Bathers Beach, also known as whalers beach is a small beach located in the city of Fremantle, Western Australia. It is located on the western side of the Fremantle port, and it is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, and it is also home to the Bathers Beach House, which is a popular restaurant and bar that offers views of the beach and the surrounding area.
Bathers Beach is a small white sand beach that is situated in Fremantle, Perth. Despite being relatively small in size, it has a soothing and secluded vibe to it. A lot of locals frequently come here to enjoy their day at this place. Bathers Beach is also the first one to get a liquor licence among the Australian Beaches, so you can expect a festive scene on its shores.
Many chic restaurants, cafes and bars line up where you can enjoy eating and sipping on some of the delicious snacks and drinks. Bathers Beach is 300m long and faces the west side of the harbour resulting in very large waves. The average size of the waves at the beach is around 1m which is loved by the surfers.
There is also a rock structure present in the middle of the beach which almost divides the beach into two parts and one of them is the city of Fremantle. The locals also refer to this beach as the Whalers Beach because, in the 1800s, whaling was one of the biggest activities that were done at the premises.
It was one of the earliest industries in the area that was established on the arrival of the British settlers in the region. This activity attracted huge interests of archaeologists around the area of the beach.
Highlights
• Bathers Beach is one of Perth's most iconic beaches. Located just a short stroll from the heart of historic Fremantle, this stunning destination is perfect for beachgoers and sightseers alike.
• Not only can visitors take a dip in its crystal clear waters, but they can also explore nearby attractions such as nearby shops, restaurants, galleries and more.
• Various species of native animals and birds also call Bathers Beach home, creating an idyllic atmosphere full of natural beauty and wonder.
• Whether it’s swimming in its perpetual summer-like waters or simply sitting along its stunning shoreline there’s no doubt Bathers Beach provides one of Australia's most tranquil beach experiences.
How To Reach
The distance of Bathers Beach from Perth airport is 29km.
- If a person is travelling by car, then he/she can either take Leach Highway/ State Route 7 and South St. It will take around 35 mins to reach the beach. They can also take the Roe Highway/ State Route 3 and South St which will take around 36 mins.
- If a person is travelling through public transport, then a 2minute walk from the airport will lead them to Fauntleroy Av Before Miller Road from where they can get into a bus and get down at the Fremantle Station. The bus ride would take around 1hour 30mins. From Fremantle Station, it is a 10-minute walk to Bathers Beach.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Bathers Beach is from the months of September to February which comprises both summer and spring seasons. The spring season lasts from September to November and summer season lasts from November to February.
The beach provides a welcoming breeze from the Indian Ocean during the summer months. It is sunny and hot during this time and the temperature fluctuates around 300C. But Bathers Beach provides a welcome relief from the heat and invites you to a nice dip in the water.
The spring season is full of colours which provides the perfect feel of the lukewarm waters and clear skies. Larger part of the day is generally sunny and uninterrupted by rain during this period.
Other Essential Information
Location: A 12-minute walk from the Fremantle bus or train station will bring you straight to Bathers Beach. Fremantle also has a free bus service which takes you directly to the beach.
Distance from the airport: The nearest airport from Bathers Beach is the Perth airport which is just 30kms away.
Highlights of Bathers Beach
- The biggest highlight of Bathers Beach is that it is situated just below the Roundhouse, which is the first prison in the state. Roundhouse has a long history, as it is one of the oldest structures in Fremantle. There are also lots of other historical sights to visit around the area and the beach.
- Bathers Beach has a few deck chairs that are provided for visitors to sit and enjoy the weather.
- There is also some important flora and fauna that is worth exploring.
- Visitors can also be a witness to the indigenous tribes in the vicinity.
- Visitors can snorkel at the beach which is a welcome surprise since the beach is not crowded and totally safe. The restaurants present at the beach are mostly scattered along the boardwalk, which makes the walk to the beach quite enjoyable.
Places to Stay Near Bathers Beach
1. Esplanade Hotel Fremantle- by Rydges
Just 0.44 km away from Bathers Beach, this hotel is the perfect place to stay. Like any other 5-star hotel, it offers different rooms with the price starting from AUS$170. The hotel also offers free wi-fi, an in-house restaurant and a pool.
2. Fremantle Holiday Accommodation
The Fremantle Holiday Accommodation is 0.8 km away from Bathers Beach. The hotel does not provide any view of the beach from the rooms but is worth the money since the range of the rooms starts at AUS$130. The hotel also provides a space for parking for its guests.
3. Fremantle Prison YHA
This property is situated just 1.1 km away from Bathers Beach. This is a perfect place to stay if a group of friends are travelling as it has dormitory rooms. The stay is also pocket-friendly as it takes just AUS$70 to occupy a twin-sharing room.
4. Be Fremantle
This is another popular place to stay. Just 0.47km from Bathers Beach, the place costs AUS$229 per night. This is a smoke-free apartment kind of hotel which features self-parking, meeting room as well as a conference room. Each apartment also has a kitchenette with a microwave and wi-fi and free-wired internet.
Places to Eat at Bathers Beach
1. Bathers Beach House
The Bathers Beach House is the perfect place to dine if you are at Bathers Beach. The restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor dining facilities. The place also offers vegan food. Most of the time the place is packed with people because of the magnificent view and great atmosphere provided by the restaurant.
2. Kailis Fish Market Café
Just around the corner of Bathers Beach, this place offers the best Fish & Chips in the area. This is a waterfront eatery which was established in 1928. It offers a seafood barbecue, along with gelato which is a crowd favourite. People usually love to spend an hour or so, once inside the restaurant.
3. Cicerello’s Fremantle
This is a hundred-year-old wharf building, which has its own charm. The place also has an aquarium from where visitors can take a hand at fishing for the seafood of their choice. Cicerello’s Fremantle is also famous for its preparation of Fish & Chips.
4. Joe’s Fish Shack
Large crowds are drawn to Joe’s fish shack due to the friendly behaviour of staff. It is situated near the Fremantle’s fishing Harbour and the food quality here is brilliant. One of the attractive dishes of this restaurant is the crayfish and also the steaks here are brilliantly made.
5. La Sosta
The place is a bit far from the Bathers Beach since it is close to the Fremantle Markets. If you are comfortable with a few minutes’ walk, it will be worth the food at this place. The best delicacies of the restaurant are pasta, meat and seafood plates. Also, if you are looking for some exclusive wines, then this is the place to be at.
Tips before visiting Bathers Beach
While visiting Bathers Beach, every person must remember the following things:
- It is advised to carry an umbrella or raincoat while travelling to Bathers Beach because it may rain anytime.
- If you are travelling from outside the country, it is a must that you travel around with your passport. If you are a citizen of the country, then any legal identity proof is enough.
- It is also advised to carry a sunscreen, bathing suit as well as shorts while travelling to the beach.
- Also, snorkelling is allowed here. So, if you are a fan of snorkelling, then you must carry your snorkel.