This walk is about 2 km in length and takes 30 minutes each way. Parking is always at a premium along this stretch of coast so you can start your walk from anywhere and then backtrack as necessary. With lots of lovely places to dine or stop for a coffee this is a lovely relaxing weekend walk with superb views up and down the coast.
If you prefer a longer walk you can continue along the coastal path to Trigg or further to Scarborough or head inland at Trigg to explore some of the Trigg Bushland trails. You can also extend north to Watermans Bay, Marmion and on to Hillarys.
The northern most point of our walk was North Beach Jetty which juts out 22m over the sea providing an excellent location for fishing but also views of the sea percolating beneath the jetty.
From the path above the jetty views to the north take in the dogs frolicking on North Beach Dog Beach and views south take in the expanse of North Beach.
The shared use path follows West Coast Drive south with views over North Beach.
Be sure to cross the road at North Beach Road to look at the stunning historical mural at Froth Craft Beach. For the mural Shakey teamed up with ArtByDestroy and dived into the books ”Recollections from the Coast” and “Between Beach and Bush” by local author Chris Holyday who chronicled the local coastline and the early days of North Beach. His photos and stories inspired Shakey to paint the “good old days” which was also a poem written by Chris's Granma that talked about growing up in North Beach.
One aspect of the beach's history that caught the artist's attention was the North Beach Jetty and its many shapes and sizes throughout the years. In its heyday from 1927 onwards, the Jetty spanned more than 70 meters and would attract fishermen, local swimmers and tourists from all over. This was during the period that the North Beach Surf Live Saving Club was first formed, when the lifeguards were busy watching over visitors running and jumping off the extended pier and battling waves below. An Annual Christmas/New Year Carnival was also in full swing, with events such as sand castle building, egg and spoon races and surf-dancing contests.
Continuing south the path reaches Hamersley Pool, a reef-enclosed, tidal pool popular as a family swimming spot and also as a snorkelling location.
Between Hamersley Pool and Mettams Pool you will find the Centaur Memorial commemorating the iron brig Centaur which foundered on a reef 2 km out to sea in 1894. All nine crew and four passengers on board made it safely to shore on lifeboats, landing near what is now known as Hamersley Pool.
Mettams Pool is a natural rock pool protected by a surrounding reef. It's usually calm waters and 2 metre depth make it an ideal spot for swimming. A variety of marine plant and animal species close to shore make this a popular snorkelling and scuba diving spot as well.
From Mettams you pass Pipoon Lagoon before coming to Bennion Beach where you may find Bennies by the Beach coffee van at the southern end of the carpark.
If you continue on passing Clarko Reserve to your left and North Trigg Dog Beach on your right you will arrive at Trigg Point. There is a large playground at Clarko Reserve.
And then you have the pleasure of returning the same way. Keep an eye out for the birds roosting off Trigg Point and for the plaque commemorating the gallant efforts of Frederick Floyd in attempting to save Sister Mary Chrysostum from drowning in 1947.
Pass the ramp to nowhere at Pipoon Lagoon...
...head back past Mettams Pool which has disabled access. If you prefer to walk along the beach it is possible in sections but you will have to go up and down the ramps or staircases.
And there is North Beach Jetty in the distance.
Parking is always at a premium along the coast but there are several car parks to choose from as well as roadside bays along West Coast Drive. Toilets are located along the way at various beach locations.
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I love wandering along trails, both marked and unmarked, and sharing my discoveries with my Out and About FNC community. If you enjoy reading my blogs please consider a small donation which will be used towards the costs of keeping the website up to date and relevant.
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
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