Scarborough Beach | Perth

Scarborough Beach is one of Perth’s most popular and iconic coastal destinations, renowned for its beautiful white sandy shores, clear blue waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Situated along the Indian Ocean, just 14 kilometers north of Perth's central business district, Scarborough Beach is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike, offering a combination of relaxation, recreation, and vibrant community culture.

Overview

Location: Scarborough, Western Australia, along the Indian Ocean coastline.

Distance from Perth: Approximately 14 kilometers (about a 20-minute drive) from the city center of Perth.

Best For: Swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and enjoying beachside dining and entertainment.

Beach and Coastal Features

Scarborough Beach is famous for its vast expanse of sand, which stretches out along the coast, providing ample space for beachgoers. The crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean are perfect for swimming, with designated areas for both swimmers and surfers.

Golden Sands: The beach is known for its soft, golden sands, which are perfect for lounging, picnicking, or playing beach sports like volleyball, frisbee, or kite flying.

Ocean Conditions: The waters here are generally calm, making it ideal for swimming and wading. However, there can be occasional surf breaks, particularly on the south end of the beach, which are favored by local surfers.

Surfing at Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Perth. The beach’s gentle to moderate waves make it suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers. Several surf schools operate along the beach, offering lessons and rentals for those looking to try surfing for the first time.

North Scarborough: The northern section of the beach is favored by beginner surfers due to its smaller, more manageable waves.

South Scarborough: The southern section tends to have larger waves, which attracts more experienced surfers looking for a challenge.

Scarborough Beach Esplanade

The Scarborough Beach Esplanade is a bustling, vibrant promenade that runs alongside the beach, featuring plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a coffee, or have a drink while taking in the stunning ocean views.

Restaurants and Cafes: The esplanade is home to a variety of beachside eateries that serve everything from casual fish and chips to more upscale dining experiences. Many places offer outdoor seating, where visitors can relax and enjoy a meal with a view of the ocean.

Bars and Nightlife: Scarborough has a lively nightlife scene, with several bars, pubs, and nightclubs along the esplanade, offering music, cocktails, and an energetic vibe. It’s a popular spot for young adults and those looking for a vibrant, social atmosphere after the sun sets.

Scarborough Beach Pool

The Scarborough Beach Pool is a saltwater pool located right by the beach, offering a safer, more controlled environment for swimming. It's an excellent option for families or those who prefer a less turbulent swimming experience than the open ocean. The pool is equipped with a wading area, showers, and a lounge area, perfect for relaxing after a swim.

Outdoor Activities

Scarborough Beach offers a variety of outdoor activities beyond just beach lounging:

Beach Volleyball: There are volleyball courts along the beach where you can play a friendly game with friends or join organized competitions.

Picnicking: The beach is lined with parklands and shaded areas, ideal for a picnic with family or friends. There are also barbecue facilities available for use.

Cycling and Walking: The Scarborough Esplanade is part of Perth's coastal cycleway, so visitors can enjoy cycling or walking along the water. The area is well-connected with paths that run from Trigg Beach to City Beach, offering scenic views along the coast.

Scarborough Beach Sunset

One of the most magical experiences at Scarborough Beach is watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. As the sun sets, the sky often lights up in shades of orange, pink, and purple, making for breathtaking views. The Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre is a great spot to catch the sunset, as it offers an unobstructed view of the horizon.

Scarborough Beach Redevelopment

In recent years, Scarborough Beach has undergone significant redevelopment, with improvements to the public infrastructure, facilities, and beachfront spaces:

Scarborough Beach Pool: The pool underwent a major renovation, making it more modern and accessible for everyone.

New Accommodation: New hotels, resorts, and apartments have been developed along the esplanade, attracting more tourists to the area.

Community Events: The area hosts regular community events, including live music, festivals, and beach sports competitions, which help keep the area dynamic and attractive to locals and tourists.

Getting to Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is easily accessible from Perth by car, public transport, or even by bike.

By Car: Scarborough Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Perth’s city center. There is parking available at the beach, with some areas offering paid parking.

By Public Transport: The beach is well-served by public transport, with buses running from Perth CBD to Scarborough Beach. The bus stop is located just a short walk from the beach.

By Bike: Scarborough Beach is connected to Perth’s cycling network, and cycling along the coast is a popular way to get to the beach. There are bike racks available for visitors to lock their bikes.

Conclusion

Scarborough Beach is a vibrant and beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities for all types of visitors. Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, relax in the sun, or enjoy a meal with a stunning view, Scarborough has something for everyone. Its perfect blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and community atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Perth area. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, an adventure on the waves, or a night out with friends, Scarborough Beach is the place to be.