Perth's spectacular Sunset Coast...
There are few places in Australia where the sun sets over the ocean and the west coast provides the unique opportunity in some idyllic settings. As the day draws to a close, it will become perfectly clear why this area of Perth is known as the
Sunset Coast.
Stretching from popular
Cottesloe Beach in the south, to peaceful
Two Rocks in the north and encompassing the hinterland, this region is definitely a great place for the whole family.
Located only 20 minutes west of the city centre, you can hire a car, catch a bus or join a tour to easily explore the region. Start at the beautiful southern beaches, like Cottesloe, City Beach, Floreat, Scarborough and Trigg. These beaches offer a kaleidoscope of leisure opportunities from sun bathing and swimming, to surfing, windsurfing and diving.
Be sure to stop off at one of the many beachside cafés and restaurants lining the coast. Sit overlooking the ocean and find yourself mesmerised by the fresh sea breezes, spectacular views and colourful parade of people passing by.
City Beach is a regular winner of the ‘best beach’ award in Perth, so be sure to visit. There is also a great sand dune eco-walk to Floreat Beach from there that provides an in-depth understanding of the delicate coastal environment.
To get amazing views of the coastline and Perth city, head up to Reabold Hill, located in City Beach, which is the highest natural point along the Sunset Coast and a great place to take photos.
From City Beach, get lost in the views as you head north to the legendary beach of Scarborough, recognized as one of Australia's finest surfing and swimming beaches - a mecca for surfers, people watchers, backpackers, locals and holiday makers alike.
Further north along the coast, you will find the Hillarys Boat Harbour, abuzz with happy crowds from the heat of summer, right through to winter’s coolest days. The quay is filled with resort style shopping, an excellent selection of cafés and restaurants, a family fun park, as well as a protected beach that is perfect for the kids.
At Hillarys Boat Harbour be sure to visit AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia. People of all ages will find themselves captivated by the array of marine life showcasing the whole WA coastline. AQWA also boasts the largest aquarium and underwater tunnel in Australia!
On the other side of the harbour is the Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre, which provides a fascinating insight into the workings of marine research.
If you love the water and want to get out on the high seas, then why not charter a yacht or boat from Hillarys, join a whale watching cruise (in season) or go deep sea fishing. You can even catch a fast ferry over to Rottnest Island.
When it comes to deciding on where to stay all needs are catered for. Whether it’s a resort or hotel, self contained apartment, bed and breakfast, caravan park or backpackers hostel, you will find it all.
Venture inland and you will find the city centre of Joondalup. Easily accessible from Perth by train or road, Joondalup City Centre is home to an exciting selection of food and entertainment options that include restaurants, cafés, pubs, cinemas and shopping areas.
You can also set out on well signposted walking trails around Joondalup to really get back to nature. Or, if it’s a full 18 hole golf course you’re after why not visit the nearby Joondalup Resort and Country Club, regarded as one of the finest courses in Australia.
Back along the coast is the largest man made harbour in Australia, the Mindarie Marina. With a spectacular array of pleasure boats, sparkling water and excellent restaurants, Mindarie has a lot to offer.
Inland, you will pass through the City of Wanneroo where you will find weekend markets, striking golf gardens, wineries and many other attractions. In season this is a great place to stop for fresh strawberries; you may even get the chance to pick them!
Yanchep National Park is at the top end of the Sunset Coast and is home to one of Australia’s largest koala colonies, as well as populations of friendly kangaroos and thousands of native birds. The park is one of Western Australia’s oldest national parks and is just 45 minutes north of Perth city.
If you feel like some fresh air, set out on a stroll through the towering trees of the national park. Watch the tiny bush birds flitter through the trees and breathe the forest air deep into your lungs, to find yourself fully energised.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure descend deep below the earth on a cave tour to experience the surreal and spectacular beauty of the park’s limestone caves. The caves in Yanchep National Park comprise one of the six major cave regions of WA and there have been more than 600 caves documented in the park.
The Yanchep area is also steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and has long been a sacred place for the local Nyoongar people. Visitors to the park are able to participate in a variety of cultural activities at the recently opened Wangi Mia (Talking Place) where you can experience Aboriginal heritage, with Aboriginal people in a natural environment.
Whilst in this northern area of the Sunset Coast, take the time to go fishing in the beautiful Yanchep Lagoon. Or head further north again, where you will come across Two Rocks, a peaceful coastal community. Two Rocks also boasts a marina and boat harbour and the coastline is scattered with historic shipwrecks.