48 hours in Scarborough: your coastal guide

Scarborough is an easy place to spend 48 hours. The beach is close, the coastal path runs for kilometres, and there’s always somewhere nearby for a coffee, a meal or a drink as the sun goes down.

Here’s how we’d make the most of it.

First impressions

There’s no rush when you first arrive. Check in, drop your bags, and let Scarborough do its thing.

At Seashells Scarborough, that might mean opening the doors to your self-contained apartment, stepping onto the balcony and taking in the coastal air. With room to spread out, a full kitchen and the flexibility to come and go as you please, it’s natural to make yourself at home.

If you arrive with time to spare, a short walk down to Scarborough Beach is a good way to get your bearings. There’s no plan needed — just head towards the water and see what the afternoon has in store.

Where the coast takes you

Scarborough is best seen on foot — or on two wheels. The Scarborough Beach Walk links two of the city’s most iconic beaches, with uninterrupted views of the surf, sand dunes and the blues of the Indian Ocean.

Locals use it for everything from a morning jog to a slow wander, and it’s easy to see why. Viewpoints are dotted along the way, giving you plenty of reasons to stop, take in the view and keep going.

If you’re keen to cover more ground, hiring bikes is a good alternative, especially if you’re exploring with the whole family. The coastal path makes it simple to ride between beaches and take in the views at your own pace.

If you’d like to go further, follow the coast towards Clarko Reserve in Trigg, passing South Trigg Beach along the way. Continue on to Mettam’s Pool for excellent snorkelling among seagrass meadows and marine life.

Coffee and coastal mornings

Scarborough has a strong café scene, and you don’t have to go far to find a good coffee. Little Wave is right next to Seashells Scarborough, making it a natural stop before a walk or a day at the beach.

Just around the corner, Knead Bread & Coffee is another local favourite. Whether you’re after a proper breakfast or a coffee and something sweet, both spots fit well into a morning by the coast.

Slow afternoons

By the afternoon, you might be ready to slow down. Head back to your apartment and make use of the kitchen — cook something simple, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy it on the balcony while the afternoon rolls on.

For a slower pace closer to home, the pool area at Seashells Scarborough is a good spot to unwind. Whether you’re reading, swimming or just enjoying the afternoon sun, it’s a simple way to reset before the evening.

If you’d rather stay out, head back to the sand. Swim in the waves, build sandcastles with the kids, or find a quiet spot to sit and watch the afternoon pass by.

For families, the Whale Playground is worth a stop. Inspired by Noongar stories of whales beaching themselves to return ancestral spirits to the land, it features a life-size whale skeleton slide, monkey bars, ladders, swings, netted tunnels, a giant cubbyhouse, spinning disks, climbing pods and sensory zones. It’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy while you take a break nearby.

As the sun goes down

One of the best things about Scarborough is the way the day changes as the sun goes down. The beach takes on a different energy, and there’s often something happening along the foreshore.

For a relaxed night in, fire up the BBQ at Seashells Scarborough. Pick up a few things from a local store, cook something simple, and settle in for the evening without needing to go anywhere.

If you’d rather head out, Brighton Wine Bar is a good pick for something a little more polished, with a strong wine list and a menu of small and large plates designed for sharing. For something more laid-back, Little Wave comes into its own in the evening, serving food alongside a solid cocktail list.

The Scarborough Sunset Markets are also worth planning around. Running all year round, they bring together food stalls, live music and local makers, with the ocean as a backdrop. In summer they run on Thursday evenings, while in the cooler months they shift to Saturday afternoons, so it’s worth checking the schedule during your stay.

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