City Beach, as its name suggests, is the closest beach to the central business district (CBD) of Perth, Australia’s fourth-largest city. Somehow, City Beach still manages to retain a natural and relaxed look and feel, and happens to be a great swimming beach as well.
The small, vegetation-covered dunes that line the beach contrast nicely with the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. As you gaze out to sea and hear the lapping waves and shrieks of the seagulls, it is hard to imagine that 2 million people go about their daily lives just behind those dunes.
Take your shoes off and take a walk along the beach to tune out the stresses of city life and tune in to the calming rhythms of the ocean. If it’s a warm day, jump in the water for a swim. The City Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been running since 1924 and its well-trained lifesavers still dutifully patrol the beach today.
City Beach’s low waves are kind to beginner surfers and thanks to the steady sea breezes here, kite surfing is also very popular.
Treat yourself to a meal at one of the restaurants or cafés near the beach, with everything from a quick fish ’n’ chips to evening-long fine dining available. Or, pack a picnic or bring something for the barbecue to make the most of the shady seaside park and its free facilities, which include a kids’ playground.
Walk off your lunch with a stroll along the boardwalk to neighbouring Floreat Beach. Keep watch for birds that live amongst the dunes. If you are lucky you might spot a snake or lizard basking in the sun.
Find a café or restaurant with ocean views and sit back with a glass of Margaret River wine as the sky lights up with ever-changing bursts of colours as the sun sets to the west.
City Beach is less than 30 minutes from the CBD by car. There are several free places to park your car and it’s also easy to come here by public transport. The beach is accessible 24/7 and its visitors’ facilities include toilets, showers and change rooms.
