Perth's best beaches

Perth faces the Indian Ocean, and its coastline is one of the city's great gifts. Within half an hour of the CBD, you can choose from wide surf beaches, rock pools, family-friendly swimming spots and beachfront cafes. And because the coast faces west, the sun sets over the sea, which turns an evening swim into a ritual.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is Perth's best-known beach. Known as Mudurup to the Whadjuk Noongar people, it has a sheltered swimming area, terraced lawns lined with Norfolk Island pines and the Indiana Tea House, a landmark built in 1996. The beach hosts the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition and is the starting point for the Rottnest Channel Swim. It is a short walk from Cottesloe train station, which makes it easy to reach without a car. Arrive early on hot weekends, because it gets busy.

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is livelier, with a wide beach, surf, a beachfront amphitheatre and lots of cafes, bars and restaurants. The redeveloped foreshore has a pool, playgrounds and skate park. On windy days, it is popular with surfers and bodyboarders, while calmer mornings suit swimmers.

City Beach and Floreat

These neighbouring beaches have broad grassy areas, playgrounds, cafes and groynes that create calmer water. They are popular with families and sunset watchers.

Mettams Pool and Trigg

Mettams Pool is a natural rock pool protected by a reef, popular with snorkellers and families on calm days. Nearby Trigg Beach is a surf beach. Conditions change quickly with swell and wind, so check before swimming.

Coogee and Port Coogee

South of Fremantle, Coogee Beach is a calm family beach with a jetty. The Omeo shipwreck, near the coast, has a dive and snorkel trail.

Choosing a beach

Beach safety

Perth's sun is strong, and UV levels can be extreme in summer. Wear a hat, sunscreen and a shirt, and seek shade in the middle of the day. Rips can form on any beach, especially on windy days with waves. If caught in a rip, stay calm, float and signal for help.

The sea breeze

In summer, Perth's afternoon sea breeze, known locally as the Fremantle Doctor, usually brings relief from the heat. It also makes beaches windy and choppy, so mornings are generally best for swimming and snorkelling.

Sunsets

Because the coast faces west, Perth beaches are great for sunsets. Cottesloe, City Beach and Scarborough are popular sunset spots, many with cafes overlooking the sea.

Beyond the city

For more beaches, head north to Hillarys and the Sunset Coast, or south to Rockingham and Mandurah. And for the clearest water of all, catch the ferry to Rottnest Island.

Respect the coast

Use beach access paths to protect fragile dunes, take your rubbish home and follow local rules on dogs, alcohol and fires. Many beaches have designated dog areas; check council signs.

Is the water warm?

Perth's ocean water is cooler than in tropical Australia, but summer swims are refreshing. Water is coldest in winter, when many locals wear wetsuits for surfing or snorkelling.

Facilities

Most major beaches have toilets, showers, cafes and parking. Some beaches have accessible matting and beach wheelchairs. Check with the local council for current facilities.

When to go

Summer, from December to February, is peak beach season, with hot days and warm water. Spring and autumn offer milder days and quieter beaches. Winter brings bigger swells, fewer crowds and dramatic storms.

Beach etiquette

Give surfers and swimmers space, keep music low, and leave the beach as you found it. Respect wildlife, including seabirds nesting on dunes.

A perfect Perth beach day

Catch the train to Cottesloe early, swim before the sea breeze, have breakfast overlooking the water, then walk along the coast path. In the afternoon, retreat to the shade, then return for the sunset.