Port Beach: Local’s Ultimate Guide + Top 5 Things To Do
Port Beach is a stone’s throw away from the bustling port of Fremantle, Western Australia. This beach is a haven for sun-seeking adventurers with its golden sands, turquoise waters, and activities to suit every taste.
As Perth locals, we will be your guide to Port Beach, sharing insider tips and revealing the must-try experiences.
Where is Port Beach?
Port Beach is in the suburb of North Fremantle, just south of Leighton Beach.
International and domestic visitors will fly into Perth Airport. Find details about visas, prohibited items, currency, and safety in this Australia Travel Guide and tips on arriving into WA and other essential travel information in this Western Australia Travel Guide.
There are car hire booths at Perth airport, but it’s best to pre-book your car rental.
To compare Australia car hire prices, Discover Cars is an award-winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are have a high rate of customer satisfaction.
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Compare Rental Cars Here.
How to get to Port Beach
To reach Port Beach from Perth:
By Car
The most convenient option is to drive – it takes about 20 to 25 minutes from Perth, depending on traffic. Take Stirling Highway (state route 5) heading south and turn left onto Curtin Avenue.
Parking
Limited parking is available close to the beach.
By Public Transport
From Perth, take the Fremantle line train to North Fremantle. From there, Port Beach is around a 15 to 20-minute walk.
By Taxi / Ride-Share
Ride-sharing services are widely available in Perth and Fremantle.
Port Beach Facilities (free)
- Toilets
- Showers
- BBQS
- Car Park
- Kiosk, Cafe, & Restaurant
Top 5 Things to Do at Port Beach
1. Swimming
Port Beach offers a beautiful stretch of golden sand and clear turquoise waters, making it an inviting spot for swimmers. However, it’s important to note that ocean conditions can change, and it’s always advisable to exercise caution and be aware of any potential hazards.
Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club conducts patrols of Port Beach over weekends and public holidays between October and April each year.
2. Walking, Jogging, or Cycling
The coastal path at Port Beach stretches south to North Mole and north to Swanbourne, allowing visitors to enjoy a scenic walk, ride, or jog with stunning ocean views.
3. Watch the Sunset
Port Beach is a wonderful place to witness the stunning beauty of a Perth sunset.
Check the local sunset time and plan to arrive a little earlier to capture some memorable photos, relax, and let the natural splendour of the sunset create a memorable experience.
4. Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Fremantle’s strong afternoon sea breeze provides excellent conditions at Port Beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
5. Dine or have a drink at Coast Port Beach
Coast Port Beach is a popular beachfront venue known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, offering a unique blend of beachside dining and entertainment.
Its prime position overlooking Port Beach provides panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and stunning sunsets.
The spacious and modern restaurant and bar area is great for enjoying delicious food and refreshing beverages or dining alfresco-style.
Sharks Port Beach
Like many coastal areas in Perth, sharks may be present at Port Beach. However, it’s important to note that shark encounters are infrequent, and measures have been implemented to minimise the potential risk.
In peak season, Surf Life Saving WA monitor the ocean and provide information regarding any reported shark sightings.
Some shark safety advice includes being aware of your surroundings, swimming between the flags, and avoiding swimming at dawn and dusk.
If you have any concerns or want the most up-to-date information on beach safety and shark activity, you should check with the lifeguards responsible for the beach. They can provide you with the latest updates and advice.
Other Beach Dangers
You might come across non-tropical marine stingers along Perth’s sandy shores, like the Bluebottle or Hair Jelly. Their stings aren’t typically life-threatening, but can by uncomfortable.
Port Beach can have rips, strong, narrow currents that flow away from the shore and pose a risk to swimmers. Swim between the designated flags as lifeguards patrol this area. Read this guide from Surf Lifesaving on spotting a rip and getting out of one.
The Australian sun is harsh, so apply plenty of sunscreen before you hit the beach. Bring some with you to reapply, along with a hat, sunglasses, protective clothing and water.
For full information on beach dangers, visit Surf Lifesaving.
Port Beach FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Port Beach?
Dogs are not allowed on Port Beach but walk further north to Leighton Beach (north of the railway footbridge).
Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest to explore from Port Beach?
Port Beach is close to Fremantle with its historic charm and bustling markets, as well as other beautiful beaches like Cottesloe Beach.
Save Money Planning your Trip
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Flights ✈️
We fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.
Accommodation 🏩
We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties.
Car Rental 🚘
To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.
Campervan/RV Rental 🚐
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.
For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.
