Perth’s average of 3,000 annual hours of sunshine are best soaked up in Scarborough, whether it’s surfing the breaks, browsing the markets, or sipping cocktails at one of the many beachside bars. Scarborough is one of Perth’s most popular beaches — not to mention suburbs — located just 20 minutes by car from the CBD. Life is laid back and leisure centres around the water, so it’s little wonder that locals and travellers love to spend the day here. The seaside city mirrors the celebrated Australian lifestyle, with a technicolour fusion of surf culture, boast-worthy food and drink, and plenty to do. Here’s how to spend the ultimate day trip in Scarborough.
Day Trip Itinerary
Sundays and Scarborough are synonymous. There’s no better way to spend the weekend than by soaking up the sunshine in this vibrant coastal suburb! From whiling away the hours at the state’s only beachside pool to surf lessons and lip-smacking eats and drinks, the options are endless. One thing is certain, you’ll be back.
9:00 am: Grab breakfast and a caffeinated brew
Kick off the perfect Scarborough day trip itinerary with breakfast and a brew at Zoie Café. Born from a passion for food and travel, the beachside joint takes the name of the Greek word for life. From savouries to crowd favourites, you’ll find smashed avocado, chilli scrambled eggs, and superfood brekkie bowls, alongside a range of drinks including cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shakes, and the signature brew, Zoie #5. If you’d prefer something on the go, grab a coffee and a pastry from the micro-bakery and specialty espresso bar, Knead Bakery.
10:30 am: Surf lesson with Scarborough Beach Surf School
Surf culture is ingrained in the roots of our seaside state. Western Australia is home to world-class breaks and a star-studded line-up of champions, including Taj Burrow and Felicity Palmateer. So, if you love the ocean, why not try your hand at surfing? Scarborough Beach Surf School offers structured learn-to-surf courses for beginners, intermediates, and the more advanced. A qualified coach will teach you how to tackle the tides, read surf conditions, and identify dangerous situations. All while having loads of fun!
1:00 pm: Lunch with a view
Scarborough is home to an abundance of great places to eat and drink. If you’re in need of some options for your day trip, The Galway Hooker is a popular Irish pub and a fabulous place for a pint of Guinness and authentic pub grub. Cleopatra Scarborough is great for beer battered whiting, tiger prawn linguine, and open steak sandwiches. But for an absolute all-rounder, the beachside club and bar The Lookout is hard to look past. Plating up everything from burgers and pizza, to salads and shares, there’s something to please all tastes and preferences.
2:30 pm: Take a dip at WA’s only beachside pool
Perched on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the Scarborough Beach Pool is the newest installation to the Scarborough scene. Cool down with a dip in the geo-thermally heated, open-air public pool. The world-class recreation facility is also Western Australia’s only beachside pool.
5:30 pm: Seaside sunset cocktails
For killer sunset views and even better cocktails, swing into Mexican staple El Grotto for a spicy margarita to salute a day well spent. Kick on to The Peach Pit for cheeky cocktail jugs and local DJ tunes best enjoyed in the expansive alfresco area. Or, try Bodega Wine Bistro for Mediterranean-style tapas paired perfectly with an Aperol or Limoncello Spritz.
7:00 pm: Dinner along the Scarborough Beach foreshore
If you’re feeling peckish after a day trip of exploration, pick a restaurant along the Scarborough Beach foreshore for dinner. Our recommendation is the stylish and absolute oceanfront Mediterranean restaurant, La Capannina. Expect the likes of olives, oysters and burrata, alongside Amelia Park lamb rump, and butter and sage gnocchi. Simply divine!
