Mettams Pool is a natural swimming lagoon on the coast north of Trigg Beach in Perth. A limestone reef shelters the shallow water, where you can swim or snorkel among fish, starfish and anemones close to shore. The sandy beach and calm inner pool suit families and people new to snorkelling; rocky sections make reef shoes useful. Come when the wind is light for clearer water, and check the tide before heading out, as conditions can change near the reef’s outer edge.
A lagoon shaped by the reef
Mettams Pool sits on Perth’s northern coast, north of Trigg Beach and at the southern end of North Beach. The reef forms a sheltered swimming area beside the sand. Its pool-like conditions are the reason for the name: the water inside the reef is calmer than the exposed coast, especially when the wind is light.
The lagoon is shallow near shore, with rocky reef and seagrass beneath the surface. Depth figures vary in the available descriptions, so take care as you move farther from the sand. The outer edge can experience stronger swell, particularly as the tide rises. Inexperienced swimmers and snorkellers should stay in the sheltered inner area.
A ramp runs down to the water, which can help with access for strollers and wheelchairs. The beach also has a grassy area and some shaded tables, so you can bring a picnic. Parking is limited at busy times, so arriving early can make the visit easier.
What to look for underwater
You can spot marine life just a short distance from shore. Fish move over the sandy bottom and around the reef, while small creatures shelter in its crevices. Look for anemones, starfish, crabs, molluscs and sea snails among the rocks. Fish mentioned in the area include red-lip morwong, wrasse and banded sweep; octopuses have also been seen around the reef.
Visibility depends on conditions. On a calm day, the water can be clear enough to see the reef and its marine life from the surface. Wind and swell can make snorkelling less comfortable, so check conditions before setting out. Reef shoes are useful on the rocky shore and around the pool.
Choosing the right conditions
Early morning is a good time to plan a swim or snorkel: the water is often calmer before the wind rises, and visibility can be better. Tides matter too. The inner lagoon is sheltered, but conditions can become rougher toward the outer reef, especially on a pushing tide. If you are new to snorkelling, keep close to the sand and leave the exposed edge to experienced swimmers.
Mettams Pool can be busier on weekends, and parking is limited. A visit on a quieter morning gives you more room to settle by the water. The reef and shallow lagoon are the main draw, but the sandy shore also works for a gentle swim or a rest by the coast. Sunset is another reason to stay later, though the water conditions are best assessed separately from the view.
Häufige Fragen
Is Mettams Pool good for beginner snorkellers?
Yes. The reef shelters shallow water near shore, where you can see marine life close by. Stay in the inner lagoon, especially if you are inexperienced.
What marine life can you see at Mettams Pool?
Look for fish, starfish, anemones, crabs and molluscs around the reef. Red-lip morwong, wrasse and banded sweep are among the fish found there.
When is the best time to snorkel at Mettams Pool?
Go early on a calm day, before the wind picks up. Check the tide as well, since the water can be rougher near the outer reef.
Are reef shoes useful at Mettams Pool?
Yes. The shore and pool have rocky areas, so reef shoes can help when moving over them.
