Categories > Guides and Tips
A Guide to South Beach So Things Don’t Go South During Your Trip!
We’re not the whingey type when that scorcher Perth sun kicks in. You can pretty much thank South Beach for that.
This South Fremantle stretch is meant for a classic Aussie outing. Norfolk Island pines ensure the heat is more fun and less ‘toasty,’ there are cruisy waters for mini humans to waddle on, and it’s not shy on bits for lazing or getting the blood pumped.
You know what else is sweet? No need to Google yourself into oblivion or hire a random bloke for a tour guide. This guide can sort you out.
Things to Know
Address: South Fremantle
Distance from the Perth CBD: 30 mins (26.8 km)
Tide Forecast
Weather Forecast
How to Get There
By Train and Bus: You’ll reach South Beach from the Perth CBD by taking the Fremantle Line, which stops at Fremantle Station. There, wait for bus line 532, as it will take you to Douro Rd.
Walk west from Duoro Road until you reach its intersection with South Terrace, where you must then walk south until you reach South Beach.
If you’re walking along Wilson Park, you’re in the right place.
By Car: You can park at City of Fremantle – Car Park 58, near the yoga studio and Wilson Park.
By Taxi: You can use the breakdown below to estimate taxi fees. The details are up-to-date as of May 2025.
| Tariff 1 – 6 am to 5:59 pm | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $5.10 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Tariff 2 – 6 pm to 5:59 am (including all day Saturday and Sunday) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
| Ultra Peak (12 am to 02:59 am on Friday and Saturday only) | |||
| Flagfall | Distance Rate | Booking Fee | Waiting Time |
| $7.30 + $4.30 | 2.04/km | $1.80 | $58/hr |
Things to Do
Take a dip and have a picnic
From shadhelle
Dragging the kids away from South Beach’s shallows wasn’t as breezy as the strip. The water here is a tad calmer and clearer compared to similar stops like Leighton or Port Beach.
The leafy picnic stretch is a bonus. We grilled some steaks on the BBQs, didn’t pack rugs thanks to the convenient tables, and went home without sunburns with those Norfolk pines around.
We also soaked in views of Rottnest Island, Carnac Island, and Garden Island, since we popped by on a good day.
Paddle your heart out
From vedrangreget
Scores of kayakers use South Beach as a starting point, especially those cruising through the South Beach to Coogee trail. The Indian Ocean’s ‘openness’ is a reason why.
If you’re more seasoned, you can venture out to nearby attractions, like the Omeo Shipwreck, which is about 6 minutes from South Beach. No need to stray too far from the coast for this one; it’s just 25 metres from the shore and 2–4 metres deep.
Those without kayaks can rent, too. Right at the beach, you’ll find Mocean Tides, where rentals run for about 40 bucks an hour.
Walk your pups at the South Beach Dog Exercise Area
From perthkittykat
Address: Marine Terrace, South Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 8 9432 9999
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Dogs with zoomies to burn will likely have a blast at the off-lead South Beach Dog Exercise Area. It’s naturally fenced and spacious, so going for a dip or jog should top your to-do list.
I take my furry pal here early. Mornings are way cooler and less crowded, though I can’t argue that arvos are extra gorgeous, with the sunset on the horizon.
Just don’t swing by without checking the forecast; it can get real gusty. Fortunately, there are showers for cleaning those sandy bits off you and your pooch.
Set the kids loose at South Beach Recreation Reserve
From £lightroom_____edits
Address: 21 Ocean Dr, North Coogee
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Ask our kiddos what their favourite Perth spot is, and odds are they’ll pick South Beach Recreation Reserve. Last time, they spent hours sliding and swinging on the expanse’s boat-themed playground.
The sportier bunch opted for shooting hoops on the full-sized basketball court right by the beach. I didn’t spend a single dime on that, since it’s free, and the lights meant they could play until dark.
If yours, though, are more into art, cycle or stroll to the reserve’s east end. There, you’ll get first-row seats to the bold East-West street murals.
Hit the South Beach Walk
From jt_adams38
Length: 5.3 km
Estimated Time: 1 hr and 14 mins
Elevation Gain: 89 m
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
The South Beach Walk was so eye-catching and gentle that even our smallest adventurers didn’t moan, and they’re textbook grumblers. Seriously, the trail was in prime condition, and we had uninterrupted beach outlooks to lazily gaze at.
What’s more, the panoramas aren’t stagnant. We passed by those famed South Beach picnic grounds, Norfolk pines, and BBQs—though we’d say the sunset was the most magnetic.
Fur parents can take their pups, too, as long as the furballs are on a lead. That’s crucial, since the path is shared by pram-pushers, walkers, and cyclists.
Where to Eat
Bistro 21
From bistro21southbeach
Address: 21 Ocean Dr
Contact Details: +61 8 9336 5852
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 am to 2:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
We usually wind down at Bistro 21 after a stroll or swim at the beach. Local produce is front and centre here, with some international bites for spice.
The $21 plate of poached eggs is what we normally wolf down. Its light sweetness goes down a treat with the cafe’s hash browns and smoked salmon, each at $5.
Now, if you’re craving a bowl of aromatic and more pronounced umami notes, go with the $20 pho. It’s even better with a bubbly on the side.
La Cabaña
From lacabanafreo
Address: 400 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Wed to Thu – 4 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sun – 12 pm to 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
Website
La Cabaña is for the hip crowd. Patrons get a slice of bohemian charm, topped by fuego Mexican flavours.
The $15 ceviche con coco is a prime example, especially if gobbled with a spicy marg to wash its sharp flavours down. The dish features raw, local fish that’s made silkier by a fresh coconut-lime dressing.
Can’t sleep on the $16 chargrilled corn tentacles either. The first bite is crisp and caramelised, then you get that smoky heat from jalapeno mayo.
Madalenas Bar
From madalenas.bar
Address: 406 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 459 250 952
Operating Hours:
- Wed – 5 pm to 10 pm
- Thu – 4 pm to 10 pm
- Fri to Sat – 12 pm to 12 am
- Sun – 12 pm to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
Madalenas Bar knows what it’s doing when it comes to seafood and booze.
Our go-to move? Smoky Bay oysters first. They’re plumper than most, but it’s their creamy-oceanic character that does it for us.
Then it’s straight to some BBQ Albany sardines, which, fortunately, maintain the fish’s natural oil without making it mushy. Each piece has an herbaceous side, too, the kind that connects with almost any pour, be it wine or cocktail.
South Beach Cafe
From south_beachcafe
Address: 9 Ocean Rd, South Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 8 9335 3925
Operating Hours: Daily – 6 am to 6 pm
Pricing: $
Website
Just a few hops from the court and playground, South Beach Cafe is where we often make a beeline for after a day of playing. For one, it’s light on the wallet.
As for the grub, we can’t skip those deep-fried hoki fish and chips. If you’re a fan of flaky, soft meat that packs hints of sweetness, you should also give it a whirl.
That said, I’m more partial to their steak sandwich, which is lean but not devoid of beefy, buttery layers. Sweetening the deal are its generous servings of crisps and bacon.
Sealanes Cafe
From sealaneswa
Address: 178 Marine Terrace, South Fremantle
Contact Details: +61 8 9432 8807
Operating Hours: Wed to Sun – 12 pm to 8 pm
Pricing: $$
Website
Most folks roll to Sealanes Cafe for their snapper fish and chips, but you won’t be labelled daft if you choose the platters, especially if you have mates or tots tagging along.
In our case, the fisherman’s basket does the trick. Getting chips, three squid rings, and fish for $26 isn’t a bad deal.
You can also jazz it up with extras, like six pieces of salt and pepper squid for $8.
