Mettam’s Pool: The breathtaking hidden oasis tucked away 20 minutes outside a major CBD – yet thousands have no idea it’s there

An idyllic, sparkling beach sat 20 minutes outside the Perth CBD is a favourite among locals, yet thousands of travellers from further afield have no clue it exists. 

Mettam’s Pool, a sheltered oasis beloved by swimmers and snorkellers, is tucked away in North Beach, a northern coastal suburb of Perth along the popular West Coast Drive. 

Home to a unique natural lagoon protected by a coral reef, it’s most easily reached by car as there’s no direct public transport route yet – a factor that adds to its charm. 

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. 

When the tide comes in, however, the water becomes more suitable for experienced swimmers, as the swell can be quite rough. Visitors are also warned to watch out for jagged rocks often hidden beneath the incoming tide. 

Keen snorkellers are in for a treat, with marine life including blowfish, starfish, wrasse, pink snapper and western rock lobsters. 

The best swimming conditions are usually early in the morning during the warmer months, so it’s worth heading out early to beat the wind and waves that pick up in the afternoon. 

For those seeking more adrenaline, the area beyond the reef is popular with surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers, especially in autumn and winter. 

Beachcombers across the road is a favourite for fish and chips, while North Beach Deli is a coffee must and transforms into a brewery by night. 

Monty’s Cafe, the Sandbar at Scarborough Beach and Trigg Beach are also worth a visit while you’re in the area. 

Visitors who’ve stumbled upon this slice of paradise rave about its beauty and crystal-clear waters. 

‘Beautiful oasis on the coast. If you feel like a dip in the ocean without the waves, this is the place for you. Only room for splashing about amongst the reef, but worth it. There’s a deeper pool where you can safely snorkel,’ one wrote. 

‘Gorgeous beach to take kids and explore. Kids love taking their snorkelling gear down and looking for fish, crabs and other creatures,’ another added.

It’s one of many hidden gem beaches in Western Australia more should know about, with the second on our list known as ‘The Aquarium’.

The aptly named beachside spot is tucked away between Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks near the West Australia town of Yallingup, three hours south of Perth. 

A popular spot for swimmers, beach-lovers and photographers alike, the picturesque lagoon is no easy feat to find and visitors will need to know exactly where to go to find it. 

The Aquarium’s calm, vibrant waters are protected from the surf by huge granite boulders the rugged coastline is littered with. 

Visitors to The Aquarium are becoming more frequent as word gets out about the hidden gem and say travellers need to ‘be prepared for a bit of a hike down’ to get to the pool. 

Tourists can travel towards to the ocean along Canal Rocks Road near Yallingup until they reach the small car park at the end. 

From there, it is a 1.3km walk downhill along a rough track through the rugged and rocky coastal bushland with stunning views of the ocean.