Live your best costal life at Port Coogee

Nowhere does relaxed coastal living better than Western Australia. But if you travel a few minutes south of Fremantle in Perth, you will find a very special community taking this to an all-new level.

Port Coogee is a little slice of heaven; a vibrant place where the Indian Ocean sparkles like a sapphire and the sky flames orange and gold at sunset. A place where the day begins and ends with walks along the picture-perfect marina and pristine beaches, and where families and neighbours gather as friends.

We spoke to some Port Coogee locals about what makes life so special in their little slice of coastal paradise.

Nick Wyatt, Business Consultant (and one of the very first Port Coogee residents)

One of the very first residents of Port Coogee, Nick Wyatt has been enjoying the coastal life for over a decade. Nick hails from England, while his wife is a local West Australian. Having met in England, together they decided to settle in Western Australia where they would set about turning their dream of living near the beach into a reality. Their journey led them to Port Coogee, where they purchased a block of land in 2007 and built their family home.

Despite being a self-confessed work-addict, Nick is deeply involved in the local community, particularly through the Cockburn Masters Swimming Club, and as a coordinator of the Coogee Jetty to Jetty Swim. “Delivering this community event for over 1,300 swimmers each year is what drives me in my spare time,” says Nick. “That and encouraging others to take up swimming as a healthy lifestyle. I’ll hopefully take the Jetty Swim to its 30th Anniversary in 2026, then it might be someone else’s turn!”

Describing Port Coogee as a place that has grown from nothing into a perfect community, Nick has made a lot of wonderful memories here, including his family’s annual Boxing Day picnic.

“We get together in Coromandel Park each year,” he explains. “With a couple of marquees, some light music, bocce, a game of cricket, it’s a great place to enjoy each other’s company right next to the marina and beach. Quite different and considerably warmer than the Boxing Day gatherings I was used to in England, but perfect nonetheless.”

Clare Nott, Public Speaker

Clare Nott and her family swapped ‘north of the river’ for Port Coogee’s idyllic shores in 2017. Clare, who represented Australia in wheelchair basketball for 14 years, was craving a coastal lifestyle, and found everything she wanted and more when she fell in love with Port Coogee and Ngarkal Beach.

From accessible amenities to outdoor activities and a regular calendar of events, Clare enjoys having everything her family needs within close proximity.

“You don’t have to get in the car to go to the beach,” she explains. “Ngarkal Beach is wheelchair accessible in the summer, and there are lots of great spots for a kid’s birthday party.”

Beyond this, Clare credits the local people for making the area truly special. Whether it’s gathering for a kerbside barbecue or lining the street on Christmas Day as Santa throws out lollies, Clare loves the experiences her children are able to share with their neighbourhood friends. “I love that our kids are close in age and play together. They will grow up having Christmas mornings and summer holidays by the beach together. Everyone looks out for each other, and it makes this a lovely place to live.”

Lee Mallia, Pharmacist

As another former north-sider, Lee and her husband were drawn to Port Coogee’s relaxed lifestyle and beaches almost ten years ago.

A pharmacist at the local Bloom’s chemist, Lee says being able to achieve the all-important work/life balance while her child was young as one of the area’s main drawcards.

“Working in my local community has been amazing. Everyone is friendly and supportive, not to mention the added bonus of being able to walk to work.”

There is also nowhere else that can make daily life feel like a holiday, Lee explains. “Port Coogee has a beautiful coastline and a vibrant community, and the sunsets over the Indian Ocean are second to none. It’s a great place for families and holiday makers, with amazing beaches and outdoor spaces.”

Robert A. (Tony) Harben, Retired

Originally from Jersey in the southern English Channel, former Navy man Tony has always had an affinity for the sea.

Like many of his neighbours, Tony speaks passionately when asked about the special qualities of the area.

“Port Coogee represents everything we could ask for. It’s ultra-modern but with an old- fashioned sense of belonging, plenty of cafes and restaurants and, of course, the bluest, clearest sea you can imagine.”

In fact, Tony has a unique connection to the waters off Port Coogee, being one of two divers tasked with surveying the wreck of the OMEO, a famous ship that below ashore in 1905. “I was a volunteer diver for the Fremantle Maritime Archaeological Association of WA,” he explains. “In 1985 my diving buddy and I were asked to survey the OMEO. It took six years!” Members of the public can see a copy of the OMEO map on the steps leading down to the beach near the site.

Describing the area as paradise, Tony enjoys watching the landscape change with each season. “I love the changing vista and the feeling of open space. Not to mention the ambience and community spirit. It’s as close to perfect as it can be.”

Tom Fletcher-Dutton, Café Owner

Tom Fletcher-Dutton, has a strong connection to Port Coogee through his thriving cafe business and popular local hotspot, The Grind Reaper café. From just before sunrise to just after lunchtime, Tom and his team deliver a steady flow of coffee and food orders to the neighbourhood’s hungry residents.

What makes Port Coogee such a special place to run a business? “It’s got to be the beautiful beaches, the Omeo Shipwreck, and of course, the great coffee,” Tom says.

As the community’s favourite barista and confidante, Tom says his favourite aspect of the job is getting to know the people of the neighbourhood and hearing all their stories. “It’s a welcoming community,” he says. “People are always stopping by to say hello.”

Nicki Thomson, Marketing & Communications Manager

A resident since 2018, marketer Nicki believes Port Coogee offers world- class oceanside living.

“We have amazing sandy beaches with crystal clear, aqua coloured water right on our doorstep and some of the most amazing sunsets. There are lots of outdoor spaces to exercise, relax and unwind in, whilst taking in the ocean air. Most facilities are within easy walking distance, and Fremantle is just minutes away.”

Particularly fond of the drive down Pantheon Avenue, where towering Norfolk Pines frame a view of the sea, Nicki relishes how Port Coogee feels removed from the stresses of everyday city and suburban life.

“It’s our own little piece of paradise,” she says, “a friendly and inclusive community where our neighbours have become great friends.”

Justin Watts, Forensic Document Examiner

When Justin and his wife visited the area ten years ago, they made a near instantaneous decision to put down roots.

Drawn by the unique combination of housing, amenities, and the spectacular marina, Justin, who emigrated from England in 1979, also wanted to provide somewhere special for his children to grow up. “I wanted my kids to be happy and healthy in a beautiful environment.”

“It’s a remarkable area and lifestyle,” he further explains. “How could anyone live in a place where they don’t get the opportunity to see a sunset over the ocean? When you put the marina in the foreground, nothing makes for a better photograph.”

Looking at the scene Justin describes, it’s hard not to agree.