This guide to Scarborough Beach in Perth, Western Australia, gives you useful, practical details: how to get there, parking charges, what is free, accessibility options, and best times to visit so your beach day is well planned.
A brief overview and description of Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is one of Perth’s most popular ocean beaches. It features a long sandy foreshore, a landscaped esplanade, playgrounds, cafés, restaurants, an open-air pool complex and a surf-life saving club. The foreshore has been redeveloped significantly over recent years to improve amenities and coastal access.
The beach is known for powerful surf, excellent sunset views and a lively atmosphere especially during spring and summer. There are multiple access points along The Esplanade, plus free grassed picnic and BBQ areas.
How to get there: public transport and walking
- Buses: Transperth bus routes 410, 421 and 990 run regularly to the Scarborough Beach Bus Station. From there it’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the central beach access along The Esplanade.
- Trains + bus transfers: You can catch the train to Stirling Station or Glendalough Station and then transfer to one of the above buses. Good option if coming from further inland.
- On foot / cycling: The foreshore has well-maintained pathways and there are bike racks near the esplanade.
Opening hours and entry cost
Entry cost: Free. There is no admission fee to access the beach, foreshore or public open spaces. Pool entry costs $8.30 for adults and $5.40 for children, as of September 2025.
Beach hours / reserve opening hours: The foreshore reserve (Scarborough Beach Reserve) is listed as open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. However, the beach itself is accessible at other times outside reserve hours (though services like lifeguards or park amenities may not be available).
5 great things to do in Perth
- 🚲 Take the ferry to Rottnest Island – then cycle to the beaches and quokkas.
- 🌌 Dine in the desert and go stargazing – on an evening Pinnacles tour.
- 🐬 Swim with wild dolphins – on a wildlife adventure to Rockingham.
- 🍷 Combine a Swan River cruise with wine-tasting in the Swan Valley.
- 🏟️ Go behind the scenes – on an Optus Stadium tour.
Parking options and exact parking charges
Parking at Scarborough Beach:
- Wilson multi-storey carpark (Manning Street): $3 for up to an hour, $4 for up to two hours, $7 for up to 12 hours.
- Street-parking along The Esplanade and nearby streets: many free bays along the foreshore; these fill up early in busy periods. Follow signage to avoid infringements.
- Other carparks: White Sands Tavern carpark, private carparks and reserve street-parking are available though rates vary; check local signage.
- Accessible parking: ACROD bays are available at northern and southern carparks on The Esplanade, Manning Street and Brighton Road.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
Beach wheelchair hire: Scarborough Beach has a beach wheelchair available for free booking via City of Stirling. The wheelchair cabinet is located at lower Esplanade or at the Amphitheatre steps. Access to these areas is via accessible parking.
Facilities: Free BBQs and picnic tables near the southern access, playgrounds, exercise equipment, shaded grassed areas, public toilets. Lifeguards patrol between red and yellow flags.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best season: Spring (September-November) and summer are busiest and most attractive; early summer mornings cooler and less crowded. Sunset time is popular for views.
Best times of day: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun, crowds and full parking. Midday in summer can be intense with heat and high surf. Weekends are busier.
How long to stay: If just enjoying the beach, walking, sun, café — allocate 1 to 2 hours. If including swimming pool, surf lessons, picnic, sunset and maybe shopping, plan for 3+ hours.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions to combine
- Arrive early in the morning, get parking, stroll along The Esplanade, have coffee at a beach-front café.
- Visit Scarborough Beach Pool (if open), swim or relax.
- Have lunch or snacks at one of the restaurants along the foreshore.
- Stay for sunset if possible — the sky is often dramatic over the Indian Ocean. Then enjoy an evening walk or snack in the nearby precinct.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there an admission fee? | No. Scarborough Beach and its foreshore access are free to enter. |
| Are there buses to Scarborough Beach? | Yes. Bus routes 410, 421 and 990 serve Scarborough Beach Bus Station, which is about a 7-minute walk from the beach. |
| Is beach wheelchair hire available? | Yes. Beach wheelchairs are available and free to book via City of Stirling. The hire cabinet is located at the lower esplanade or the amphitheatre access. |
| Are facilities such as toilets, café and BBQs on site? | Yes. There are public toilets, cafés, BBQ/picnic areas, playgrounds and exercise stations along the foreshore. |
| Is parking free? | Partially. Some parking along streets and certain bays along the foreshore is free. The Manning Street multistorey carpark costs from $3 for the first hour. ACROD bays and timed lots also exist. |
| When is it least crowded? | Weekday mornings or late afternoons outside weekends are best. Avoid midday in summer and sunset times if parking is likely full. |
More Perth travel
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