PHOTO: Locals Love It. Tourists Miss It. Inside WA’s Hidden Ocean Lagoon That Looks Straight Out of a Travel Magazine. Wendy Hero
📍 A Hidden Slice of Paradise Just 20 Minutes from Perth
You’ve heard of Cottesloe. Maybe even Scarborough. But what if we told you one of Western Australia’s most stunning beaches was hiding in plain sight—just 20 minutes by car from Perth’s CBD?
Welcome to Mettam’s Pool – the sparkling, reef-protected lagoon that locals love, but most travellers completely overlook.
Unlock 1.2 Million+ Aussie Business Contacts — No Subscriptions, No Limits
🐠 What Makes Mettam’s Pool So Special?
Located in the beachside suburb of North Beach, right off West Coast Drive, Mettam’s Pool is not your average swimming spot. It’s a natural lagoon protected by an offshore reef, creating calm, shallow, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for:
-
👙 Gentle swims
-
🤿 Beginner-friendly snorkelling
-
🐟 Up-close marine life encounters
The pool is at its most magical during low swell and light winds, when the reef tames the ocean and creates a calm haven for families, couples, and photographers alike.
🐡 Marine Magic: What You’ll See Underwater
Snorkelling here is like diving into an aquarium. Expect to see:
-
Blowfish
-
Starfish
-
Pink snapper
-
Wrasse
-
And even the elusive western rock lobster
Tip: Head there early in the morning during warmer months for the best conditions—before the breeze kicks in and the tide rises.
🌊 More Than Just a Pool: Adventure Awaits Beyond the Reef
While the lagoon is great for relaxing, the area beyond the reef offers a hit of adrenaline for the more adventurous:
-
🏄♂️ Surfing
-
🪁 Kite surfing
-
🌬️ Windsurfing (especially epic in autumn and winter)
Just watch for submerged rocks during high tide. The swell can get rough fast—so it’s better suited for confident swimmers when conditions shift.
This stunning – and rarely crowded – hideaway is at its best during low swell and light winds, when the surrounding reef creates a calm, clear and shallow lagoon (pictured Maria Maia and Maddison Elizabeth at Mottam’s)
🍟 Local Eats & Must-Visit Spots Nearby
After your dip? North Beach delivers on food and vibes:
-
Beachcombers – classic fish & chips
-
North Beach Deli – beachfront coffee spot that transforms into a microbrewery by night
-
Monty’s Café, Trigg Beach, and Scarborough Sandbar – all within a few minutes’ drive and worth the visit
💬 What Visitors Are Saying
Those lucky enough to find Mettam’s Pool can’t stop raving:
“Beautiful oasis on the coast. If you feel like a dip in the ocean without the waves, this is the place for you.”
“Gorgeous beach to take kids and explore. Kids love looking for fish, crabs and other creatures.”
🌿 Bonus Hidden Gem: The “Aquarium” in Yallingup
Not to be outdone, WA hides another jaw-dropping lagoon just south of Perth.
📍 The Aquarium, tucked between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks near Yallingup, is a secret worth discovering—if you’re up for the adventure.
To get there:
-
Drive along Canal Rocks Road to the car park
-
Take the 1.3km hike downhill through rocky coastal bushland
-
Be rewarded with one of Australia’s most photogenic natural pools
Surrounded by granite boulders, The Aquarium is a favourite for photographers, swimmers, and explorers craving something wild and untouched.
📸 Planning a Trip? Don’t Forget:
-
Arrive early for the best visibility and fewer crowds
-
Pack water shoes – rocks can be sharp
-
Take snorkel gear – you won’t want to miss what’s below the surface
-
Bring your camera – this is Instagram heaven
-
Hit the nearby cafes after your swim!
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL