Perth and sunset sessions are a staple of Western Australia. In this article we have listed our top spots to explore in Perth for a BBQ session and a picnic. You'll find different options from beaches to parks with different facilities available.f
We recommend not bringing your charcoal BBQs but instead bringing a high-quality barbecue that runs on gas. It means it is super easy to set up, heats up in no time and you don't have to dispose of any charcoal afterwards. Some spots will have wood-fired BBQs which can be a great option as well. Perth has one amazing outdoor spaces where you can set up your outdoor kitchens and enjoy Western Australia while cooking up your latest BBQ recipe.
If you don't go on a camping trip this week, gather your friends, pack your barbecue and its accessories, and try out some of these beautiful spots below.
Here are our top spots for a picnic, a BBQ, and sunset views in Perth:
Trigg Beach - golden sands and sunsets
Prestine shorline and golden sands make this beach a perfect place for relaxation and BBQing. The waves invite for a surf and the scenic views are worth the visit and wait for the sunset. Picnic spots and playgrounds are also available.
Parking can get hectic during weekends and holidays so arrive early. The same goes for the public BBQs at the Clarko Reserve so best bring your own portable gas BBQ.
Facilities: Beachside BBQ areas, shaded picnic tables, public showers, and surf lifesaving services.
Location: Trigg Beach
Matilda Bay
The Matilda Bay Reserve is worth a visit with its scenic views over the city. The reserve features grassy areas with shade trees making it a popular picnic spot in Perth. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the views and the public facilities available.
Facilities: Public toilets, public barbecues,
Location: Matilda Bay
Hyde Park - Large green space with lakes
Hyde Park is a large scenic green space with lots of large trees to set up under during those hot Perth summer days. There are two lakes and some nice walking trails that make the place worth visting and setting up for your epic BBQ picnic session. The public barbecues can get busy during the weekend so bring your own portable BBQ (this one is a great option). Also great to visit during Jacaranda season.
Facilities: Barbecue grill, public toilets, picnic tables, dogs are allowed.
Location: Hyde Park.
Lake Monger Reserve
Great little place within an urban environment. The place features an expansive lake, lush greenery and plenty of space to set up for your next picnic and barbecue session. Cook a whole chicken or make a roast when you bring your outdoor kitchen and experience the tranquility of this place.
Facilities: Picnic tables, public toilets, playground and skateboarding area.
Location: Lake Monger Reserve
Bask in Coastal Splendor at Scarborough Beach
This place has it all. An amazing beach for surfing, fishing and swimming to bring the whole family. There are great free barbecue facilities available, lots of parking, and even a whale playground for the little ones.
This place offers breathtaking ocean views that you can admire while setting up on one of the shaded picnic tables. If you are into a Perth BBQ, this is the place to enjoy your perfect BBQ at this amazing ocean outdoor space.
Facilities: Free public barbecues, picnic shelters, public toilets, restaurants, and cafes.
Location: Scarborough Beach.
John Oldham Park - a hidden gem
This is a bit of a hidden gem and can easily be overlooked. This park offers beautiful green areas, a few little ponds that are a bird watchers paradise. The park also features a waterfall and the place can feel so calm, that it is easy to forget you are in a major city. Great spot to cool down a bit during the hot Perth summer. There are a few walking trails and some picnic shelters. There are no public BBQs available at this park, so we recommend you bring your own.
Facilities: Parking available, children's playground.
Location: John Oldham Park.
Cottesloe Beach - sunset views you cannot miss
Cottesloe Beach is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Perth. It is the perfect place to spend the day at this beautiful white sandy beach spot. This place is renowned for its green crystal clear water and white sand beach. You can spend the day surfing and swimming at the beach and in the evening set up your BBQ. And while cooking you can enjoy the setting sun over the Indian Ocean. This place has it all when it comes to the perfect BBQ place.
Facilities: Public toilets, free public BBQ, sheltered picnic areas, patrolled swimming, and parking. You will also find lots of restaurants and cafes.
Location: Cottesloe Beach.
Bells Rapids - explore WA's countryside
This place is worth a try. It is located at the scenic Swan River which offers swimming holes, the Bells Rapids and it is a great setting for a beautiful spot to set up your BBQ for a picnic. The rugged landscape and the calm waters make this a great spot to explore for the day. There are walking trails available and some public toilets. You need to bring your own quality BBQ that you can set up along the river making it a great outdoor cooking space. This place allows visitors to experience Western Australia's stunning countryside close to the city.
Facilities: Free parking, public toilets, and dogs allowed.
Location: Bells Rapids.
Rockingham Foreshore - Amazing spot in south Perth
Rockingham Foreshore is a great place to explore. It is a beautiful shoreline with pristine waters, streets with great coffee shops and restaurants, and plenty of green spaces to set up for a picnic and a BBQ session with the family.
Facilities: Public toilets, shaded picnic spots, public BBQ.
Location: Rockingham Foreshore.
FAQs for BBQ locations in Perth:
Are BBQ facilities and outdoor kitchens available for public use at these spots?
Yes, most of the spots offer a public BBQ. You can utilise the facilities at most spots. Make sure to check before you go. Google Maps can be a great resource. If there are no facilities available, bring your own portable BBQ. There are plenty of high quality barbecues available for this kind of BBQing.
Do I need to make reservations to use the public BBQ facilities?
No, reservations are not typically required for using the BBQ facilities at public parks and beaches in Perth. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to make sure you can BBQ right away, get one of the many high quality BBQs available that you can take with you. They make a perfect outdoor kitchen.
Can I bring my own BBQ equipment to these spots (e.g. Weber BBQs)?
Yes, for sure. We recommend bringing your own BBQ equipment and accessories. That way you are much more flexible where to set up and when to cook.
What BBQ should I use for my sunset barbecue sessions?
If you are looking for the ideal portable gas BBQ that you can take with you on your city adventures check out our STOV BBQ. STOV is a leading provider of a lightweight, ultra-durable, and flatpack BBQ that you can take with you anywhere.
Where can I find easy barbecue recipes to try?
Have a look at some of our favourite recipes in our blog. We cover anything from tasty burgers to salmon and pineapple skewers. Give it a go!
And if you don't live in Perth, you can find more great spots for barbecues in the other Australian cities here:
- Best spots for a BBQ in Sydney
- Best spots for a BBQ in Melbourne
- Out best spots for a BBQ in Brisbane
- The best spots for barbecues in Adelaide
Happy Stoving!