Heading to the beach is an iconic Australian pastime. There’s nothing better than powder soft sand, and brilliant blue waves rolling against the perfect WA coastline.
From the calm waters of Bathers Beach to Fremantle’s iconic surfing spots, such as Leighton Beach, we are truly blessed with some of the city’s best beaches.
With such a variety to choose from, choosing a beach to visit in Freo can be a little overwhelming, luckily for you, we’ve put together a list of some of Fremantle’s best beaches, including information on the following beaches:
- Sandtrax – the understated icon
- Port Beach – our fave spot for families
- Bathers Beach – the most convenient location
- CY O’Connor Beach – the hidden gem
- Leighton Beach – the ultimate surf spot
- River Beach – for a different beach experience
- South Beach – the not-so-secret, bonus beach
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.
Though close to other infamous beaches, Sandtrax is 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.
Sandtrax Beach is just a 10-minute drive away from the Fremantle city centre.
Port Beach
Port Beach is a popular beach in Fremantle, known for its crystal-clear waters and expansive white sand shoreline.
A family favourite spot, visitors can enjoy calm, clear waters – making it the perfect beach for swimming and relaxing.
Port Beach is just a short walk from North Fremantle Train Station – making it easily accessible by public transport – and has plenty of parking available for those travelling in by car or campervan. It is easy to get to and has plenty of space for a day in the sun.
For water sport lovers, Port Beach has steady and stronger winds – making it a highly-attractive destination for kite surfers, as the weather there creates the ideal conditions for this exciting sport.
Close to the Fishing Boat Harbour and surrounded by the vibrant energy of Fremantle’s port city, Port Beach embodies the blend of relaxation and adventure that makes Fremantle’s coastline unique.
Port Beach is a 9-minute drive from Fremantle’s city centre.
Bathers Beach
Bathers Beach sits in the heart of Fremantle—a well-known name yet still somewhat tucked away.
This azure oasis lies near the West End, nestled between the Round House and the harbour.
Sheltered by two rock walls, its calm waters make for a peaceful beach experience. Just a short drive away, it offers plenty of nearby street parking, making access quick and convenient.
Bathers Beach tends to be a lively beach due to its proximity to Fremantle Harbour. Although the beach tends to be busier, it’s close to the heart of Fremantle, so you can quickly grab a serving of fresh fish and chips.
Bring your meal to the sand, enjoy it while it’s still hot, and soak in a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean.
CY O’Connor Beach
While a bit 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 with the 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 powder-white sand and sparkling blue water, 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.
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.
CY O’Connor Beach is a 10-minute drive from Fremantle’s City Center.
Leighton Beach
Leighton Beach is another favourite for Fremantle locals and visitors alike. Known as a stunning soft-sand beach with crystal-clear water and more predictable wind patterns, it’s one of the best swimming beaches in the area.
You can easily access the beach close to North Fremantle Train Station for a day of sun and surf.
Leighton is a popular beach for kite surfers and has something for everyone. You can take a short walk along the shore or let your dog play in the dog exercise areas.
Leighton Beach is an 11-minute drive from Fremantle’s city centre.
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.
It is a small, secluded beach perfect for a relaxing paddle in the water or a swim in the shallows 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 on the other side of Gilbert Fraser Reserve, it’s just a few minutes walk across the grass or a quick trip on one of our free stand-up paddleboards.
South Beach
South Beach is one of Fremantle’s most beloved coastal gems, offering a blend of relaxation and vibrant community energy.
Nestled at the southern end of South Fremantle, this beach boasts a vast expanse of soft ivory shoreline and calm turquoise waters, making it perfect for families, swimmers, and those simply looking to unwind.
South Beach is more than just a place to swim—it’s a hub for activity. The grassy foreshore area is dotted with shady trees, BBQ facilities, and picnic spots, making it an ideal location for a beachside gathering. For the little ones, there’s a fantastic playground nearby, ensuring fun for all ages.
Cafes and restaurants are conveniently located just a short walk away, offering everything from coffee to delicious meals so that you can fuel up before or after your beach adventure.
Every Sunday, the South Beach Sunset Markets provide an opportunity to enjoy live music, street food, and local artisan stalls, all set against a stunning Indian Ocean sunset.
Dog lovers will appreciate the designated off-leash area, where four-legged friends can frolic in the sand and surf. Whether you want to swim, relax, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, South Beach has something for everyone.
South Beach is just a 5-minute drive or a leisurely bike ride from Fremantle’s city centre, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
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 world-class beaches.
Our accommodation offers comfortable rooms just minutes from Fremantle City Center and close to the coast. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach.
On a warm WA afternoon, it doesn’t get much better than that.
So the next time you consider exploring Fremantle’s stunning beaches, book your room at Pier 21.