What You'll Find Here
Perth is blessed with a coastline that’s dotted with some of the city’s most beautiful beaches. Spanning from Cottesloe to Two Rocks, this 50km scenic stretch offers sands that shimmer and waves that whisper.
Given Perth’s westerly position, the coastal drive offers spectacular sunsets. As the day draws to a close, witness the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the vast ocean.
We had a fantastic day beach-hopping along the Sunset Coast Tourist Drive and would recommend it to be one of the top things to do in Perth with kids.
Let’s break down each stop and show you the highlights of these destinations.
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Dutch Inn Beach
Even though the Sunset Coast Tourist Drive begins from Cottesloe Beach, we recommend starting your road trip from Dutch Inn Beach. This is a lesser-known hidden gem that’s equipped with a really good playground that’s bound to keep the little ones entertained.
Cottesloe Beach
Renowned as one of Perth’s premier beach destinations, Cottesloe attracts both locals and travellers with its vast sandy expanse and inviting waters.
There are two small playgrounds side by side, one for toddlers and one for older kids. It’s a great place to have a picnic and watch the surfers ride the waves.
Swanbourne Beach
A little north of Cottesloe, Swanbourne Beach offers a quieter but equally enchanting seaside experience that easily tops the most family-friendly things to do in Perth that’s off-the-beaten-track.
This beach, too, is graced with soft, sun-kissed sands and a well-sheltered little playground.
The Shorehouse restaurant offers sweeping views of the beach when you’re ready for a laid-back brunch or a sumptuous dinner. Their menu is crafted to complement the beachside experience.
City Beach
City Beach is another beautiful beach that’s worth a stop if you’re a beach lover or playground-hopping. This serene spot has much cleaner sands and plenty of grassy areas for the little ones to run.
Floreat Beach & Playground
Floreat Beach is a slice of coastal bliss nestled between the bustling beaches of City Beach and Scarborough in Perth. This beach is often less crowded, providing a more tranquil seaside retreat for families looking to escape the crowds.
The beach is well-facilitated with a modern surf life-saving club, public restrooms, and showers. Nearby, the Floreat Beach Kiosk is a popular spot to grab a snack or a refreshing drink.
Our favourite thing about Floreat Beach is the adjacent playground, although small but it’s a fantastic spot for picnics with plenty of shaded areas, barbeque facilities, and lots of sand to keep the little ones happy.
Scarborough Beach
For those seeking a lively coastal vibe, Scarborough Beach is a blend of relaxation and recreation. Its wide sandy stretches are ideal for laying out and soaking in the sun, while the beach’s skate park and playground make it a favourite among families.
Our kids have officially voted the Whale Playground at Scarborough Beach the best playground in Perth and for good reasons. We recommend visiting Scarborough on a Saturday to catch the Sunset Night Markets.
From sunbathing to water sports, there’s no shortage of things to do in Perth’s beachfront.
Trigg Beach
The next beach along this coastal drive is Trigg Beach, loved by locals and visitors for its clear waters, surf waves and expansive shoreline.
The beach provides a safe swimming area for children with a grassy area, perfect for picnics or a casual game of frisbee.
Trigg Beach is also a nature reserve, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and offering a glimpse into Western Australia’s diverse coastal ecology. The walking trails within the reserve are a great way to explore the local flora and fauna.
Mettams Pool
Mettams Pool is a gem for snorkelling enthusiasts along Perth’s captivating coastline. This sheltered natural rock pool opens its arms to an array of fish and molluscs, making it a small yet vibrant underwater realm.
For families yearning for a laid-back beach day or a refreshing dip in the shallow waters, Mettams Pool is the perfect stop. The natural layout of the pool acts like a gentle guardian against the waves, creating a serene haven that ranks among the best beaches in Perth for relaxation and sunbathing.
Remember to tread lightly around the sharp reef and rocks.
Watermans Bay Coastal Walk Trail
The Watermans Bay Coastal Walk Trail is a picturesque trail nestled along the stunning coastline of Perth.
The trail is relatively flat and accessible for people of all fitness levels, including families with young children. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signage that provides insightful information about the area’s local marine life, flora, and geological features.
There’s a little concealed playground where the kids can burn off some energy on the swings and slides, while you take a breather amidst nature’s tranquillity.
Hillarys Boat Harbour
As we draw our family-friendly day trip along the picturesque Tourist Drive to a close, our final stop for the day is Hillarys Boat Harbour. Nestled here too is AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia, which we’ll get to shortly.
Hillarys Boat Harbour is a destination that deserves a half-day slot in your family itinerary as you curate a list of things to do in Perth with the kids. This place also surprised our family; it’s not only a boat harbour, but a hub of leisure, water activities, restaurants, and entertainment.
As the gentle waves bob against the moored boats, families can explore the quaint boutiques, indulge in some delightful eateries, or simply saunter along the boardwalk soaking up the relaxed maritime ambience.
The water slide within the harbour is a great feature for older kids to slide and swing to their heart’s content.
So as the sun casts a golden glow, indulge in an ice cream and feast on a seafood platter by the harbour to end a day along the Sunset Tourist Coastal Drive.
Bonus
Venture a little beyond Perth, you’ll find the most stunning beach at Shoalwater Beach.
If you have extra time in your itinerary, plan a couple of road trips outside of Perth and you’ll find some of the most scenic coasts and beaches in Western Australia.
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∞ Kida