Perth’s Best Spots to Play and Swim

Summer has arrived – that time of year when the heat wraps around you the moment you step outside and the kids start gravitating to the air-con vents. And while a quick dip at the beach is often the first thing that springs to mind, sometimes it’s nice to try somewhere a little different too. Western Australia is full of shady riverside nooks, calm estuaries, natural pools and beaches where you can cool off, play and explore outdoors in new ways. 

Swimming offers children a rich nature play experience that supports their whole development. Moving through water builds strength, coordination and confidence, while the sensory qualities of rivers, lakes and beaches help children feel calm, regulated and connected to place.

Water invites imaginative, social and open-ended play from splashing and floating to exploring currents and discovering wildlife, all while nurturing risk competence, problem-solving and a deep appreciation for our natural waterways. 

Perth’s Best Spots to Play and Swim

Below you will find selection of great Perth places to play and swim. Click on the name of the place to find further information regarding the playful opportunities present at each place.  

Central Perth Play & Swim Spots

Matilda Bay Reserve: Matilda Bay Reserve is a serene leafy riverside escape just minutes from the city with a calm sheltered river frontage, perfect for safe paddling, gentle swimming or simply splashing near the bank.

Bicton Baths: Also known as Kwoppa-kepa to the Whadjuk Noongar people, the Bicton Baths remains one of the Swan River’s most beloved places for families to swim, splash and explore. The iconic U-shaped jetty is at the heart of the experience and is perfect for confident kids (and playful grown-ups) who love jumping in and cooling off with a splash and the riverbed is a wonderful place to spot all types of creatures including crabs, fish and dolphins. 

Mosman & Cottesloe Beaches – Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space: The Cotteslie Nature Discovery Space is a hidden gem located just to the northern end of Mosman Beach, and a 5 minute drive to the iconic Cottesloe Beach. Incorporating salvaged wood from the old jettys, driftwood and shells throughout this space is a perfect beachside play area – great for a play and then a dip!

Play & Swim Spots North of Perth

Shorehaven Beach & Treasure Island Adventure Playground: The beach alongside the Shorehaven Treasure Island Adventure Playground is popular with families, offering calm, clear waters for general swimming and snorkeling. However, it is not generally patrolled by surf lifesavers, so swim with caution and be aware of local conditions. A highlight is being able to spot the SS Alkimos Wreck!  
 
Whale Playground & Scarborough Beach: Iconic Scarborough Beach offers something for everyone from the cafes, the Whale Playground and swimming. Although swimming here may at times be more suited to confident swimmers, on calm days and within the patrolled areas, it offers a great option for families with kids and teens of different ages, abilities and interests. 

Mullaloo Beach & Tom Simpson Park: Tom Simpson Park is the grassy foreshore park near Mullaloo Beach. With lots of open space and shady trees it is the perfect spot to play after you have had a swim in the usually gentle waves. With wheelchair access available near the surf club, this is a lovely accessible spot for the whole family. 

Play & Swim Spots South of Perth

Woodman Point Regional Park & Coogee Beach: Woodman Point blends white-sand beaches, calm coastal waters and shady tuart woodland – offering a rare mix of sea, sand and bushland all in one place. Families can swim, snorkel, wander coastal paths, picnic under tall trees and enjoy long, relaxed days by the coast. A swimming/snorkelling highlight is the Omeo Shipwreck and dive and snorkel trail. 

Cape Peron: Located within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, the beaches at Cape Peron (also commonly known as Point Peron) are ideal for safe swimming, snorkeling and exploring small bays and rocky outcrops. 

Kwillena Gabi Pool: Kwilena Gabi is a stunning, family-friendly natural pool where you can cool off and connect with nature. It is created via a circular series of floating pontoons. With a maximum depth just under 4.5 metres, access to the pool is via terraced steps or an accessible ramp into shallow water, or via the pontoons into the deeper water. 
 
Mandurah Western Foreshore & Koolaanga Waabiny Playground: The Koolaanga Waabiny Playground on Mandurah’s western foreshore is close to many spots along the estuary which provide opportunities for paddling, SUP, and swimming in the natural, refreshing estuary water. 

Serpentine Falls: Serpentine Falls is located just 55 kilometres southeast of Perth in the stunning Serpentine National Park. The base of the large waterfall offers an idyllic swimming location for the family, with the water on the cooler side. Wildlife spotting is also great for the kids; expect to see lots of kangaroos in the park.  It’s a popular place on warmer days, so consider getting there early to secure a good spot.