Originally a popular camping and fishing spot for locals in the early 20th century, the area was known for its 'shack' culture. It evolved from a seasonal holiday destination into a permanent residential suburb during the 1960s and 70s as Perth's northern corridor expanded.
A relaxed, family-oriented coastal suburb that retains a 'holiday' feel with hilly terrain and ocean vistas, contrasting with the flatter, more uniform master-planned estates nearby.
- Stunning natural topography offering ocean views from many elevated positions.
- Established community feel compared to newer 'cookie-cutter' estates.
- Direct access to swimming beaches and the Quinns Rocks Swimming Hole.
- Proximity to the Mindarie Marina for dining and entertainment.
- Strong school catchment areas including Mindarie Senior High School.
- Coastal erosion 'hotspots' identified by the City of Wanneroo.
- Older housing stock may require significant maintenance or contain asbestos.
- Steep driveways and hilly streets can be challenging for accessibility.
- Limited public transport within the suburb; car dependency remains high.
- Bushfire risk for properties backing onto the Neerabup National Park buffer.
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
Dominant dwelling stock.
Typical entry to ceiling.
Quinns Rocks offers a rare combination of 'old Perth' coastal charm and modern infrastructure. As one of the few established coastal suburbs with varied topography, it attracts buyers who want character rather than just a new build.
$780k – $2.5m
$450k – $750k
12-month movement
Current asking rents
The suburb has transitioned from an affordable coastal option to a premium family destination, with the gap between 'old Quinns' and 'new Quinns' pricing widening.
Price comparison
Median price ÷ median income
Estimated rental yield
While more affordable than inner-city coastal suburbs like Cottesloe, Quinns Rocks has seen rapid price escalation, making it less accessible for first-home buyers without significant deposits.
Lower = tighter market
Avg time on market
Annual rental increase
Professional families and FIFO workers seeking lifestyle-oriented housing.
Strong capital growth and extremely low vacancy make it an attractive long-term hold, though maintenance on coastal properties can be higher.
- Completion of the Yanchep Rail Extension in 2024 improving connectivity.
- Mitchell Freeway extension reducing commute times to Joondalup and Perth.
- Ongoing redevelopment of older lots into high-end coastal homes.
- Scarcity of established coastal land in the northern corridor.
- Rising insurance costs for coastal-front properties.
- Potential for increased interest rates impacting highly leveraged family buyers.
- Environmental management costs for the shoreline.
Expected to remain a high-demand suburb as the northern corridor matures, with premium prices paid for elevated lots with permanent ocean views.
vs last 12 months
Relative comparison
Check specific street lighting and proximity to beach car parks which can occasionally attract late-night gatherings.
The primary risks are environmental, specifically related to the suburb's coastal position and eastern bushland interface.
Low risk of riverine flooding; minor risk of localized storm-water ponding in steep gullies.
High risk for properties on the eastern fringe adjacent to Neerabup National Park; BAL assessments required.
Beachfront properties may face higher premiums or exclusions for sea-action damage.
Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)
Older 'Old Quinns' area where large lots are being subdivided or replaced with luxury residences.
The CHRMAP is critical; it dictates long-term government strategy for coastal protection which may affect property values on the front row.
Butler and Alkimos train stations are roughly 5-8 minutes away by car. Bus services connect the suburb to the rail line.
Quinns Village Shopping Centre provides essentials; Mindarie Marina and Ocean Keys Shopping Centre are nearby.
Excellent access to Quinns Rocks Foreshore, Gumblossom Park, and various local playgrounds.
Quinns Rocks Primary and Quinns Baptist College are within the suburb; Mindarie Senior High is the main secondary school.
Local GPs available; Joondalup Health Campus is the nearest major hospital (approx. 15-20 mins).
A predominantly family-based demographic with a high rate of home ownership and a significant UK/European expat population.
The high owner-occupancy rate contributes to well-maintained streetscapes and a strong sense of community pride.
Recent infrastructure has focused on transport connectivity and coastal protection.
- Yanchep Rail Extension (completed) providing reliable CBD access.
- Mitchell Freeway Extension to Alkimos (completed) improving road transit.
- Quinns Beach Long-Term Coastal Management works (ongoing).
- Ongoing construction noise from nearby Alkimos/Eglinton developments.
- Increased traffic on Marmion Avenue during peak hours.
Residents love the 'village' feel and the fact that it doesn't feel like a modern suburb. There is a strong sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the beach.
The best place to raise kids. They can walk to the beach and the schools are fantastic.
Coming home to the ocean views makes the swing worth it. The new train station has made getting to the airport much easier.
I love my view, but the hills are getting harder to walk every year. You definitely need a car here.
We bought an older place near the coast. The salt air is brutal on the window frames and the garden.
The reef break here is underrated. It's a quiet, friendly beach compared to the city spots.
It's getting busier, which is good for business, but parking at the beach in summer is becoming a nightmare.
- Prioritize properties on the high side of the street for protected ocean views.
- Check the 'Age of Construction'—homes built before 1990 likely contain asbestos.
- Verify the BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) rating if the property is near the eastern boundary.
- Look for 'Old Quinns' homes with large lots that offer future subdivision potential (subject to council).
- Visit the property at sunset to gauge wind exposure; the 'Fremantle Doctor' can be very strong here.
- Investigate the specific coastal erosion risk for any property west of Ocean Drive.
- Has this property been assessed for coastal erosion risk in the City of Wanneroo CHRMAP?
- What is the BAL rating for this specific lot?
- Are the ocean views from this property protected, or could a neighbor build up and block them?
- Is the property connected to deep sewerage, or is it still on a septic system?
- What are the most recent comparable sales in 'Old Quinns' versus the newer sections?
- Are there any known structural issues related to the limestone retaining walls on this block?
- What is the current school catchment status for Mindarie Senior High School?
- Highlight ocean views with professional twilight photography.
- Address any salt-related corrosion (fences, gutters) before listing to improve buyer confidence.
- Position the property based on its proximity to the new rail infrastructure.
- Showcase outdoor entertaining areas as 'lifestyle extensions' of the home.
- Provide a recent building and pest report to streamline the offer process in a fast market.
Focus on the 'Coastal Sanctuary' angle. Emphasize that Quinns Rocks offers a soul and character that newer, flat estates lack. Market the property as a lifestyle investment, not just a house.
High rental yield potential and extremely low vacancy rates make this a safe 'buy and hold' for capital growth.
Higher maintenance costs due to coastal environment and potential for rising insurance premiums.
- Target 4-bedroom family homes within walking distance of schools.
- Ensure the property has adequate cooling for the summer months.
- Budget for higher-than-average exterior maintenance (painting/fencing).
- Monitor City of Wanneroo planning updates regarding coastal protection.
- Be ready with a complete application; properties lease within days.
- Look for homes with solar panels to offset high cooling costs in summer.
- Check for adequate storage for beach gear and outdoor equipment.
Incredible lifestyle with beach access and a friendly community.
Public transport is limited; you will likely need a car for most errands.
- Consider long-term leases (12-24 months) as family tenants here value stability.
- Regularly inspect the exterior for salt damage to prevent long-term structural issues.
- Maintain gardens to a high standard to attract premium tenants.
Ensure all smoke alarms and RCDs are compliant with WA state legislation before every new tenancy.
- The market is currently driven by families moving from the eastern states and UK expats.
- Ocean views command a 15-25% premium over similar homes without views.
- Stock levels are at historic lows, leading to multiple offer scenarios.
The 'Forever Home' coastal lifestyle; Proximity to the new rail link; The unique topography of 'Old Quinns'.
Established families, FIFO professionals, and coastal downsizers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Data is based on 2026 market projections and historical trends. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with legal and financial professionals before making any property purchase.
