With most of our major beaches grassed areas overrun with drunk and often violent teens it's hard to find a nice quiet spot to enjoy Australias favourite family past time - the beach barbeque. Thankfully tucked between the rocky shores of West Coast Drive is one such place where you still can.
The main beach
Watermans Beach is one of the best kept secrets of the Northern suburbs. The long white beach is cordoned off on either side with jagged rocky outcrops. To the South is a grassed area complete with playground, park benches and free barbeques.
The beach itself is brilliant for swimming, snorkeling and beginner surfing. It's calm with consistent breaks and very few underwater hazards. The drop off between road and sand means that car noise is reduced to almost nothing and it's always a lot quieter than the major beaches.
A disused pathway heading to the main beach
To the North of the beach is a cool little rocky outcrop. At high tide it can be quite dangerous but low tide reveals it's secrets. Come low tide a smooth rocky surface gives keen beach walkers a thoroughfare through to the next beach. A few secret sandy bays pop up between the rocks which provide a perfect private beach (until the tide returns at least) for the romantics.
The south side is where the family fun is. A good sized fenced of playground gives kids hours of fun while the parents can sit back on the green grass to watch the day pass by. There's enough grass for the iconic public cricket matches to get underway as well.
The great Aussie beach dining area
Next to this is another grassed area with two public barbeques, a covered table and uninterrupted views over the Indian Ocean. There ain't many more relaxing places to cook up a feast for the family or friends. The absolute best aspect of the area is - no drunken idiots to be seen!
At the height of summer the bay below the playground fills with sand, making a beautiful secluded spot to go for a post dinner swim. Once again there is enough room for beach cricket, there's brilliant snorkeling and because of the rocky surroundings it's always very calm.
The picturesque southern bay
