City Beach Perth Things To Do
Imagine a pristine beach where soft white sand meets spectacular turquoise waves, and where you’re just minutes away from the bustling city of Perth. If you’re looking for the perfect beach escape that combines natural beauty, fantastic surf, and easy access to dining and amenities, City Beach is your spot.
As locals know, finding a beach that balances serenity with convenience can be a challenge, but City Beach checks all the boxes. However, without a few insider tips, you might miss some of the best spots, quiet areas, and must-try food stops.
In this guide, I’ll share the top things to see and do at City Beach, the ideal times to visit, and the hidden spots only locals know. Whether you’re a family seeking a peaceful day out, a solo traveller after the perfect wave, or someone in search of Perth’s best beachside dining, this article will ensure you make the most of your time at City Beach.
City Beach is one of the best beaches in Perth, Western Australia.
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City Beach Location
City Beach is the closest beach to Perth, 10 km from the city.
How to get to City Beach
City Beach is a 15-minute drive from Perth city. Several buses travel between Perth and City Beach. Use the Transperth Planner to plan your journey.
If driving, there’s a large car park with free parking. However, this can get busy on the weekend during summer, especially Sunday mornings when Nippers is on. Therefore, I recommend arriving before 8.30 am to secure a spot.
City Beach Facilities
- Toilets
- Showers
- Changing Rooms
- BBQS
- Picnic Tables
- Volleyball Nets (summer only)
City Beach’s amenities are fantastic. There are outdoor showers right by the sand and a family-friendly playground area. For families, I recommend setting up closer to the surf club, where you’ll have easy access to the restrooms and shaded picnic tables. The lifeguard service here is also excellent, making it a safe choice for young swimmers.
Things to do at City Beach
City Beach Surf Life Saving Club patrols the beach in the summer, performing rescues and first aid each summer season. The tower at the end of the southern groyne provides additional surveillance.
The two purpose-built groynes block large waves from the main area, making it ideal for inexperienced swimmers most days. The groynes are also great for fishing off.
City Beach is great for surfing, especially in late summer when the swells are moderate. If you’re a beginner, consider taking a lesson early in the morning when the water is calmer. During winter, the waves can be powerful, making it a bit more challenging, so only advanced surfers should hit the water then. Watch out for rips.
The beach is 500m long with a large grassed area, perfect for picnics, bbqs, and watching the sunset.
City Beach is family-friendly with a playground, child-friendly restaurants, and a grassed area to play.
Locals Tip: For picnics or unwinding with a book, head to the grassy knoll behind the City Beach Surf Club. It’s a bit elevated, giving you a perfect view of the beach without being right in the sand.
A list of things to do at City Beach:
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Picnic
- Watch the sunset
- Play beach volleyball (summer only)
- Walk along the coastal path
- Hire an electric scooter
- Take the kids to the playground
- Dine or have a drink at one of the restaurants
City Beach Restaurants & Bars
There are a few restaurants that line the beach to choose from. Clancy’s Fish Bar is laid back with a fun vibe attracting a young crowd and families. The stylish Hamptons is perfect for couples and friends looking for a sophisticated venue with incredible beach views. Odyssea has something for everyone, from coffees to a fine wine while watching the sunset.
Best Time to Visit City Beach
The best time to visit City Beach for water activities is from November to March, when Perth’s weather is warm. Head to the beach in the morning before the sea breeze hits the shore as it can be extremely windy, and the sand whips you! The ocean is at its warmest at the beginning of March and coldest in September.
The shoulder seasons of autumn and spring are nice for beach walks, cycling, and enjoying the local food and drink scene.
For me, late spring is the best time to visit City Beach. The weather is warm without being scorching, and it’s less crowded than peak summer months, so you can enjoy a bit more space.
City Beach Accommodation
City Beach is an upmarket residential area, so there aren’t any hotels in the suburb. However, Scarborough Beach is only five minutes away by car.
Beach Dangers in Perth
Let’s be clear: many dangers face visitors to most beaches worldwide, not just in Perth. No tourist has been attacked by a shark in WA. Although they do happen, it is extremely rare. Sharks have attacked a few people each year, but over one hundred die from drowning over the same period.
Non-tropical marine stingers, such as the Bluebottle (Physalia) or Hair Jelly (Cyanea), are usually found south of Geraldton (including Perth). Their stingers are not generally life-threatening but can cause discomfort if you get stung.
The number one danger on Perth beaches are rips and, on average, are responsible for nineteen deaths annually. Read this guide from Surf Lifesaving on spotting a rip and getting out of one. It could save your life.
Stick to patrolled beaches, never swim/snorkel/surf alone, pay attention to the signs, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
For full information on beach dangers in WA, visit Surf Lifesaving.
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