With over 300 parks and reserves, state-of-the-art leisure facilities, and 17 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of places to exercise, catch up, picnic, swim, and spend time in nature within the City of Joondalup. Not sure where to start? These are some of the best ways to spend your day in the area.
Coastal Walk Marmion to Burns Beach
Often referred to as the ‘Ride the Sunset Coast’ pathway, this trail takes you 14 kilometres along Perth’s coastline from the Marmion Marine Park to Burns Beach. The first few kilometres of your journey feature uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, changing to coastal vegetation once you pass Hillarys Boat Harbour. Much of it is native plant species, and as the sea breeze blows, it’ll carry aromas of salt and green leafy notes on it. Mullaloo Beach is the halfway point, making it the perfect place to stop for a break and refreshment at a nearby cafe. The second half of the journey weaves you through the dunes, providing, at times, glimpses of, or 180° views of the glistening ocean.
MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail
Submerge yourself in the crystal-clear water of Marmion Beach and allow the weightlessness and relaxation of being below the surface to take over. Offshore, there’s a colourful reef to explore and abundant marine life to admire; just take the MAAC Dive and Snorkel Trail. It’s designed for scuba divers and snorkelers of all levels and takes you on a 400-meter-long interactive journey. The depth of the trail varies between two to six metres, with 20 underwater concrete plinths resting on the bottom to guide you along. They also provide information about the marine park and sea creatures, fun facts, and activities.
Lake Joondalup Circuit
One of Joondlaup’s best-hidden secrets, the 16-kilometre Lake Joondlaup Circuit takes you through Yellagonga Regional Park on a trail surrounded by flourishing bushland and wildlife habitat. Beginning at Neil Hawkins Park, walk or cycle your way around the lake, keeping an eye out for kangaroos, long-necked turtles, and a wide variety of birds. With picnic spots, a boardwalk, and a lookout, Lake Joondalup Circuit is a great way to connect with nature without leaving the metropolitan area.
Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub
At Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub, at Hillarys Beach Park, you’ll find what’s referred to by locals as the ‘Jacobs Ladder of the north’. The iconic exercise stairway has 145 steps that will take you to a height of 22 metres. At the top, you’ll be met by panoramic views of the coastline and harbour, a great reward for all that effort. The hub is also home to multiple running tracks and dedicated outdoor fitness equipment. For any aspiring Ninja Warriors out there, you’ll also be pleased to find Australia’s largest outdoor park warrior course here.
Craigie Leisure Centre
Having undergone a $9.1 million refurbishment, Craigie Leisure Centre is one of Western Australia’s most premium leisure centre facilities. With a selection of indoor sports, including netball, soccer, and basketball; fitness classes from pilates to body pump; and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to visit. In the upgrades, the gym has more than doubled in size from 500sqm to a huge 1200sqm, meaning there’s more equipment available and more floor space for non-machine-based workouts.
Lake to Coast South e-bike Tour
Explore the Sunset Coast on an electric bike with Paul’s Eco e-bike Tours. At just $65.00 per head, this is a great way to get outside and burn some energy. How much is up to you, as the e-bikes are fully adjustable to give you as much or as little assistance as you please. The tour, which takes 3-4 hours, departs Lake Joondalup every Tuesday at 10:00 am during winter and travels down to North Beach, allowing you to take in the sights of both the bush and beach.
Joondalup Resort Golf Course
The award-winning 27-hole Joondalup Resort Golf Course has three separate nine-hole courses providing plenty of variety and choice for your next day on the green. Designed by the internationally renowned American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, it’s nothing short of a world-class golfing experience. From lush bushland to towering limestone quarries and picturesque lakes, the courses promise plenty of visual diversity. If you’re still perfecting your skills, there’s also a driving range and two large putting greens to practice on.
Shepherds Bush Park
If the words “I’m bored” sound like a broken record playing in your house, add Shepherds Bush Park to your list of ‘boredom cures’. The park in Kinglsey is suitable for children of all ages and designed for those who love their bikes and scooters. You’ll find a pump and jump BMX trail there, with colour-coded tracks for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. There’s also a mini track for children to practice their bike skills and ride around. It’s dotted with little road signs along the way, and pedestrian crossings, parking areas, and a petrol pump to add to the fun and let the imagination run wild.
Down Under Motorcycle Tours
Picture this; the sun shines as you zoom along the coastline with uninterrupted views of the vibrant blue ocean. The wind blows through your hair, and the scent of salt fills the air; the sense of freedom you feel is unmatched. This could be you. Hit the open road with Down Under Motorcycle Tours for an adrenaline-inducing ride on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle or Trike. Choose from a scenic tour or joyride led by an experienced rider — or hire a Harley if you’re licensed — and see the Joondalup area from an exciting and unforgettable angle.
For more inspiration on where to spend time in nature in Joondalup, head here or follow @Uptown.Joondalup to ‘Keep UP’ with the best places to eat, drink, shop and everything in between.
This article was sponsored by Destination Perth and the City of Joondalup. All images supplied.
