Ocean Reef

Ocean Reef offers several distinct starting points for planning a trip: walking in Ocean Reef Foreshore Reserve, facilities in two parks, and connections to local history. Tom’s Rock has been associated with holidays, fishing and recreation in the area since the 1920s. There is also a boat ramp on the shore for launching boats. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ocean Reef, consider in advance whether walks, recreational history or boating activities will be a priority during your stay.

Walks and parks

Walking is one of the enduring recreational uses of Ocean Reef Foreshore Reserve. This makes a walk easy to include as a separate part of your day’s plans. Ocean Reef Beach Park has free electric barbecues. If you’re planning a meal outdoors, you can make use of this free facility. Ocean Reef Park has energy-efficient ambient lighting. It is switched on in the evenings until 9:30 pm and in the mornings from 5:30 am until sunrise. The park information answers different planning questions: Beach Park offers electric barbecues, while Ocean Reef Park has set lighting hours.

Tom’s Rock and local history

Tom’s Rock is historically associated with Tom Ostle, a local figure. Since the 1920s, the site has had social significance in connection with holidays, fishing and recreation in the area. Tom’s Rock is marked by a handmade cross made of reinforcing steel, with a wheel sprocket welded into its centre. For travellers interested in culture and history, two perspectives come together here: the area’s social history of recreation and a specific handmade marker. This unusual marker gives the historical connection a tangible form.

Whadjuk heritage in Ocean Reef and Joondalup

Ocean Reef and Joondalup are connected to Whadjuk heritage. The Whadjuk Traditional Owners gathered food along the coast in these areas, maintained their connection to Country and the sea, and followed the water and the seasons. This cultural perspective differs from the recreational history associated with holidays, fishing and recreation at Tom’s Rock since the 1920s. While Tom’s Rock highlights a local figure and social recreational use, Whadjuk heritage draws attention to the connection with Country and the sea, and to following the water and the seasons. In this way, different historical connections sit side by side: recreational history and the Whadjuk Traditional Owners’ relationship with Country and the sea.

Activities for planning your trip

There is a boat ramp on the shore in Ocean Reef for launching boats. It adds an activity to your plans that differs from walking in the Foreshore Reserve: the focus is on launching a boat. If boating is one of your interests, you can consider this alongside the cultural and historical connections.

For a broader travel overview: City of Joondalup.