Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is Perth's busiest surf beach—a long stretch of white sand that picks up virtually any swell going. Multiple sandbars create shifting peaks offering both lefts and rights, making it a reliable option when other spots are flat. The beach is exposed to the full force of Indian Ocean swells and handles everything from knee-high summer fun to solid winter groundswells. Strong rips are a constant hazard.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (260°)
- Direction range
- 220° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
9/10
Access: Large beachfront carpark. Easy beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Scarborough Beach?
Scarborough Beach is a beach break in Perth, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Scarborough Beach?
Scarborough Beach picks up swell from the SW round to the WNW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the W. It starts working at around 0.5m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.2 to 1.6m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Scarborough Beach?
An E wind is dead offshore at Scarborough Beach, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Scarborough Beach?
Scarborough Beach isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Scarborough Beach?
Scarborough Beach works year-round. Year-round surf. Best in winter with bigger SW groundswells.
How cold is the water at Scarborough Beach?
The water at Scarborough Beach averages around 21°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Scarborough Beach good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. It gets busy (crowd 9/10), so mind the pecking order. Strong rips. Very crowded, especially weekends.
How do I get to Scarborough Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is PER, then it's roughly a 20-minute drive. Large beachfront carpark. Easy beach access.
What other surf spots are near Scarborough Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Trigg Point (2.0 km), Cottesloe Beach (11 km) and Strickland Bay (29 km), handy when Scarborough Beach isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round surf. Best in winter with bigger SW groundswells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Trigg Point
🏙️ Perth's best break • Sand-dependent right • Urban lineup
Cottesloe Beach
🏛️ Perth icon • Mellow beach break • Beginner friendly
Strickland Bay
🦘 Island escape • Quokka paradise • Ferry to perfection
Mandurah Wedge
Perth-side wedge | Breakwater ramps | Bodyboard focus
Three Bears
🐻 Yallingup left • Barrel reef • Consistent