The best things to do in Scarborough
Scarborough – Perth’s beachside paradise. With that big blue ocean, an even bigger, bluer sky and plenty of great eating and drinking, what’s not to love?
Although we doubt you needed a reminder, we’ve created this chock-a-block, supersized list to help you explore all that Scarborough has to offer.
SEE & DO
Scarborough Beach
Of course, top of the list has to be the beach – which is in the running for Perth’s most popular! Head in for a morning dip, or catch a wave when the swell picks up. The beach is popular with learner surfers as well, with the Scarborough Beach Surf School the oldest in the world! Of course, you’ve got to get your gear from The Surf Boardroom: established in 1988, it’s an iconic destination for all your surfing needs. If you prefer calmer waters, the beachside pool (the only one in WA) is geothermically heated to 27 degrees all year round – a blessing in winter!
Whale Playground
After swimming to their heart’s content, really get the kids worn out with a play on the $1.4 million, all-abilities play space. Designed for adventurers of all ages, the nautical-themed playground centres around an impressive whale skeleton structure.
The Snake Pit
Back when Scarbs was the rough-and-tough home of rock and roll, the Snake Pit was notorious as the rollicking party and dancing spot for the bodgies and widgies of the beach. Nowadays, it’s been reborn as a three-tier skate park, with an international-level competition skate bowl, surrounded by more banks, ramps and rails to test the skills of both burgeoning and pro skaters of every age. As well as skating, the Snake Pit boasts a basketball half-court and a climbing wall with 198m2 of climbable surface and a whopping 1350 holds.
Tjunta Trail
Connect with the Dreamtime story of Tjunta through five public art installations along the Scarborough foreshore. Created by artists Neville Collard, Richard Walley and Jahne Rees, the trail tells the story of spirit woman Tjunta and the search for missing children. As well as the Tjunta Trail, the foreshore boasts a public art trail that features five more installations, each of which tell the story of Scarborough’s culture throughout history.
Stock Up On Surf Gear
Of course you can’t wander around Perth’s surfing haven without looking the part! Fortunately you’ve got plenty of options to choose from when it comes to surf couture. Along with The Surf Boardroom mentioned above, you’ve got Cordingleys Surf right on the beach tucked in between a couple of the esplanade’s best bars, plus Rip Curl’s Scarborough store just across the road. Whether it’s new boards or sun and surf-ready swag you’re after, there’s plenty to choose from in the centre of Scarbs.
Artspace Collective
Now you’ve got your artistic appetite going, check out Artspace Collective: Scarborough’s community-driven arts hub. The space champions local artists and connects them with the local community through a diverse range of workshops for kids and grownups.
80A Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough
Scarborough Sunset Markets
The Scarborough Sunset Markets have become an absolute icon and an institution. While it may have started as a summer-exclusive event, the markets now light up the foreshore through the winter, too – with Perth’s best food trucks, artisan makers, DJs and live musicians keeping the vibes up and even activities for your pooch!
Scarborough-Trigg Heritage Trail
While you’ll certainly have a spectacular time meandering along the beach, Scarbs also offers some trails that venture from the coast into bushland and all the way back again! The total trail starts at the foreshore and is 7.5km but you can also tackle it in smaller sections that explore specific areas.
Yoga Garage
There’s no better place to get centred than right by the beach, and the Yoga Garage is a one-stop shop for all things body and mind in Scarborough. The studio has a strong and welcoming community that opens its doors to anyone from beginners to advanced, with all kinds of classes going all day every day.
19 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough
Scarbra Barbra
Tucked away behind the Surfboard Room you’ll find mens hairdresser the Scarbra Barbra, nice and laidback – as Scarborough demands. And while the vibes are chill and the beers are cool, it’s a team of proper professionals who know their way around whatever kind of work your salad needs.
21 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough
Perth Coastal Explorer
If you’re without a car, it’s still easy to explore all that Scarborough has to offer. The Perth Coastal Explorer will take you from the CBD all the way up to Hillary’s, stopping at Scarborough Beach’s beautiful white sands and glittering blue water.
EAT & DRINK
Harvest Boulangerie Patisserie
Harvest is so popular, you might have to get up early (and fight through a queue of devoted locals) to make sure you don’t miss out – but trust us, it’s worth it. We’ve already talked about their light-as-air croissants (which, by the by, are even more amazing filled with ham and cheese…) But for us, the real showstoppers are the flaky, buttery danishes topped with fresh, seasonal fruit.
117B Brighton Road, Scarborough
Brighton Road Food Market
And in the same area as Harvest and Stone Jetty, you’ll find the Brighton Road Food Market – an excellent, independent health food supermarket to line the pantry with all kinds of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan goodness. Out front they sling fresh coffees from 6.30am, and they’re a little cheaper than most places which is always handy especially after you treat yourself to all that excellent produce in the market.
111 Brighton Road, Scarborough
Livid Skate Cafe
If you’re getting coffee close to the beach you want beach-going vibes, Livid Skate Cafe has all the chill you could ask for. Very friendly staff will serve you up quick smart after a quick chat about what the swell’s doing, plus they make a mean wrap. If you’ve got a bit of time make sure you explore their rad little art gallery next door, and keep your ears to the ground for regular laneway parties that are jam-packed with good crew and great music.
4A/6 Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough
Dumbo Gelato
Relative newcomers to the gelato game, Dumbo Gelato have been getting tongues wagging since their opening in 2019. Brought to you by the same team as Scarbs neighbour El Grotto and Highgate party spot Si Paradiso, you know Dumbo is going to be super slick in the branding and fit out departments, but rest assured: the gelato is just as good. A menu that is 50% vegan and mostly gluten-free, four-legged friends can even get in on the action, with a special dog-friendly gelato. Now that’s inclusivity!
7/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough Beach
Knead Bread & Coffee
Probably the most recent addition to the Scarborough beach coffee set, Knead knows bread better than most and have quickly become the go-to for organic sourdough goodness in the area. As you can probably guess they’ve got plenty of excellent pastry delights on offer (including your beloved cinni scrolls), and they’re no slouches in the coffee department.
Luna Maxi Mart Shopping Centre, 6 Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough
Drift Kitchen
If you’ve got a bit more time up your sleeve, Drift Kitchen is a great spot to catch up with friends for a proper sit down brekky and coffee combo. Serving up delicious breakfasts with coffee from Perth roasters Leftfield – it’s not hard to fall into holiday mode and soak up the coastal vibes.
16A Calais Road, Scarborough
Bodega
One of the newest additions to Perth’s wine bar scene is Scarborough’s Bodega. Opened by pizzeria Il Locale (which is conveniently located on the same road), Bodega offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu and wine list featuring French, Italian and Spanish wines.
16e Calais Road, Scarborough
SKØL
As the sun stretches overhead, you might find yourself floating over from Drift Kitchen to the heritage courtyard at SKØL, a Scandinavian bar and eatery from the Drift crew, inspired by family history, tradition and simplicity. Nibble through a plate of oysters, some gravlax or grilled slipper lobster with garlic and dill butter, and make sure to sip on one of their perfectly Instagrammable cocktails.
35 Ewen Street, Scarborough
The Lookout Bar Bar Bowling & Bites
The Lookout ain’t just a huge bar on the beach in Scarbs, it’s also got some good time bowling alleys inside! Some may have laughed at the notion of converting the old Matisse Beach Club into a bar you can go bowling at, but it’s been a huge hit down on the Esplanade. With regular meal and bowling deals during the week, we recommend popping by then when it’s a bit more chill, although if you feel like turning it up it’s got the rowdiest Sunday sesh on the strip.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Folk & Merchant
Technically in Doubleview, we can’t resist including this delightful spot. Taking over the former Mr Herbert’s site, Folk & Merchant have been keeping the community vibes going strong. Pop by the coffee window for a quick coffee (powered by local roasters Kaltiva), or head inside for some simple but delicious plates – or peruse the dreamy local wares on offer, including owner Laura Fletcher’s own kids clothing label, Lucie June.
4/243 Herbert Street, Doubleview
Little Sisto
Tucked away towards Doubleview, Little Sisto is serving up delicious brunches with even better vibes. The courtyard is a truly delightful spot to soak up the sunshine, but whether you’re dining in or stopping in on the go, the Micrology coffee goes down a real treat.
145 Sackville Terrace, Doubleview
Indian Ocean Hotel
The Indi Bar has been holding down live music in Scarborough for years, packing it in five nights a week. They’ve had some of Australia’s biggest bands roll through along with always showcasing some of its future stars. Plus their pool parties go alright once that sun comes back out, and Toastface Grillah on the food is an absolute winner.
23 Hastings St, Scarborough
Lady Latte
Another great little spot set a little ways back from the beach, Lady Latte’s killer coffees are complimented with an insane selection of gourmet jaffles. At last count they had around 10 different varieties to suit any occasion, from super spicy numbers to special hangover cures.
41 Edgehill Street, Scarborough
Oceans 6019
An absolute mainstay on the strip for years, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to watch a Scarborough sunset with beer in hand than Oceans 6019. There’s always DJs on hand to help soundtrack those sundown vibes, will you’ll also find some live music inside, and maybe even a sneaky bit of karaoke if you’re up to it!
1 Manning Street, Scarborough
Sandbar
At the opposite end of the strip you’ll find Sandbar, open from 7am every day right through until late serving up a mean breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the northern tip of the strip can get pretty rowdy, Sandbar keeps things cruisy with a more casual dining experience and regular acoustic acts.
1 Scarborough Beach Rd, Scarborough
Kinky Swell
A lovely, no muss no fuss neighbourhood cafe always filled with customers and friendly smiles, Kinky Swell’s heathy menu is filled with a heap of options to suit any kind of appetite. They keep it simple with Crema Beans for the coffee and make ’em perfectly.
166 Brighton Road, Scarborough
Toastface Grillah
We’ve extolled the virtues of the mighty Toastface Grillah plenty of times on Perth Is OK!, and their Scarborough hangout is one of the best. Set within the music history-filled walls of the Indi Bar in Scarborough, they’ve got you sorted for breakfast, lunch and even dinner.
23 Hastings Street, Scarborough
C-Breez Kiosk
After a quick dip at Brighton Beach head to C-Breez for a coffee or something more substantial and you’ll fit right in with the rest of the locals. Given its proximity to the ocean it gets pretty busy, but that’s okay because you’re on Scarborough time – just pull up on the grass and enjoy the sun and salty air!
5 Brighton Road, Scarborough
Pizzaca Caffe
Nestled on the corner of Scarborough Beach Road and Gildercliffe Street, you might not see Pizzaca Caffe as you pass by. But it’s there, and the locals know all about it. Pizzaca are pumping out amazing food and drink from dawn ‘til dusk. Start the day off right from a list of sweet and savoury hot cakes, eggs benedict or a tasting plate. In the evening, dig in to those classic Italian comfort foods: woodfire pizzas, home-style pastas, juicy steaks, chilli mussels and even a parmi that you can top with spaghetti bolognese. Pizzaca is a family affair, served with love, straight from the heart. (Kale Armstrong)
161 Gildercliffe Street, Scarborough
General Public Food Co.
Evan and Sarah Hewitt’s suburban bar and restaurant is the living embodiment of a hidden gem. Whether it’s your morning coffee, a fried chicken taco or some fries loaded with melted cheese, pulled pork and sour cream, General Public has got you sorted. But it doesn’t stop there. Serving up sensational pizzas that champion locally sourced ingredients and a naturally fermented dough, prepare to have your mind blown from the very first bite. Pair that with six rotating beers on tap and a swag of delicious WA wines, and you’ve got yourself a solid night of eating and drinking on your hands.
5/19 Doric Street, Scarborough
Il Locale
From one iconic Scarborough institution to another, previous Indi Bar General Manager Mathieu Bourget’s Il Locale is serving up some of the best Neapolitan pizza in town. With a passionate and humble team of Scarborough locals, it hasn’t taken long for this pizzeria to build a strong bond with its community. Combining local and imported D.O.P ingredients – including Stracciatella and Burrata from La Delizia Latticini – Il Locale’s three-day Caputo and Manitoba fermented dough is the perfect vessel to carry the very essence of quality toppings. Smashing the pizza game like Maradona smashes goals, these pizzaiolos are the real deal. This is where Nonna gets her pizza, and you don’t question Nonna. (Kale Armstrong)
16C Calais Road, Scarborough
El Grotto
If you’re feeling less like an eleganté sunset wine and more like a down and dirty night out…El Grotto might be the place for you. Head to their Facebook to suss out what live music is on this week, head down and grab a jug of La Paloma and enjoy some selections from their insanely good menu.
5/148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Scarborough Beach Bar
We’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to bars along the Scarborough Beach foreshore, but it’s hard to go past the views at Scarborough Beach Bar. Perched upstairs you get a primo viewing platform of surfers over the hill all set to chilled DJs, a very tempting cocktail selection and relaxed coastal pub fare.
1 Manning Street, Scarborough
The Peach Pit
While it may be nestled right on Scarborough beach, The Peach Pit has anything but your beach bod on its mind. Their regular selections of smashed burgers are dangerous enough (the potato buns are a big plus), but it’s their burgers of the month that’ll haunt your dreams.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Samari Cambodian Restaurant
For a little slice of Cambodia in Scarbs, you can’t go past Samari. The Cambodian eatery serves up a flavour-packed menu of Khmer cuisine, including traditional favourites like banana flower salad, rice pancakes filled with minced chicken, or emperor fish curry served in an impressive banana leaf bowl.
251 West Coast Highway, Scarborough
La Capannina
Perched on the beach with a view that’ll take your breath away, La Capannina is bringing the relaxed, coastal Italian vibes to Scarbs. We can’t think of much better than having a slice of pizza in one hand and a cocktail in another, all while soaking up the sunset.
171 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Zoie Café
Near La Capannina you’ll also find Zoie Café, bringing some incredibly fresh and tasty flavours to Scarborough beach and the neighbouring pool. While there’s a raft of super healthy options to choose from, we won’t blame you for dipping in their naughty array of sweet treats when they look as good as they do!
171 The Esplanade, Scarborough
ACCOMMODATION
Rendezvous
Hotel Rendezvous has been synonymous with Scarborough for decades with spectacular beach views, an awesome lagoon-style pool, tennis courts, games room, modern conference spaces and great dining options.
148 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Seashells
A little further south across the road from Brighton Beach you’ll find Seashells, the perfect kick off point for beach walks, surfing, pool and ocean swimming, kitesurfing, cycling, beachside dining and more. The self-contained apartments mean you’ll feel like you’ve been living by the beach forever.
178 The Esplanade, Scarborough
Indian Ocean Hotel
The abovementioned Indi Bar also has a bunch of rooms to rest your head after big days by the beach (or at the pub). Not only is the outdoor pool ripper, they’ve also got pool tables, spa bath, outdoor bars and more.
Ramada Vetroblu
The Ramada Vetroblue offers fantastic serviced apartments with sweeping views of the precinct, in studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. If you really wanna live it up you can book a three- and four-bedroom split level penthouse apartment!
48A Filburn St, Scarborough
Quest
Barely 200m from the action, Quest Scarborough‘s serviced apartments offer a great accommodation option at affordable prices, and a pretty schmick-looking pool if we don’t say so ourselves.
4 Brighton Rd, Scarborough