Scarborough Beach Pool, part of the Stirling Leisure – Scarborough Beach complex, is a beautiful place for families to swim with a front‑row view of one of Perth’s most iconic beaches. Set just south of the Scarborough “Sandpit” amphitheatre, the pool complex is tucked below road level, so once you head down the stairs or lift, the busy foreshore noise drops away and it feels like a relaxed coastal retreat. The foyer is bright and welcoming, with friendly staff and a small range of essentials such as bathers, goggles and towels in case you’ve left something at home.
Outside, there are two main pools: a large lap pool and a family‑friendly leisure pool. The leisure pool is designed with young children in mind, with a wide, gently sloping beach‑style entry and playful fountains at the shallow end. It gradually deepens but still only comes up to around adult waist height at the deep end, with a handy underwater ledge around the deeper side so grown‑ups can sit in the water while little ones play close by. There isn’t permanent shade over the water itself, so hats, rashies and plenty of sunscreen are important, especially in the middle of the day.
The main lap pool is a serious swimmer’s dream, comprising an outdoor 50‑metre pool with eight lanes plus an additional four 25‑metre lanes. Lanes are generally signed for different speeds – fast, medium, slow and even walking – so everyone from fitness swimmers to more casual lap plodders can find a spot that suits them. There is ramp access into the lap pool, making it easier for those using mobility aids or families who prefer not to use the stairs.
One of the big drawcards for families is that the pools are both salt water and geo‑thermally heated. The lap pool sits at a very comfortable 27 degrees year‑round, while the leisure pool is kept warmer again at around 31–32 degrees. That means kids can happily splash about even in the cooler months without the blue‑lipped shivers you often get in unheated outdoor pools. The salt water is also gentler on eyes and skin than traditional heavily chlorinated pools, which is a big plus if you have sensitive kids.
Facilities have clearly been designed with accessibility and families in mind. Right by the pool entry you’ll find multiple accessible toilets and showers, including an automatic‑door accessible toilet, plus a long run of outdoor showers that blend into the tiling. There are plenty of hooks and shelving close to the pool for bags and towels, and inside the change rooms you’ll find a bank of free lockers, lots of sinks and toilets, and separate family‑sized change alcoves to make wrangling kids and swimmers easier. Baby change facilities are available in both the men’s and women’s change rooms, which is always appreciated.
Along one side of the 50‑metre pool are tiered bleachers where you can sit and watch swimming lessons or cheer on older kids doing laps.
At the far end of the complex is a raised lawn area shaded by mature pine trees, which is used for outdoor group fitness sessions such as yoga and HIIT, and also doubles as a lovely spot to spread out a towel. On the opposite side, you’ll find sun loungers with umbrellas for those who want to relax in the sun between dips. Overlooking the pools is an onsite café serving coffee, cold drinks and light bites; it’s a perfect stop for a post‑swim treat or a caffeine hit while the kids are in lessons.
Stirling Leisure – Scarborough Beach offers a full learn‑to‑swim program at the complex, including Aquababies and preschool classes, levels 1–14, squads and adult lessons across much of the year. There are also aqua fitness classes and outdoor group fitness sessions available, and you can choose between casual entry or memberships that give access to multiple Stirling Leisure centres. As with all public pools, there are important supervision rules: children four and under must wear a Watch Around Water wristband and be in the water within arm’s reach of an adult over 16 at all times, while children 12 and under must be actively supervised by an adult within the venue.
Whether you’re visiting for a family splash, kids’ swimming lessons, an early‑morning lap session or a relaxed coffee with an ocean view, Scarborough Beach Pool is a fantastic, year‑round option for families that combines resort‑style ambience with practical, thoughtful facilities.
Scarborough Beach Pool
Address: 171 The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019
Opening hours: Open daily with different winter and summer trading hours (early morning to evening). Public holiday hours also vary. For the most up‑to‑date pool, public holiday and lane availability times, please check the official website.
Website: Stirling Leisure – Scarborough Beach
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