Categories > Guides and Tips
We leave nothing uncovered with this guide to Swanbourne Beach!
- Where is Swanbourne Beach?
- How to Get to Swanbourne Beach
- What to Do and See in Swanbourne Beach
- Nude Swimming
- Surf
- Take on the beach trail
- Test your fishing skills
- Play in the sand with your fur babies
- See the beauty of the Indian Ocean atop Melon Hill
- Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Swanbourne Reserve
- Where to Eat and Drink in Swanbourne Beach
- The Shorehouse
- Kirkwood Continental Deli
- Daisies
For those who are looking to spice up their beach escapades, there’s Swanbourne Beach. It has golden sand, clear water, and a calm vibe that makes it perfect for getting away from the busy city.
It also offers a plethora of fun activities everyone should try at least once. Not to mention it’s one of Perth’s only two nude beaches!
To help you make the most out of your visit, I’ve put together a quick beach guide that’s filled with tips for an unforgettable experience.
Where is Swanbourne Beach?
Swanbourne Beach is located in its namesake suburb, Swanbourne. You’ll find it along Perth’s beautiful coastline, just a short drive west from the Perth CBD.
The beach stretches between Cottesloe Beach to the south and City Beach to the north, making it a convenient and accessible spot for everyone looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
How to Get to Swanbourne Beach
By Bus: Board the Line 27 bus from St. George Terrace Stand S and alight at the bus stop on Servetus St., Swanbourne. From there, it’ll be a 5-minute walk across Seaward Ave. to reach the beach. The cost for this trip will be around $4.
By Train: Head to Perth Station and hop on the Fremantle Line. Get off at Grant Street Station and walk along Grant St. until you reach Marine Parade. From there, turn right and keep walking until you reach the beach. This trip may cost you $4.
By Taxi: For a more direct option, you can take a taxi from the Perth CBD to Swanbourne Beach. This trip will take roughly 15 minutes and will cost you around $30, depending on the traffic.
By Car: The fastest way to get to Swanbourne Beach from the Perth CBD is by driving along Mounts Bay Road and Stirling Highway. Once you’re there, you can park your car in the parking lot right beside the beach.
What to Do and See in Swanbourne Beach
Nude Swimming
Photo credit: davetranter1966
First things first—let’s talk about the number one activity Swanbourne Beach is famous for: nude swimming. It’s an experience that offers a unique sense of freedom.
I’ll admit, I’m a bit shy and have only tried this once. But that one time was unforgettable because it allowed me to be completely carefree, not worrying about how others see my body.
Just remember, it’s important to keep your clothes on until you reach the designated clothing-optional area. Only in the northern part of Swanbourne Beach are visitors allowed to go nude. Have fun and enjoy this unique experience!
Surf
Photo credit: cj408991
This might surprise you, but Swanbourne Beach is actually a decent surfing spot! It may not have the amazing waves seen in Scarborough Beach or Secret Harbour Beach, but its waves are consistent for a great surfing experience.
Some of my friends who are into surfing told me that it’s a good spot to train, especially for beginners. Most parts of the beach are shallow, so it’s safe to learn how to ride a surfboard here.
After looking more into it, I discovered that autumn is the best time to surf here. That’s when the swells here are at their highest, leading to more consistent waves that let you ride a bit longer than usual.
Take on the beach trail
If getting wet isn’t your style, then you might love going for a walk along the beach’s trail. The Swanbourne Beach is part of the Perth-Peel Coastal Walk Trail, an unofficial walking trail that starts from Iluka and ends at Woodman Point.
What’s great about it is that most of its parts feature concrete and wooden pathways. You certainly won’t have to worry about getting sand in your shoes to admire the scenery here!
You can also go for a leisurely bike run here. Just make sure to have your finger ready on the bike bell to avoid inconveniencing the pedestrians.
Test your fishing skills
Photo credit: swannyshores
Another great way to spend time in Swanbourne Beach is with a good ol’ pole fishing session. The waters around here are teeming with fish, so you’re bound to have a great catch.
A couple of fish you’ll most likely catch here are herring, skippy, and bluefish. If you fish here during autumn or winter, you’d have the chance to catch rarer ones like the pink snapper and samson fish.
In most cases, any fish you catch in Swanbourne Beach is safe for consumption. You can easily prepare and cook them at any of the public barbeque areas on the beach.
Play in the sand with your fur babies
Photo credit: kirbythecavoodle
Fur parents, rejoice! If you’re like me and love to take your dogs along to the beach, Swanbourne Beach is the spot. It’s one of the few pet-friendly beaches in Perth where your dogs can roam and enjoy the stunning seaside view.
Here, your furry friends can burn off some energy by running across the sand and digging holes along the way. You can even play frisbee with them or take a swim together, creating fun and lasting memories.
However, please note that your dogs can only roam free in Swanbourne Beach’s designated exercise area. Make sure to keep them on a leash at all times before arriving and after leaving this area.
See the beauty of the Indian Ocean atop Melon Hill
Photo credit: melonhill_bushland
Most of the sea’s beauty can’t be seen on the beach itself. That’s why I highly recommend you make a quick visit to Melon Hill, which is 40 metres high.
From up here, you get a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, and if you look a little further, you can catch a glimpse of Rottnest Island and the majestic Perth CBD skyline!
For the best experience, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and catch the stunning sunrise or sunset views. The golden hour light makes the scenery even more breathtaking!
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at Swanbourne Reserve
Photo credit: doserunning
If you’re not in the mood to spend some cash for your lunch while you’re here, visit Swanbourne Reserve. It’s beside the parking lot I mentioned earlier and is an awesome spot to host a picnic after swimming or surfing.
Here, you can spread out a blanket, enjoy some snacks, and bask in the tranquillity of nature. If you bring the kids along, they’ll have a blast playing games like tag and football in the open space.
Personally, I often check out Swanbourne Reserve between the months of October and March. That’s when cricket matches are held here, allowing me to watch a game here with my friends before going home.
Where to Eat and Drink in Swanbourne Beach
The Shorehouse
Photo credit: theshorehouse
Website: https://shorehouse.com.au/
Address: 278 Marine Parade
Contact details: +61 8 9286 4050
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-SUN)
You won’t have to travel far to enjoy exquisite dishes since Swanbourne Beach’s The Shorehouse has you covered.
Their menu features a delicious array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. They also offer a wide selection of alcoholic drinks to complement your meal, including several wines and cocktails.
My go-to order here is their cured kingfish with watermelon radish and buttermilk dressing. It has a delicate, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. I love the vibrant flavours of tangy buttermilk and earthy radish.
Kirkwood Continental Deli
Photo credit: kirkwood_continental_deli
Website: https://www.kirkwooddeli.au/
Address: 63 North St
Contact details: +61 8 6185 1506
Operating hours:
- 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM (MON and TUES)
- 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM (WED-SUN)
There’s nothing like a warm slice of pizza to make your visit to the beach a lot more enjoyable. Get it at Kirkwood Continental Deli!
They’re all about serving classic Italian pizzas like Queen Margherita and Bella Napoli. They also offer a couple of mouthwatering sides like calzone, marinated octopus, and Greek salad.
My top recommendation is their Bella Napoli pizza. It combines salty anchovies, sweet tomatoes, and briny olives. I usually order mine to-go so I can enjoy my pizza right at the beach.
Daisies
Photo credit: daisiescottesloe
Website: https://www.daisies.net.au/
Address: 305 Marmion St
Contact details: +61 8 9385 0014
Operating hours:
- 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MON-FRI)
- 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Daisies is an amazing cafe you’ll find just a couple of metres away from Swanbourne Beach.
One of the reasons they’re a must-visit is their use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They offer a great selection of healthy (and not-so-healthy) food options, including sausage rolls, muffins, sandwiches, and salads.
Personally, I love stopping by for breakfast before heading to the beach. The dish I usually order is their avocado toast that’s served with Meredith feta, chilli dukkah, and chilli jam. It tastes so good paired with a warm cup of coffee!
