Perth's Cheapest Seaside Getaways

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Posted 2014-10-28 by Carolyn Hopping ⇒ follow

To describe Perth summers as scorching-hot is an understatement and therefore it's hardly surprising that when the mercury starts to soar, our beaches are packed. While it's always great to enjoy a couple of hours lazing on the sand or in the water, it's even better to spend a few days or more near the ocean, enjoying the special vibe that only a seaside getaway can provide. However, unfortunately beach resorts aren't particularly cheap, so the idyll often remains a beautiful daydream that many of us never get to fulfil.

It's comforting to know, however, that a beachside sojourn doesn't have to be outrageously expensive. Although we may daydream about lush tropical paradises or laid-back surfing resorts down south, if we can set our sights on less glamorous but equally satisfying localities, our dreams can more easily materialise into something we'll enjoy on a regular basis. Here in Perth and nearby we have several terrific beaches, some with great budget accommodation just walking distance away. While they may not be the palm-tree fringed, five-star resorts of Bali, on a sweltering weekend in the middle of summer, I guarantee you really aren't going to care.

Read on for some practical, down-to-earth suggestions about where to go to have a budget beachside getaway, right here in Perth. If you know of any other places, please feel free to share them with other readers in the comments box below.

Rottnest Island
Perth's holiday island is often the top choice for Western Australian families and friends wanting to enjoy a beach getaway not too far from home. Boasting some of Australia's most beautiful beaches, 'Rotto' is a haven for swimmers, divers, surfers, boaties and other varieties of sun-worshippers, and there's a terrific range of accommodation to match, catering for all kinds of budgets. While Rottnest Lodge, the luxury units and heritage cottages are great for those who can afford to holiday in style, those of us on a shoe-string budget can still enjoy all the Rottnest magic for a fraction of the cost, and there are several great options ranging from simple cabins, rustic bungalows, camping, a backpacker hostel and other dormitory-style accommodation. To learn more, visit the Rottnest Island website .

Fremantle
With its friendly laid-back lifestyle, nice beaches and lovely old buildings, Fremantle is another great spot to head to for a weekend getaway that's right on your doorstep. While there is plenty of pricey hotel and guesthouse accommodation for the well-heeled, budget-conscious visitors will be glad to know that there are also a few backpacker hostels in town as well as the wonderful Woodman Point Holiday Park, just ten kilometres away.

Offering typical backpacker accommodation, Pirates Backpackers , Sundancer Backpackers and The Old Fire Station Backpackers are situated close to all the action and are within walking distance to Freo's fabulous beaches. Check out their websites to learn about what each offers, compare prices and to see some photos.
Located approximately ten kilometres from Fremantle in the Woodman Point Regional Nature Reserve, Woodman Point Holiday Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing family holiday close to the city. While it's not situated directly on the beach, a leisurely walk through the nature reserve or a quick drive will take you to one of the lovely local beaches. Catering for all kinds of budgets, the park offers a wide assortment of accommodation ranging from comfortable cabin and chalet accommodation to powered sites suitable for both caravans and campers. Park facilities include a great camper's kitchen, a Mediterranean pool with grass surrounds, fully equipped laundries, kiosk, recreation room, internet booth and more, all situated in beautiful landscaped gardens.

Woodman Point Holiday Park is situated at the corner of Cockburn Road and Magazine Court in Munster. Visit their website for more information, or give them a call on 08 9434 1433.

Cottesloe
Quite possibly Perth's best-known beach, Cottesloe is another hot spot to head to for a seaside break during summer. Although, as one of the city's most affluent suburbs, it's generally not a cheap spot to stay, there is a backpacker hostel located just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Ocean Beach Backpackers is situated at 1 Eric Street in Cottesloe and has a range of room configurations including single rooms, doubles, twins, triples, quads and dormitories. Go to their website to find out more, including prices.

Scarborough
One of Perth's leading small hostels, Western Beach Lodge is located just walking distance from beautiful Scarborough Beach. As well as dormitory accommodation, the hostel also has some double rooms (with a shared bathroom) and four-bed rooms with an ensuite. Other facilities this great little hostel provides includes free use of surfboards and boogie boards, communal kitchen, Wifi, security lockers, TV lounge and laundry.

Western Beach Lodge is situated at 6 Westborough Street in Scarborough. For more information, including prices and contact details, go to the Western Beach Lodge website or phone 08 9245 1624.

Burn's Beach
Just a few decades ago Burn's Beach was still a sleepy seaside village on Perth's northern fringe, largely unknown to the majority of people, apart from a few northern suburbs locals. These days, however, although the suburban sprawl has inevitably encroached upon the area, Burn's Beach still maintains its laid-back beachy ambiance, and when you're lazing on the sand there it's hard to believe you're less than a hour away from the Perth CBD.

Burn's Beach's original caravan park, the Burn's Beach Sunset Village is still in operation and provides a great holiday option for guests, both local and interstate. Located right on the beach-front, it's the perfect spot for a seaside holiday, whether you're a young family, couple or group of friends. As well as offering a high standard of one and two bedroom chalets, the park also has space for caravans and campers.

Burn's Beach is a real gem, so be sure to check this place out. Please note, however, that due to its sensational location, this park is in high demand. Therefore, be sure to book your accommodation well ahead of any planned visit. Go to the Burn's Beach Sunset Village website for more information and to make bookings.

Rockingham
Situated less than 50 kilometres from Perth City, Rockingham is reputed to possess some of Western Australia's best beaches, and fortunately for budget-conscious visitors who desire to linger longer, there are several great accommodation options available. For those who enjoy a camping holiday or are looking for simple cabins, the city boasts several caravan parks. One of the nicest spots, close to the Point Peron and Penguin Island, is Palm Beach Caravan Park. Situated in a peaceful bushland setting, but close to the shops and a bus route, the park has all the modern conveniences that most of us look for on a camping holiday: clean ablution blocks, barbecues and a small kiosk. It's situated at 35 Fisher Street in Rockingham. Call 08 9527 1515 for more information.

Also recommended by many locals and travellers from further afield, Rockingham Holiday Village is another great spot if you want to camp out, surrounded by bushland and plenty of native birdlife. The park offers powered sites suitable for caravans or tents, as well as well-maintained bathroom facilities, laundry, camper's kitchen, playground and barbecues. Contact them at 08 9527 4240 for bookings and to find out more.

If you're a large family or want to get away with a group of friends, renting a holiday house in the Rockingham area may be the best way to make your dollar stretch further. To learn more, go to the Rockingham Visitors Centre website , email [email protected] or phone 08 9592 3464.

Yanchep
Just 56 kilometres north of Perth, Yanchep is a beautiful seaside suburb located close to the ever-popular Yanchep National Park. A great place to stay here, whether you're pinching your pennies or not, is Club Capricorn on Two Rocks Road, offering a wide range of accommodation from basic camping (both powered and unpowered sites are available) up to much fancier lodge rooms and chalets. Go to their website to find out more.