South Beach Recreation Reserve, not to be confused with Wilson Park, is a large and very popular, grassed, beachside space. The reserve runs from just south of the Fremantle Sailing Club near Marine Terrace, down to the northern edge of North Coogee.
The reserves serve what are arguably the best beaches in the whole of Fremantle – South Beach and the South Beach Dog Beach.
The northern end of the grassed reserve sits next to the South Beach Dog Beach, a beach loved dearly by dogs and humans of all descriptions. There is a large grassed area looking out over the ocean, as well as narrower grassed areas sheltered by garden beds between the ocean and railway. Looking east from the end of the reserve, across the railway line, you can see the fabulous East-West street murals (which are also on the other side of East West on South Terrace). The murals are a phenomenon in their own right. The South Beach Dog Beach is also a perfect swimming beach with a secluded grotto around the rocky edge to the north.
The southern end of the reserve is a spacious, grassed area shaded by Norfolk Island pines and other coastal trees. Locals and visitors, older and younger, gather on the grass from daybreak into the evening to exercise or to lounge and picnic. For young children there is a boat-themed shaded playground with slides, swings and climbing frame.
In summer, South Beach hosts the popular Sunset food markets each Saturday night. Year round, dine-in and takeaway food and coffee are available at the beach from the South Beach Cafe and Picked Fig Cafe
The best way to get to the reserve, if not cycling or walking along the cycle and pedestrian path from central Fremantle, is by Cat Bus to stop 12 on Marine Terrace. Alternatively, alight the Blue Cat at stop 9 on South Terrace and enjoy the walk south to Scott St, west along Scott, and then across Marine Tce and the railway line into the park.
