Burns Beach Coastal Walk

I find an ocean walk is very relaxing. Particularly if you pair it with a breakfast or morning tea at a coastal café. Many moons ago, Burns Beach was on the very fringes of Perth’s outer suburbs and a nice spot for a weekender at the caravan park. These days, the caravan park is still there, but Perth’s sprawl has long overtaken this beach side spot.

The coastal walking path stretches all the way up Perth’s coastline from Munster, south of Fremantle, to Burns Beach in the north. Unlike the road-side coastal path around Marmion and North Beach, this section of the pathway takes you through the dunes and along the rocky cliffs of Burns Beach. It’s very popular, especially with weekend walkers.

It’s also a lovely spot to find a bench and gaze over the ocean.

From the start point at Burns Beach, you can walk south towards Iluka Foreshore Park, a relatively easy 40 minute, 3km walk. If you prefer to walk or cycle further, a round trip to Ocean Reef Marina (8kms) or even Mullaloo Beach (14kms) will certainly give you a challenge.

At Iluka Foreshore Park there are public toilets, picnic, BBQ facility, a children’s playground and also a lookout up some steps, making for a beautiful view over the ocean. The dual use path is popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists, so it’s important to keep left and keep an ear out for overtaking bicycles.

The pathway is also popular with dog walkers. There’s bags and bins available at the beginning of the pathway to pick up after your pooch.

Along the pathway are lookout points, to stop and enjoy the view, as well as benches, if you need a break. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are also plaques with information about birds you may see flying around the bushes.

This section of the path is a little hilly, but easy enough if you take it at your own pace. Mornings are a great time to walk here, before the sea breeze comes in, though an evening walk can be rewarded with a beautiful sunset. There is a large car park opposite the beach. At peak times (summer weekends) it can prove difficult to find a parking spot.

Public toilets are found next to the car park and also at the café.

Burns Beach Café

Burns Beach Café is a fantastic spot to stop for a pre-walk takeaway coffee or bite to eat. The café serves a wide selection of food, drinks and ice-creams. You’ll also find a few daily specials listed on the chalk board inside. As well as a display cabinet full of delicious cakes, if you’re after a sweet snack.

For seniors, as well as the regular menu, there is a small kids menu which also doubles as an over 65’s menu – what a good idea! I know many older people with small appetites that like to order smaller portions, but often feel uncomfortable ordering from the kids menu. This offering at Burns Beach Café includes chicken nuggets and chips, spaghetti bolognaise and battered fish and chips with a salad. All are generous portions and use good quality ingredients.

The café also welcomes dogs, which can sit in the open alfresco areas. At Burns Beach Café, dogs even have their own ‘Doggy Num Yum’s’ menu to enjoy a doggy “milkshake”, beer or other treats made especially for dogs. There are plenty of bowls of water to lap up too.

If you love to get out in the great outdoors, Burns Beach is a great place to head for some fresh sea air.

The Burns Beach Coast Walk and Café is located at 35 Ocean Parade, Burns Beach.

Find more ideas for walking in Perth here.

See the Seniorocity review on Burns Beach Café here.

More info at burnsbeachcafe.com.au

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About Stella B

Stella is loving retirement! Besides her loves of gardening, reading and painting, she adores spending time with her family and being out and about in Perth. Living in the Perth Hills, her time is often spent brunching with her husband at one of Kalamunda’s many cafes or enjoying a food platter over a glass of wine at a Bickley Valley winery.