Where is Perth's Sunset Coast?

The Sunset Coast is Perth's west-facing Indian Ocean coastline, broadly from Fremantle's Port Beach north through Cottesloe, Scarborough and Hillarys towards Yanchep.

Why is it called the Sunset Coast?

Because the coastline faces west, the sun sets over the Indian Ocean every evening, creating spectacular sunsets.

Are Perth beaches free?

Yes. There are no private beaches in Perth. All beaches are open to the public year-round and free of charge.

When is the best time to visit the Sunset Coast?

Summer is the classic beach season, but autumn offers calm, warm days, and winter has many sunny days with lower accommodation prices.

Are there sharks on the Sunset Coast?

Sharks are present in WA waters. Swim at patrolled beaches and check SharkSmart WA, especially from August to November.

Perth's Sunset Coast Guide | Beaches, Things to Do, Climate & Day Trip

Q: What is the best day trip along the Sunset Coast?

Start at Yanchep, then visit Mullaloo, Hillarys Boat Harbour, Mettams Pool or Trigg, lunch at Scarborough or Cottesloe, and finish with sunset at Scarborough's Sunset Hill.

Sunset Coast at a glance

Where: Perth's metropolitan coastline, broadly from Fremantle's Port Beach north past Scarborough and Hillarys Boat Harbour towards Yanchep.
Climate: Mediterranean — hot, dry summers with an afternoon sea breeze (the "Fremantle Doctor") and mild, wetter winters.
Access: all Perth beaches are public and free; West Coast Highway is the main scenic route.
Safety: swim at patrolled beaches between the red-and-yellow flags and check SharkSmart WA, especially from August to November.

View along Perth's Sunset Coast towards Scarborough Beach — Looking along Perth's Sunset Coast.

What is the Sunset Coast?

"Sunset Coast" is the name for Perth's west-facing Indian Ocean coastline, where the sun sets over the sea every evening. It runs roughly from Fremantle's Port Beach in the south through Cottesloe, City Beach, Scarborough Beach and Trigg to Hillarys Boat Harbour and beyond. Behind the beaches are lakes, the Swan River, golf courses, shopping centres and good public transport, plus some of Perth's best resort accommodation. The name is a much better brand for what used to be called simply "Perth's northern suburbs".

Top 10 things to do on the Sunset Coast

Go to the beach — swim, surf, bodyboard or just relax on the sand.
Cycle or skate the flat, scenic coastal paths, or ride around Lake Joondalup.
Fish from the beach or a boat; line fishing is allowed in Marmion Marine Park, but spearfishing is not.
Snorkel or dive — on a clear day the reefs, including the "three mile reef", rival anywhere in the world.
Sail along the coast or to Rottnest Island and Little Island near Hillarys.
Explore the limestone caves and koalas of Yanchep National Park.
Go horse riding.
Enjoy Scarborough's nightlife and beachfront bars.
Browse a weekend market.
Catch a concert or sporting event — and watch the sunset.

View from Mt Flora lookout on Perth's Sunset Coast — Mt Flora lookout offers views along the coast.

Best time to visit and climate

The coast has a Mediterranean climate. In early summer a strong sea breeze typically arrives mid-morning, so get to the beach early. Late summer is hotter and more humid, with less relief from the Fremantle Doctor. Autumn brings calm, balmy days and is many locals' favourite season. Some of the finest sunny, calm days occur in winter, when flights and accommodation are cheapest and the beaches are quiet except for surfers. The Indian Ocean is usually crystal clear, and the marine life just offshore in Marmion Marine Park is a striking contrast to the dry summer landscape. Snorkelling on calm days with light offshore winds is a must.

Getting to the Sunset Coast

The easiest route is the West Coast Highway — a scenic, stress-free drive past cafés, surf beaches, shaded lawns such as those at Cottesloe and sheltered spots like Mettams Pool. See transport to Scarborough for bus options.

Beach facilities, lifeguards and sharks

Most Sunset Coast beaches are patrolled through summer by volunteer surf lifesavers in red and yellow, and councils fund professional lifeguards in blue who patrol some beaches year-round in 4WDs. There are no private beaches in Perth: every beach is public and free, with free barbecues and playgrounds at most. Great views come from the Hillarys Boat Harbour lookout, Mt Flora and tall coastal hotels. The Scarborough Beach Pool is one of the few heated public pools on the coast.

Shark safety: aerial patrols and drones scout for sharks in summer. Check the WA government's SharkSmart website, particularly in the August–November white shark season.

A full-day Sunset Coast itinerary

You won't see it all in one day, but a local tourism forum suggested this route: start at Yanchep to explore the caves and swim in the lagoon; swim at Mullaloo Beach; explore Hillarys Boat Harbour's restaurants, shops and marina; stop for a swim or surf at Mettams Pool or Trigg; lunch at Scarborough or Cottesloe; then return to Scarborough to watch the sunset from Sunset Hill, followed by dinner and the beachfront nightlife.

How could the Sunset Coast be better?

Local suggestions include stronger tourism branding (for example a "Sunset Coast Highway"), reinstating a summer coastal bus, a safe pedestrian crossing over or under West Coast Highway at Scarborough, more and safer bike paths, a park-and-ride shuttle in summer, a tram or better link from Glendalough station, more boat ramps, a jetty at Brighton Beach and even artificial surf reefs.

Sunset photos

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