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. Check out the top things to do at the bottom of this page, or browse the experiences and locations listed to the left.
The Sunset Coast is famous for its stunning gold, pink and yellow sunsets and its endless stretch of pristine coastline but as a holiday destination it offers so much more – a dynamic blend of relaxation and excitement, of unique natural environments, of endless beaches, National Parks and fertile hinterland.
Explore the coast – hire a bicycle or car, cruise along the coast in the glorious sunshine and picnic at one of the beaches or grassed areas along the foreshore. The beaches stretch for over 50kms and provide perfect conditions for a leisurely amble along secluded dunes or for the more energetic, activities are plentiful.
The coastal journey starts at the southern end from the popular Cottesloe Beach. The magnificent stretch of pristine white sand welcomes a changing parade of locals and visitors all chasing the sun and the fun. Trendy open-air cafes and pubs line the beachfront – stay a while and sample some fresh local cusine or quench your thirst. “Cott” beach as it is known by the locals, is the place to be seen!
Get lost in the views as you head north through the prestigious suburb of City Beach 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. At Trigg Beach, spend a few idle hours exploring Marmion Marine Park or stop for lunch at one of the many beachside cafes and restaurants, before continuing north.
Hillarys Boat Harbour sits in a sheltered bay on the edge of the Indian Ocean, in an architecturally designed complex that provides a village lifestyle and shopping complex over water. Visit the Aquarium, catch the ferry to Rottnest Island, take a deep sea fishing charter or whale watching cruise in season.
Just to the north of the harbour is the well planned Joondalup City Centre. 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, cafes, pubs, cinemas and shopping areas.
Further to the north are the coastal suburbs of Burns Beach, Quinns Roack and Mindarie Marina. This area is renowned as a popular beach fishing and holiday spot. The resort towns of Yanchep and Two Rocks boast a marina and boat harbour and the coastline is scattered with historic shipwrecks and Yanchep Lagoon is one of the most popular picnic and swimming spots north of Perth.
Venture inland and discover world class golf courses, botanic gardens, aquatic and sporting complexes, boutique wineries, Neerabup and Yanchep National Park and a variety of attractions and historic sites.
Top things to do on the Sunset Coast |
| Take a dip in the ocean, or catch a wave at one of 19 sensational white sand beaches |
| Relax with a cool drink and enjoy the beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean |
| Scuba dive and snorkel in the sparkling pristine waters and see a variety of fish and marine life |
| Sit back and relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the coast |
| Visit Hillarys Boat Harbour and Mindarie Marina for the cafes, restaurants, shopping and spectacular boats |
| Indulge in some 4WD action and sand boarding over the mighty sand dunes at Lancelin |
| Visit Yanchep National Park for a variety of experiences including koalas, caves and Indigenous culture |
| Enjoy the great outdoors and paddle a canoe, wander a walk trail or go fishing in the beautiful Moore River region |
| Sample some of the region’s magnificent fresh produce including, seafood, olives, citrus fruit, honey, strawberries and wine |
| Discover WA’s marine life at AQWA and the new Naturaliste Marine Discovery Centre or learn about science at the Gravity Discovery Centre |
