In Perth’s northern suburbs, Trigg Beach is one of the city’s best surfing beaches. Swimmers should watch out for rips around Trigg Island, however — the beach is one of the most hazardous in Western Australia.
Trigg Beach, Western Australia, is one of the best surfing beaches in Perth. Unlike some other Perth beaches further south, which are partially protected from the swells by Rottnest Island, Trigg Beach gets the full force of the Indian Ocean.
Surfers and bodyboarders, of course, love this. Trigg Beach is well-known for its reliable surf conditions. But it’s not just surfers who make their way here.
Trigg Island Surf Club and Trigg Beach facilities
The centrepiece of Trigg Beach is Trigg Island, which is essentially an outcrop that occasionally gets cut off by the tides. The Trigg Beach car park and public toilets are opposite Trigg Island, with the Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club just to the south.
Just to the north is Clarko Reserve, a popular public park with barbecue facilities and a children’s playground.
Is it safe to swim at Trigg Beach?
The presence of the surf club makes swimming at Trigg Beach safer than it ordinarily would be. A permanent rip known as the Blue Hole on the south side of Trigg Island is notoriously dangerous and should be avoided. Otherwise, stay between the flags, which mark the safest area for swimming.
Trigg Beach sand dunes
What makes Trigg Beach so visually appealing, however, are the sand dunes behind it. There has been a public fight to preserve these dunes, which give the beach a satisfyingly wild look.
It manages to be a city beach while not looking like one. The facilities are there and the surf is there, but you can convince yourself you’re in a wild spot on a remote stretch of the coast.
Trigg Beach: key visitor information
Trigg is one of Perth’s most hazardous beaches — the City of Stirling recorded 226 rescues in January 2026 alone. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| When is Trigg Beach patrolled? | The City of Stirling provides a professional beach patrol service 365 days a year, focusing on both Trigg and Scarborough beaches. The Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club patrols on weekends and public holidays from October to April each year. |
| How much does it cost to visit Trigg Beach? | Entry is free. |
| Is there parking at Trigg Beach? | Yes. Over 700 free parking bays are available north and south of the Surf Life Saving Club on West Coast Drive, including two accessible parking bays. Parking can fill quickly on sunny weekends and school holidays. |
| What facilities are at Trigg Beach? | Free public toilets, showers and change rooms are available. Barbecue facilities and a children’s playground are at Clarko Reserve to the north. A café, restaurant and kiosk operate at or near the surf club. A pedestrian and cycling path runs the length of the beach. |
| Where is Trigg Beach? | West Coast Drive, Trigg WA 6029. Approximately 20 minutes north-west of Perth CBD. |
| What is the Blue Hole at Trigg Beach? | The Blue Hole is a permanent and powerful rip current on the south side of Trigg Island. It is notoriously hazardous and should be avoided by swimmers and surfers alike. It is one of the most dangerous spots at any Perth beach. |
| Is there a dog beach near Trigg Beach? | Yes. A dog exercise area is located nearby — check with the City of Stirling for current off-lead zones and hours. |
| Is Trigg Beach suitable for beginner surfers? | Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club describes Trigg as best for intermediate to experienced surfers. Waves can be deceptively large and conditions variable. Beginners may prefer to start at Scarborough or Cottesloe. |
| Is Trigg Beach wheelchair accessible? | Yes. Ramps are located at the beach entrance and are suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Accessible parking bays are available near the surf club. |
| Are there sharks at Trigg Beach? | As with all WA ocean beaches, sharks are present. Check the Surf Life Saving WA SharkSmart app for current alerts before entering the water. |
Things to do near Trigg Beach, Perth
Scarborough Beach – A short drive south, Scarborough is one of Perth’s most popular beach destinations, recently revamped with a new foreshore precinct, restaurants, splash park and markets.
Mettams Pool – A short drive north from Trigg, this shallow reef lagoon at North Beach offers calm, protected swimming suitable for families and snorkellers, in contrast to the open surf at Trigg.
Hillarys Boat Harbour – Around 10 minutes north of Trigg, Hillarys is home to AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia), a range of restaurants and cafés, and ferry departures to Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Island – A short ferry ride from Hillarys or Fremantle, Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s most popular day-trip destinations, famous for quokkas, snorkelling, cycling and secluded beaches.
Observation City precinct, Scarborough – Just south of Trigg along West Coast Drive, the redeveloped Scarborough foreshore has a growing strip of cafés, bars and restaurants making it a popular spot for post-surf food and drinks.
More Perth travel
Other Perth travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Visitor tips for the Western Australian Botanic Garden in Perth.
- Practical Perth beach guides: Plan a visit to Scarborough Beach, Cottesloe Beach or Coogee Beach.
- Quokkas by the beach on Rottnest Island.
- Practical tips for visiting the Caversham Wildlife Park.
- WA Museum Boola Bardip visitor guide: Ticket prices, opening hours and what to see at Western Australia’s flagship museum.
