The reserve is named after the designer of the Fremantle Harbour and the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme.
The beach area is a well-known local hub for social dog walking due to its status as an off-leash zone.
Robb Jetty, which once occupied this site, was originally built in 1897 to support the livestock and shipping industries.
Remnants of the industrial jetty piles can still be seen protruding from the seabed at low tide.
The reserve functions as part of a significant coastal rehabilitation project following the removal of heavy industry from the North Coogee area.
It is a key point on the long-distance Perth coastal cycling and walking path network.
CY O’Connor Reserve is a coastal park located in North Coogee, Western Australia, named after the prominent civil engineer Charles Yelverton O'Connor. The reserve features a popular off-leash dog beach stretching along the Indian Ocean coastline. It is situated on the site of the former Robb Jetty, an industrial shipping area repurposed for public recreational use. The area provides access to the shared coastal path connecting Fremantle to Woodman Point. Visitors can view the remnants of the historical jetty structures that occasionally emerge from the sand and water. The reserve serves as a critical buffer zone between the ocean and residential developments in the Coogee precinct. It features preserved coastal dune vegetation and designated areas for beach activities. Local topography includes gentle slopes leading down to the waterline, providing panoramic views across the Indian Ocean.
The sand dunes looking back toward the wooden jetty remnants during sunset.
Bring a portable water bowl if visiting with a dog, as fresh water taps are limited.
Check the daily tide charts, as the beach width significantly changes and reveals more of the historic jetty remains at low tide.
Wear sunscreen and hats, as the coastal exposure provides very little natural shade.
Do not attempt to swim or climb near the submerged wooden jetty piles, as they can be sharp and unstable.
Clean up after pets immediately using the provided waste stations; observe leash-free zones vs. on-leash requirements in surrounding parkland.
