Heading to the beach is an iconic Perth and Fremantle pass time. There’s nothing better than the soft sand, the brilliant blue water, and the perfect WA coastline.
Here in Fremantle we’re blessed to be surrounded by some of the city’s best beaches. But with the beaches come the crowds. And sometimes you just want a relaxed beach experience without all the people.
So we’ve pulled together a list of some of Fremantle’s best lesser-known beaches. Places you can relax and get away from it all, without having to fight for space to lay down your towel.
Sandtrax
Sandtrax is the iconic Fremantle beach that not that many people know about. Situated just next to Rous Head—one of the locations where you can catch the ferry over to Rottnest Island—it’s often mistaken for another part of Port Beach.
But it’s its own space, with its own unique charm. Set against a background of iconic Fremantle shipping containers and bright red cranes, Sandtrax is a popular spot for surfers in the winter, where the right conditions create excellent waves. In the summer, it’s one of the few beaches where you’re protected by the Fremantle Doctor, the cooling afternoon breeze that comes in from the Indian Ocean. A welcome addition on a hot summer’s afternoon, but enough to kick up the sand and make you cover your eyes.
Just a six-minute drive or ten-minute bike ride from Pier 21, it’s close enough to get that true WA beach experience, but without the crowds.
Bathers Beach
Bathers Beach might be right in the heart of Fremantle, and a name that everyone seems to know, but it’s still a relatively well-hidden gem.
Nestled near the heritage-listed West End, between the historic Round House and the harbour, it’s a beautiful white sand oasis in our portside city.
Protected from the surf by two rock walls, it’s a place of calmer waters, making a relaxing beachgoing experience. And just under ten minutes’ drive, with plenty of parking in the streets around it, it’s quick and easy to get to as well.
It’s actually two beaches, Bathers Beach North and Bathers Beach South. South is the busier of the two beaches, as it’s closer to Fremantle Harbour, but it also means that it’s close enough to grab some fish and chips at the harbour and bring it down to the sand, still piping hot. The perfect way to stop and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
CY O’Connor Beach
While a little further south of Fremantle, CY O’Connor Beach is a hidden gem for a reason.
Somewhat overshadowed by the more popular South Beach, which takes a lot of the crowds, CY O’Connor is the next beach over. But it’s just as gorgeous, while having the added bonus of being more relaxed and laid back.
It’s easy to get to, as well. Head south, past all the cafes and restaurants of South Fremantle, past the South Beach foreshore, and you’ll find it, tucked away behind a curtain of native trees.
Discover beautiful white sand, and sparkling blue water that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling. It’s even got a shipwreck, the remains of an old jetty, and a partially submerged statue of its namesake, CY O’Connor, out in the water to explore.
As Fremantle’s only designated dog beach, you can bring your furry friends, too.
Just a 12-minute drive south of Pier 21, it’s a quick trip either by hire car or in a taxi. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s only around 30 minutes to ride there.
With showers and toilet facilities, picnic areas, and a BBQ, it’s the perfect place to throw down the towel and set up for a day at the beach.
River Beach
While not technically on the coast, River Beach is close enough that it still counts. The North Fremantle River Beach is actually on the Swan River. A small, secluded beach that’s perfect for a relaxing paddle in the water or a swim in the shallows, that you’ll often find lined with small private boats that people take out for a quick jaunt on the river.
It’s one of the closest beaches to Pier 21. Located just on the other side of Gilbert Fraser Reserve, it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk across the grass, or a quick trip on one of our free stand up paddleboards.
Pier 21 is the perfect hotel for Fremantle beach life
With our riverfront location in North Fremantle, Pier 21 is ideally situated to take advantage of our beaches.
Just minutes from Fremantle CBD, and even closer to the coast, with a range of comfortable rooms available, it’s the perfect Fremantle hotel for coming back from a day at the beach and crashing.
And on a warm WA afternoon, it doesn’t get much better than that.
So the next time you’re thinking about spending some time exploring Fremantle’s hidden beaches, book your room at Pier 21 Apartment Hotel.