The weather is heating up, and that means one thing is on everyone’s minds: the beach. When you have little ones in tow, it can be a stressful occasion. So we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly beaches around Perth, complete with awesome playgrounds, sheltered conditions and grassy picnic spots perfect for a day trip.
Pack up your beach umbrella, sunscreen, snacks, and water, here are Perth’s best kid-friendly beaches to spend the day swimming and relaxing.
Mettams Pool
Mettams Pool is one of Perth’s more sheltered spots, and a perfect option for both big kids and little ones. As a natural pool hidden amongst a reef, the calm waters are home to some friendly marine life that your kids will love exploring. With easy beach access, it is a winner for a more adventurous beach day.
Kwillena Gabi Pool
Good beach weather calls for a great spot to swim around and picnic, which the Kwillena Gabi Pool in Mandurah can offer up in spades. This circular estuary pool has a shaded area where you can escape the heat and the sunburn, and a grassy area nearby to kick a ball around. The pool itself is only 4.5 meters deep with ramp access, so kids can enjoy the gentle shallow end or do epic bombies off the pontoon into the deep end.
Coogee Beach
If you’re looking for some peace of mind with your kids in the water, take advantage of the shark net at Coogee Beach. With plenty of parking, an epic playground, and a great BBQ area, bring the beach tent and spend the whole day here. Your kids can jump off the pontoon and make sandcastles along the beach. Or, if you have bigger kids who might be interested in an underwater adventure, Omeo Wreck is just up the beach for snorkelling.
Hillary’s Boat Harbour Beach
This Perth beach is always popular and busy for a reason; it’s a great family-friendly spot to spend a summer day. The shallow cove is right in the heart of the Harbour and has everything you could need for a beach day, including waterslides for the kids and plenty of amenities so you can stay and play all day. Plus, Hillary’s has plenty of great food spots (and ice cream parlours) to grab a bite for the family if you forgot to pack the picnic.
Rottnest Island
You’re spoilt for choice with family-friendly beaches on Rottnest Island. You can choose to be as close or as far from the main settlement as you’d like, accessing the entire Island by foot, bike or hop-on-hop-off bus. If we were to pick, we would recommend The Basin for its close location and amenities.
Penguin Island
Penguins and sunny, sandy beaches? Say no more. Your kids will love a trip to Penguin Island this summer. The safe, shallow beaches on the front of the island are an ideal natural playground for the family to swim, snorkel and fish. If you time your trip perfectly, your family can enjoy Penguin feedings at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm or 2.30 pm.
Rockingham Beach
Rockingham Beach and foreshore has had a major facelift and should definitely be on your list for the next family beach day out. The recently renovated foreshore area was designed with families in mind. Large grassy areas, a cool pirate playground and plenty of cafes nearby will take the pain out of your beach day adventure. Plus, the sheltered beach means it's a good spot for the little ones to swim and play.
Cottesloe Beach
One of Perth’s favourite beaches just had to make it onto this list. With grassy terraces, white sand and calm waves, Cottesloe beach is a great place to spend half the day enjoying the salty sea. Get in early, and you might be able to save some sand under the beach shelters on the south end to escape the sizzling heat.
Yanchep Lagoon
Don’t forget your snorkelling gear and the fishing rod when you hop in the car for a drive up to Yanchep lagoon. The lagoon is formed by a reef at the southern end, creating a tranquil and calm stretch of beach that is great for floating and paddling around. Plus, the beach is patrolled by the local surf lifesaving team, so you know you’ll be in for a safe swimming day.
Looking for more family-friendly ideas? Check out the best things to do with kids in Perth.