The weather is heating up, which means it’s time to get on down to the beach! We all have our favourite places to lay down a towel, but sometimes it’s nice to try somewhere new. We’ve scoured the coastline to bring you the finest beaches you may not have explored before, so grab your swimmers and read on.

Yanchep Lagoon Beach

A true jewel found just north of Perth, Yanchep Lagoon is a haven of pristine sand and sparkling blue water. It’s a gorgeous beach for both swimming and fishing, and it’s generally nice and quiet – perfect for when you just want to relax and forget the world. You can pick up all the supplies you need in the nearby suburb of Yanchep, and the locals are always extremely welcoming.

When hunger strikes, be sure to seek out Bib’s Tuck Shop on Lindsay Beach Boulevard. The chef is seriously talented, and the variety on the menu will leave you very pleasantly surprised.

Port Beach

Quite possibly the most family-friendly beach in all of Perth, Port Beach is a lovely place to spend a hot summer’s day. The sand is soft and white, and the water is clear, shallow and very mild – which makes it fantastic for younger kids to splash about in. Plus, Port Beach is right next to Fremantle, so there are plenty of amazing choices when it rolls around to mealtime.

Habitué, for example, is a very cool joint that mixes fresh local produce with Mediterranean flavour, while you can’t beat Flipside Burger Bar for a good, old-fashioned sizzle.

Bailey Street Beach

Known mainly for being an awesome spot for snorkelling, Bailey Street is a quiet, rocky little beach with loads of fascinating reefs to check out. It also includes several smaller beaches, nestled away amongst the rugged cliffs at the southernmost point. The whole area is heaps of fun to explore, and far less busy than most of the other beaches in the area.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Kailis Beach Cafe. It includes a restaurant, bar, seafood market and fish and chips counter, so even the fussiest eater is sure to find something they’ll love!

Bennion Beach

Bennion Beach is a mix of bristly greens, intensely blue waters and smooth, clean sand. Small and isolated, it’s the ideal place to chill out, read a book or set up a picnic. Plus, the south side is one of our absolute favourite dog beaches, with no shortage of new terrain for your furry friend to scrabble over and investigate. It’s also great for surfing and swimming (with or without your four-legged pal).

We’d highly suggest a visit to North Beach Deli (formerly Soda Cafe), where gourmet food, a killer wine list and dreamy ocean views are the order of the day.

Golden Bay

Beyond the up-and-coming suburb and the beautiful nature reserve lies Golden Bay Beach, a tranquil stretch of sand where you can walk for ages without seeing another soul. It’s utterly perfect if you’re looking to lounge around in total peace when the weather is fine, and don’t be too surprised if it soon becomes one of your favourite family retreats.

If you get peckish, anyone who knows the area will tell you to run straight to Lick Ya Lips Fish & Chips. We think the name is reason enough, don’t you?