For investors scanning Australia's next wave of growth and opportunity, the conversation is increasingly shifting west. And at the centre of that conversation is Scarborough, Perth's revitalised coastal precinct, where a $100 million transformation has turned a much-loved beach into one of the country's most compelling investment destinations.
From local beach to national destination
Just 15 minutes from Perth's CBD, Scarborough has undergone one of Australia's most successful coastal regenerations. The foreshore redevelopment has redefined the precinct, introducing a layered public realm of promenades, event spaces, public art, hospitality venues and the heated beachside pool.
This investment has catalysed a step change in visitation, with over two million visitors each year and around $194 million in local business spend annually.
In 2025, Tourism Australia recognised Scarborough among Australia's top 10 beach destinations, attracting tourists, locals and investors alike. Supported by international hotel operators and a growing pipeline of hospitality and mixed-use development, the precinct has firmly established itself as one of Western Australia's standout coastal destinations.
The next chapter: from renewal to realising opportunity
Scarborough's evolution is far from complete.
Following the success of the foreshore redevelopment, attention is now turning to how the precinct's remaining opportunities can help complete the next chapter of Scarborough's growth, carefully, commercially and in a way that reflects what people value most about the place.
What makes Scarborough different is that its appeal extends well beyond the beach itself. It has evolved into a destination where hospitality, recreation, events, tourism and everyday coastal living come together to create a vibrant year-round economy. The experiences people increasingly seek from Scarborough are helping shape the next phase of investment and activation within the precinct.
The City is working towards future opportunities that invite private sector investment to deliver new amenity, activation and visitor experiences that complement Scarborough's established character while creating lasting public and commercial value. As Scarborough continues to mature, there is growing potential for investment that enhances the visitor experience while strengthening the precinct's long-term appeal.
For investors and operators, this presents an opportunity to engage with a precinct that already has proven demand, strong visitation and significant public investment behind it, while still offering room for carefully considered growth and innovation.
Why Scarborough and why now
Scarborough is a precinct that has already undergone transformation but still has significant room for growth. With major public investment complete, a strong visitor economy established, and new projects coming online, the emphasis has shifted.
What remains is opportunity.
Opportunity for:
- Family-friendly hospitality and dining experiences
- Tourism and visitor attractions
- Wellness, lifestyle and recreation offerings
- Accommodation and mixed-use development
- Event, community and public gathering spaces
The intent is not to duplicate or displace existing operators, but to strengthen the overall destination so that local businesses, visitors and the wider community can benefit from a more complete precinct experience. With planning frameworks in place, and direct support from the City, the pathway to market is clear.
A strategic platform for investment
Scarborough sits within the City of Stirling, Western Australia's largest local government and one of its most economically powerful.
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- $19.6 billion local economy, contributing 7% of Greater Perth's output
- 26,000+ businesses, making it WA's largest business hub
- 1 million+ workers within 30km, providing deep access to talent
Underpinning this is a deliberate investment attraction strategy, positioning Scarborough and its coastal nodes as priority locations for tourism, hospitality and mixed-use projects that enhance both economic output and liveability.
Lifestyle as an economic driver
The precinct attracts a highly desirable demographic mix, anchored by young professionals and lifestyle-driven residents. Drawn by an everyday proposition that blends work, recreation and wellbeing, think morning swims, coastal cycling, active nightlife and a year-round events program.
The City of Stirling's investment approach is built on a simple principle: places that people want to live are places where local businesses thrive.
A different kind of investment destination
Scarborough offers something increasingly rare in Australia's urban landscape, a place where growth doesn't come at the expense of lifestyle.
Here, the two are linked.
Investment isn't just about yield. It's about positioning your business in a location where people actively choose to spend time, where lifestyle drives demand, and demand drives growth.
As Perth continues to evolve as Australia's western gateway to Asia and global markets, Scarborough stands out as one of its most visible, investable and lifestyle-rich precincts.
For the property, tourism, hospitality and investment sectors, the message is clear: Scarborough is moving from renewal into its next phase of opportunity. With established visitation, renewed public infrastructure and clear local stewardship, the precinct offers a strong platform for future public and private investment.
As Scarborough continues to mature as one of Australia's leading coastal destinations, new opportunities for investment, activation and partnership will continue to emerge. The opportunity is not simply to invest in a project, but to be part of the next chapter of one of Western Australia's most successful coastal transformations.
To find out more, please visit the City of Stirling.
