Ngarkal (Seagull Beach) is a lovely protected beach within the Port Coogee Marina development. With the whalebone ribs of the Maraboo Loop bridge to the south and the canal alongside Othello Quays to the north it is a very pretty little spot. I'm not sure if it is the council or the resident that has painted a wonderful sealife mural around the edge of the corner property on Othello Quays but it certainly adds a wonderful backdrop.
Ngarkal Beach has shallow, calm waters ideal for babies and toddlers but be aware there is a deep drop off a little further out. Older more confident kids can swim out to the large pontoon and jump safely into the deeper water. South Coogee Life Saving Club provides seasonal weekend patrols - check the website to see when they are in attendance. https://www.mybeach.com.au/beach/ngarkal-beach-port-coogee/
The Ngarkal Beach area is universally accessible and offers an Accessible Beach program which includes the use of a rollout beach mat, accessible drink fountains, access ramps and pathways, universal toilets, accessible parking and beach wheelchairs (available between October and Easter). To book either a Mobi Chair or Sandrider click here.
There are some rocky edges between the beach and the park which provide an ideal opportunity for the little ones to clamber over.
On the southern edge is Ngarkal Water Play Park with a small splash pad fountain area which operates 8am – 6pm between October and May.
Tiered gardens behind the water park feature dinosaur eggs.
Toilets and shower/change facilities are located here.
There are several semi-shaded picnic tables with barbecue facilities. On the day of our visit these were being used for parties so it may be wise to book them if you are holding a special celebration here. Port Coogee Marina often hosts public events so check the calendar to make sure there are no scheduled events.
There are parking bays along Medina Parade and a carpark on Maraboo Link and if these are busy there is a large carpark at the south end of Chieftain Esplanade, past the Marina.
A Dome Cafe overlooks the marina across Maraboo Loop and there are additional cafes and shops and a brewery located nearby.
Ngarkal Beach is one of the three locations on the Nyungar Tourist Trail.
We discovered Ngarkal Beach as part of exploring the Nyungar Tourist Trail from the Omeo Wreck but ended up exploring further, walking beyond the Port Coogee Play Park to the Old South Fremantle Power Station. Continuing from there we explored further north to South Beach as this was our starting point when we explored the South Fremantle Urban Art Trail. From here we ventured inland through Barrow Park where we discovered the North Coogee Pump Track. Then we walked back along the beautiful and scenic CY O'Connor beach before emerging back at Ngarkal Beach. This was a long walk but there was so much to discover along the way. Since then we have also discovered nearby Joels Playground.
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If you want to explore more of this area head to the following blogs:
In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.