Best Beaches in Perth for Sunset Family Photos with Ash Gale Photography
Perth sunsets are hard to beat. The light softens, the ocean turns silver and gold, and even the most camera-shy children tend to relax once their feet hit the sand.
As a professional Perth family photographer, I spend a lot of time watching how different beaches behave at sunset. Some are wide and open, perfect for playful, windswept photos. Others feel quiet and sheltered, with rock pools, dunes or soft grassy areas that give a session more variety.
At Ash Gale Photography, I photograph families across Perth, and beach sessions are always a favourite. They suit families who want natural images, movement, connection and a little bit of that laid-back Western Australian feeling.
This guide covers some of the best beaches in Perth for sunset family photos, including City Beach, Trigg Beach, North Beach and several beautiful northern Perth options. Each location has its own personality, and the right one depends on the style of photographs you love, the ages of your children, and how adventurous you want the session to feel.
What makes Perth beaches so beautiful for family photos
The best sunset beach locations usually offer more than just sand and water. For family photography, I look for light, texture, space and comfort.
Perth’s west-facing coastline gives us direct sunset views over the ocean, which is a huge advantage. In the hour before sunset, the light becomes soft and flattering. It wraps around faces gently, which works beautifully for cuddles, walking photos, playful moments and close portraits.
A good beach location often has:
Open sand
Great for movement, running, hand-holding and wide scenic images.
Dunes or coastal grass
Adds texture and variety without needing to move far.
Rocks or reef
Useful for seated family portraits and more dramatic compositions.
Sheltered areas
Helpful on breezy evenings, especially with younger children.
Easy access
Important for families with toddlers, grandparents or anyone who prefers not to walk too far.
The trick is choosing a beach that suits both the look you want and the practical needs of your family.
City Beach has classic sunset beauty and plenty of space
City Beach is one of the most popular locations for Perth beach family photography, and for good reason. It has a clean, open feel, wide sand, soft dunes and beautiful sunset views straight out over the ocean.
The light here can be stunning. Because the beach is open, the last light often falls across the sand in a warm, even way. This makes it lovely for natural portraits, walking images and those big scenic photographs where the family feels small against the ocean and sky.
City Beach suits families who want a polished but relaxed look. It works especially well for:
Soft, timeless family portraits
Candid walking photos along the shoreline
Playful images with children running on the sand
Wide sunset images with plenty of sky
Sessions that include extended family
The space is one of its biggest strengths. Children can move freely, and there is enough room to create variety without feeling crowded.
There are a few practical things to keep in mind. City Beach can be windy, particularly in the warmer months when the sea breeze comes in. Wind can look beautiful in photos, but it helps to dress with movement in mind. Flowing fabrics can photograph well, while very short skirts or stiff clothing may feel harder to manage.
The dunes at City Beach add a soft coastal look, but they are also fragile. I always keep families on established tracks and open areas so we protect the environment while still making the most of the scenery.
Trigg Beach suits adventurous, playful family photos
Trigg Beach has a more rugged feel than City Beach. It is known for its surf, rocks, reefy edges and coastal paths, which gives family photos a little more energy and drama.
At sunset, Trigg can be spectacular. The rocks catch the warm light, the waves add movement, and the coastline gives each gallery a strong sense of place. This location suits families who like a slightly less polished, more natural and adventurous feel.
Trigg is beautiful for:
Playful family photos with lots of movement
Children exploring rocks and sand
Candid moments by the water
More textured, coastal images
Families who love the ocean and a bit of wild weather
Because there are rocky areas, Trigg works best when children are happy to follow directions and stay close. For toddlers, I tend to choose safer sandy sections and use the rocks more as a background than a place to climb.
Wind is also common at Trigg. It can add life to the photographs, especially when hair and clothing move naturally, but it is not the best choice if you want perfectly neat hair in every image. If the forecast looks especially strong, I may suggest a more sheltered beach nearby.
Trigg is also popular with surfers and beachgoers, so timing matters. Sunset sessions are still very workable, but I choose angles carefully to keep the focus on your family and the coastline rather than the crowds.
North Beach feels quiet, textured and intimate
North Beach is one of my favourite choices for families who want a quieter coastal feel. It has a different mood from the bigger, more open beaches. The rocks, reef, small sandy areas and ocean pools nearby create a gentle, intimate atmosphere.
At sunset, North Beach often feels calm and personal. The rocky shoreline gives depth and texture, while the water reflects soft evening light beautifully. It is a lovely choice for families who want photographs that feel connected, warm and natural rather than big and sweeping.
North Beach suits:
Smaller family sessions
Snuggly seated portraits
Quiet, connection-focused images
Families with older children
Natural images with rocks, water and soft sky
This location can be wonderful for children who enjoy exploring, but care is needed around slippery rocks and uneven ground. Shoes for walking between spots can be helpful, even if everyone goes barefoot for the photos.
North Beach can also offer more shelter than exposed open beaches, depending on the wind direction. That said, coastal conditions change quickly, so I always check the forecast and tide before a session.
For families who want family photos Perth beaches are known for, but with a softer and less crowded feeling, North Beach is a beautiful option.
Mettams Pool is gentle and family-friendly
Mettams Pool is a lovely northern Perth beach for families with young children. It has a protected, reefy feel and usually feels calmer than the big surf beaches. The shallow water, rocks and small sandy areas create a relaxed setting that works well for slower-paced sessions.
The sunset light here can be delicate and reflective. Instead of huge open-sky drama, Mettams often gives softer tones, interesting textures and gentle water movement.
It is a good fit for:
Families with toddlers or younger children
Quieter, documentary-style moments
Children sitting, cuddling or playing near the water
Soft portraits with a coastal backdrop
Sessions where safety and comfort are a priority
Because the beach area is smaller, it may not be the best choice for large extended family sessions or very energetic children who need lots of open space to run. It is better for gentle interaction, close portraits and relaxed play.
Low tide can reveal beautiful rock textures, while higher tide may limit some areas. This is one of those locations where tide timing really matters.
Watermans Bay has a relaxed local feeling
Watermans Bay has a warm, neighbourhood feel that photographs beautifully. It is not as grand as City Beach or as dramatic as Trigg, but that is part of its charm. The beach has a simple, relaxed quality that suits natural family photography.
At sunset, the light can fall softly across the sand and water, creating an easy backdrop for connection-focused photos. It is a great location when families want something beautiful but not too busy or overwhelming.
Watermans Bay works well for:
Natural, unfussy family portraits
Families who want a calm beach setting
Children who need a simple space to play
Warm, candid images close to the water
Sessions with a relaxed local feel
The main consideration is space. Like several northern beaches, it can feel smaller depending on the tide. On the right evening, though, it can be peaceful and very photogenic.
Sorrento Beach is easy, open and practical
Sorrento Beach is a practical choice for many families in Perth’s northern suburbs. It has a wide sandy beach, good access and plenty of open sky at sunset. For families who want a classic beach look without travelling too far south, it can be a strong option.
The atmosphere is open and family-friendly. There is space for walking, cuddling, games and sandy feet. It suits families who want relaxed photographs with a clean coastal backdrop.
Sorrento is especially useful for:
Young children who need easy access
Families based in the northern suburbs
Simple, classic sunset beach portraits
Walking photos along the shoreline
Laid-back sessions with minimal fuss
As with many Perth beaches, the afternoon sea breeze can be a factor. If your session is planned in summer, I often recommend hair that can handle movement and clothing that will not need constant adjusting.
Mullaloo Beach is spacious and relaxed
Mullaloo Beach is another excellent northern option, especially for families who love wide, open sand. It has a relaxed feel, plenty of room and beautiful sunset views. The scale of the beach makes it ideal for movement-based photos.
At golden hour, Mullaloo can feel warm, open and full of life. There is space for children to run, parents to walk hand in hand, and families to settle into the session without feeling watched.
Mullaloo suits:
Larger families
Energetic children
Running, spinning and playful images
Wide scenic sunset photos
Families wanting an easy northern suburbs location
Because it is so open, wind is one of the biggest considerations. On calm evenings it is magical. On windy evenings, it can feel very exposed. This does not rule it out, but it does shape the style of the session. Windy Mullaloo photos often feel joyful, natural and full of movement.
Burns Beach has soft dunes and a coastal path feel
Burns Beach is a beautiful option for families further north. It has a slightly wilder coastal feel, with dunes, beach paths, rocks in some areas and wide ocean views.
This location is lovely when families want variety. You can create images near the dunes, along the paths and down by the beach, depending on the conditions and the ages of the children.
Burns Beach is suited to:
Families who like a natural coastal look
Sessions with dunes and beach grass
Warm, earthy sunset tones
Candid walking images
Families based in Perth’s far northern suburbs
The dunes are a big part of the beauty here, but they need care. I avoid trampling sensitive areas and use established paths or open sandy sections. This keeps the location beautiful for everyone.
Burns Beach can also feel exposed in strong wind. In winter, it can be moody and dramatic. In summer, the light can be bright until quite late, so session timing matters.
How I help families choose the right beach
Choosing a location is about more than picking the prettiest beach. The best spot is the one that lets your family relax.
When I help families plan a session with Ash Gale Photography, I think about:
The ages of the children
How much walking everyone is comfortable with
Whether the family wants playful or calm photos
Wind and weather on the day
Tide levels and beach access
How busy the location is likely to be
The overall look of the home where the images may be displayed
Some families love dramatic rocks and movement. Others want soft sand, easy parking and room for toddlers to run. Both can be beautiful.
Here is a simple way to compare a few popular options.
Beach | Best suited to | Things to keep in mind |
City Beach | Classic sunset portraits, open sand, extended families | Can be windy and popular |
Trigg Beach | Adventurous, playful, textured coastal photos | Rocks and surf need care |
North Beach | Quiet, intimate, connection-focused images | Uneven ground in some areas |
Mettams Pool | Young children and gentle sessions | Smaller beach area, tide matters |
Mullaloo Beach | Energetic children and wide scenic photos | Very open to wind |
Burns Beach | Dunes, paths and natural coastal variety | Use established paths to protect dunes |
Seasonal tips for Perth sunset family photography
Perth beaches change through the year. The same location can feel completely different in January compared with July.
Summer
Summer sunsets are late, which can be tricky for younger children. The evenings are warm and often beautiful, but the sea breeze can be strong. If children have early bedtimes, a late session may not suit every family.
Autumn
Autumn is one of my favourite times for beach sessions. The evenings are usually milder, sunset is earlier, and the light can be soft and golden. Wind is often easier to manage than in peak summer.
Winter
Winter beach photos can be gorgeous. The skies can be dramatic, the beaches are quieter, and earlier sunsets suit young families. The trade-off is weather uncertainty. Flexibility matters.
Spring
Spring brings fresh coastal colour and comfortable temperatures. It can still be windy, but the light is lovely, and families often enjoy the mix of warmth without the intensity of summer.
For the best results, I plan sessions around golden hour rather than the middle of the day. This gives the most flattering light and helps children feel more comfortable without harsh glare.
The best beach is the one that feels like you
Perth has no shortage of beautiful beaches for family photography. City Beach gives a classic, open sunset look. Trigg brings movement and drama. North Beach feels quiet and intimate. Mettams Pool, Watermans Bay, Sorrento, Mullaloo and Burns Beach each offer their own version of coastal beauty.
As a family photographer Perth families book for natural, heartfelt sessions, my role is to help you choose a location that fits your children, your comfort level and the feeling you want in your photographs.
A sunset beach session should feel relaxed, not rushed. It should leave space for sandy feet, cuddles, laughter, quiet moments and the kind of images that bring you straight back to this season of family life.
If you are planning Perth family photography and feel drawn to the ocean, there is almost certainly a beach that will suit your family beautifully. The right light, the right location and a little room to be yourselves can make all the difference.
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