Scarborough Beach
Perth, Western Australia, 6019
Just one of Perth’s excellent beaches, Scarborough Beach is perhaps the most visited due to the many eateries and hotels that line this stretch of the city’s coast, providing more bustle than surrounding beaches. Locals and visitors gather here on sunny days to swim, surf, bodyboard, sunbathe, picnic, skate, play sports on the beach, and more.
The basics
Located outside the city center, Scarborough Beach isn’t typically part of standard sightseeing tours or hop-on hop-off bus routes, but it is included in a few longer tour itineraries that highlight Perth’s surrounds. Many visitors drive or take public transport from the Central Business District (CBD), or you can stop by during a leisurely drive along the West Coast Highway, which follows the city’s entire coastline.
Things to know before you go
- Scarborough Beach is ideal for those who like a lively beach scene with plenty to do and see.
- The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and surf life savers during the day in the summer but not all the time, so exercise caution when swimming.
- The beach features restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground, and parking lot.
How to get there
Scarborough Beach is a 20-minute drive northwest of the Perth CBD or a 45- to 55-minute journey via the Joondalup train line and city bus to the Scarborough Beach bus station.
When to get there
The wind comes in off the ocean later in the day, sometimes very heavily, so go in the morning for swimming and sunning. If you’re planning to kitesurf, windsurf, or watch, you’ll catch the action in summer afternoons and early evenings. The beach faces straight west, making it the ideal place to watch the sunset.
The Esplanade
Off the sand, you can find restaurants, cafés, bars, and surf shops along the Scarborough Esplanade, which runs parallel to the beach. Much of the activity is centered around the Rendezvous Hotel.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!