Fair play, we love a good swim around the pylon at Cottesloe Beach as much as any other ocean warrior in Perth and when in Rotto, we’re often found submerging in the aquamarine paradise of the Basin, too. But! There’s nothing like feeling the sand between your toes without your foot sinking into the many footprints that have just marched there before you.
Here are the best secret swimming spots in and around Perth worth tracking down.
Yanchep Lagoon Beach
Yanchep
Take a short road trip north to the untapped beauty of Yanchep Lagoon Beach characterised by the jutting reef at the southern end. Bring the snorkel and goggles for this one and sink into the beautiful underwater world or perch on a limestone rock and marvel from above.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine
So we know Sam loves Sash forever, but back when our boy Richie had a chance, they had a date here in Perth that had us falling over ourselves to find it. Well played, Richie. Serpentine Falls is the perfect spot for a midsummer dip, the waterfall flowing over a sheer granite rock face into a pool nestled below. Open between 8.30am and 5pm, the official word is to get there by 10am before the national park fills to capacity.
Green Place Reserve And Chidley Point
MOSMAN PARK
All the Mossy Park locals have been keeping this place a secret for too long, but now the cat’s out of the bag. Green Place Reserve and the neighbouring Chidley Point are the perfect spots for a dip if you’re not too keen on waves, don’t want to drive too far and you like sneaking a peek at how the other half live. Chidley Point is also a stop along the Wadun Beelier Bidi trail, which circles around Cottesloe Beach, Mosman Park and Peppy Grove—making it the perfect spot to cool off at the midway point.
Sandtrax Beach
NORTH FREMANTLE
When the Freo Doctor comes-a-blowing Sandtrax is one of the few beaches you won’t get swept away at. Plus, its waves are more friendly, so if you don’t like getting dunked this is the beach for you.
Riverside Gardens
BAYSWATER
Riverside Gardens is a dog-owners dream. It’s got plenty of wide open grassy spaces for your pooch to run around in, shaded gazebos, BBQ facilities and the perfect little riverbank you and your pup can cool off in.
Cape Peron
POINT PERON
Head down to Rockingham and you will find a diving and snorkelling wonderland at Cape Peron. Home to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, there are plenty of limestone overhangs, small caves and swim-throughs to check out closer to shore, and just a little further out you hit scuba diving territory where the seabed plunges to seven metres and the fish are aplenty.
Lane Poole Reserve
DWELLINGUP
If you’re keen for a day trip, Lane Poole Reserve has your name all over it. Perched on the banks of the Murray River, this spot sprawls over 50,000 hectares in which swimming spots abound, but you’ll want to hunt them out ahead of time.
Bicton Pool
BICTON
Not so secret for those SOR folks, but the Bicton Pool is still a mystery to many. Plonked right next to the Swan River, the spot features a 33-metre pool and geothermal hydrotherapy pool and costs $6 for a single swim—totally worth it for that view.
Lake Leschenaultia
Chidlow
Hike into the hills for a day of completely chilling out at the man-made Lake Leschenaultia. It’s surrounded by glorious bushland that makes you feel far, far away from civilisation. There’s a pontoon to practise your bombie off (#herecomestheboom) or plenty of white sand to sprawl out with your book in hand if you’re more of a leisure lover.
Mettams Pool
Trigg
This natural rock pool surrounded by reef is a local favourite but still far less populated than its southern brother, the main beach at Trigg Island. One of the most secret swimming spots in Perth, get to Mettams Pool early before the Fremantle doctor blows in and if you’re keen on trying snorkelling, this little alcove is the perfect place to start.
Wungong Dam
Bedfordale
Another expansive watering hole tucked away in the Perth Hills, Wungong Dam is one of the most likely to give you a beautiful, secluded location for a swim. The main recreational area is accessed via a right-hand turn onto Admiral Road, or for an even more tranquil experience, try entering from Springfield Road.
Little Salmon Bay
Rottnest
Colour me happy as soon as I step off the main jetty and breathe in the pure sea air and sink into island life. There are plenty of choices when it comes to the beaches on Rotto (63 options on our wee island), so hire a bike and pedal to one beyond the obvious. Little Salmon Bay is just beyond Parker Point and features a snorkel trail with information plaques worth duck diving among the sea life and coral for.
Eagle Bay
Rottnest
One for the more rugged experience lovers, lube up your bike chain and make the journey to the west end of Rotto. Surrounded by three vertical limestone cliffs, Eagle Bay is the trickiest to get to but the sprawling white sand below is likely to provide the most secret swimming spot on the island. You’ll either need to scamper down the fairly steep limestone rocks or if you’re a truly adventurous spirit, make a splash from “jump rock” and cliff jump your way in.
Already scoped out all of the secret swimming spots in Perth? Check Out 10 Of Perth's Best Walks And Hikes.
Image credit: Louise Coghill