The 3.5 km coastal path from Burns Beach to Mindarie is my go-to walk for big ocean views and a quiet head. Here's how to do it.
My reset button
Some weeks, I need to get out and walk somewhere with a big horizon. When that happens, I drive up to Burns Beach and walk the coastal path north to Mindarie.
It’s an easy, paved path along the top of the dunes, with the Indian Ocean on one side and coastal heath on the other. There’s no traffic noise for most of it, just wind, waves and the odd cyclist rolling past.
Quick facts
- Distance: About 3.5 km each way between Burns Beach and Mindarie.
- Time: About 45 minutes each way at an easy pace.
- Surface: Paved shared path for walkers and cyclists, gently up and down over the dunes.
- Start: Burns Beach foreshore park, with toilets, a playground and a cafe.
- Shade and water: No shade and no taps along the path, so bring water.
- Best time: Early morning, or late afternoon into sunset.
“I don’t take headphones on this one. Forty minutes of nothing but the ocean does more for my head than any podcast.”
Alex Hamilton, Editor
The walk
The Burns Beach to Mindarie coastal path is about 3.5 km each way. The City of Wanneroo opened it in 2022, linking the paths to the south with Mindarie and beyond. It’s shared by walkers and cyclists, so keep left and listen for bells.
Allow about 45 minutes each way at an easy pace, or turn around whenever you’ve had enough. The path rises and falls gently over the dunes, so you get a few good lookouts along the way.
“Good path along the beaches means can have a good walk.”
Vickers55, Tripadvisor review
Where to start
I park near the Burns Beach foreshore park, where there are toilets, a playground and a cafe. From there, head north along the path. If you’d rather walk south, the path also continues past Iluka to Ocean Reef and Mullaloo.
“the view never fails to set one’s heart racing.”
Margaret J, Tripadvisor review
Best time to go
There’s no shade on the path, so in summer go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Sunset is the best time of all. Walk north in the afternoon, then come back as the sun drops into the ocean.
Finish with a feed
Walking north, you’ll end up near Mindarie Marina, where there are pubs, cafes and fish and chips by the boats. Back at Burns Beach, the cafe on the foreshore is a good spot for a coffee and a sit-down. Bring water either way, because there are no taps along the path. If you’d rather swim than walk, Mullaloo Beach is a short drive south and much calmer.
“Great place to watch the sun go down”
Graham P, Tripadvisor review
Featured image: AidanVR123, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s about 3.5 km each way along a paved shared path, so allow around 45 minutes each way at an easy pace.
