough and ride north to Hillarys in about 25 minutes, or south via Cottesloe to Fremantle in about 1.5 hours. You can take your bike on the fast ferry to Rottnest Island. Walkers can follow the same path past Trigg Island and sheltered beaches to Hillarys in about two hours.

Other activities near the coast

Tennis at the Sportsmen's Club at Abbett Park, weekend Australian Rules football in winter, free gas barbecues in beachside parks, golf at Karrinyup and Wembley about 10 minutes away, ten-pin bowling and snooker along Scarborough Beach Road, and evenings out in Scarborough's nightlife.

Coastline photos

Coastline links

Last updated 2 November 2026 · Scarboro.info, an independent guide to Scarborough Beach, Perth.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Hillarys from Scarborough Beach?

About 8 km north along the coast — around 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes by bike.

Can you walk from Scarborough to Hillarys?

Yes. The coastal path takes about two hours on foot, passing Trigg, Watermans Bay and Mettams Pool.

Where is the best snorkelling between Scarborough and Hillarys?

Mettams Pool, a sheltered reef lagoon in Marmion Marine Park, is the most popular snorkelling spot on calm days.

What is Marmion Marine Park?

A marine park protecting the reefs and lagoons along Perth's coast from Trigg Island north to Burns Beach.

Can I take my bike to Rottnest Island?

Yes. Fast ferries from Hillarys and Fremantle carry bikes, usually for an extra fee.

Is Trigg good for surfing?

Yes. Trigg Point is Perth's best-known reef and point break, more consistent than Scarborough but often crowded.

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