Perth’s Best Beaches: Cottesloe, Scarborough and Beyond

Perth is a city that lives for the coast. Where Indian Ocean sunsets light up the sky, where soft white sand squeaks underfoot, and where lazy brunches roll into golden hour swims. From iconic Cottesloe and energetic Scarborough to low-key bays and snorkel-friendly reefs, Perth’s beaches are a dream for swimmers, surfers, families, and sunset chasers. If you are planning a Western Australia escape, this guide puts Perth’s best beaches on your must-visit list and shows you how to make the most of your time by the water.

Whether you want an early morning dip before the sea breeze arrives, a surf lesson with a skyline view, or a long lunch overlooking turquoise water, Perth’s coastline offers options for every style of traveler. Read on for expert tips, local favorites, practical planning advice, and an itinerary you can follow straight away.

Why Perth’s Coastline Belongs on Your Bucket List

• World-class water clarity and long, gently shelving beaches
• Ocean-facing sunsets almost every day of the year
• Reliable warm weather for nine months, with sea breezes for comfort
• Excellent amenities, from free outdoor showers and BBQs to foreshore pools and skate parks
• Safe swimming zones patrolled by surf lifesavers in season
• Laid-back, friendly coastal culture with great cafes and casual dining

Perth’s city-to-coast setup means you can hop from downtown to the beach in under 20 minutes. That convenience, plus a huge stretch of accessible coastline, makes it easy to build beach time into any itinerary.

Cottesloe Beach: Perth’s Golden Poster Child

Cottesloe is the postcard shot you have seen in magazines: pine trees framing pale sand, a heritage pavilion overlooking glassy water, and swimmers drifting across a sandy-bottomed bay. It is the quintessential Perth beach day and an ideal first stop.

What Makes Cottesloe Special

• Calm, clear water ideal for swimming and casual snorkelling
• The groyne and reefy patches provide fish life for beginner snorkellers
• A long promenade lined with Norfolk Island pines, cafes, and gelato bars
• Sculptures by the Sea each March transforms the sand into an open-air gallery
• Unreal sunset views, with locals picnicking on the grassy terraces

Families love the gentle gradient and patrolled swimming area in summer. Fitness types do laps along the shore at sunrise, while photographers wait for silhouettes of the pines against an orange sky.

Top Things to Do at Cottesloe

1. Swim between the flags during patrol season for the safest conditions.
2. Snorkel near the groyne on low-wind mornings. Expect to see small reef fish, starfish, and sea grasses.
3. Book a stand-up paddleboard session on calm days for a relaxed ocean glide.
4. Picnic at golden hour on the grass terraces, then wander the promenade as the sky turns pink and purple.
5. Visit during Sculptures by the Sea and explore art installations set against the Indian Ocean.

Where to Eat and Drink at Cottesloe

• Cottesloe Beach Hotel: coastal classics and sundowner drinks, perfect for people-watching
• Indigo Oscar: Latin-leaning plates with epic ocean views inside the iconic Indiana building
• The OBH (Ocean Beach Hotel): casual, lively, and sunset friendly
• Amberjacks: beloved for fish and chips on the grass
• Il Lido Italian Canteen: coffee, pastries, and house-made pasta a few steps from the sand

Tip: Book ahead for dinner at prime sunset venues during summer weekends.

Practical Info for Cottesloe Beach

• Getting there: Fremantle Line train from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station, then a 10 to 15 minute walk to the beach. Rideshare and limited street parking are available.
• Lifeguards: Surf lifesaving patrols operate during the warmer months. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
• Best time: Early mornings are calmest before the sea breeze arrives most afternoons. Evenings are stunning for sunsets.
• Accessibility: The foreshore is flat and paved. Seasonal beach matting and beach wheelchairs may be available through local surf clubs or the council. Check ahead for current availability.

Scarborough Beach: Surf, Energy, and Sunset Markets

Scarborough is where Perth’s beach lifestyle cranks up the volume. Expect a wide, powerful stretch of surf, a stylish foreshore precinct, and a social vibe that rolls from morning coffee to after-dark cocktails. It is great for active travelers, families, and anyone who loves a little buzz with their beach time.

Why Surfers and Families Love Scarborough

• Consistent surf with multiple peaks along the beach
• Scarborough Beach Pool, a geothermally heated open-air pool overlooking the ocean
• A huge skate park, playgrounds, climbing structures, and grassy areas
• An amphitheatre that hosts outdoor events and performances
• Scarborough Sunset Markets in warmer months with street food and live music

Top Experiences at Scarborough

1. Take a beginner surf lesson with qualified instructors, then refuel with a beachfront breakfast.
2. Swim laps at Scarborough Beach Pool, then soak up the view from the sun decks.
3. Join a beach fitness class or sunrise yoga session on the foreshore.
4. Time your visit for the sunset markets, usually held weekly through summer.
5. Watch whales migrating offshore in late winter and spring. Bring binoculars for best results.

Where to Eat and Drink in Scarborough

• The Sandbar: family-friendly beach meals, great for groups
• El Grotto: tacos and cocktails with a late-night vibe
• The Peach Pit: burgers, beers, and panoramic sunsets
• C-Blu or nearby cafes: smoothies, coffee, and quick bites steps from the sand

Scarborough’s dining scene is diverse, so you can choose from quick and casual to dressy sunset dinners.

Planning Tips for Scarborough Beach

• Getting there: Bus 990 from Perth CBD runs frequently along the coast. Parking is available in multiple foreshore lots but fills quickly on hot days.
• Lifeguards: Patrols are standard in season. Observe signage, since surf and rips can be strong.
• Best time: Mornings offer lighter winds. Afternoons are great for people-watching and sunsets.
• Accessibility: Wide promenades, accessible toilets, and seasonal beach matting. Contact the local surf lifesaving club for beach wheelchair access.

Beyond the Icons: More of Perth’s Best Beaches

Perth’s shoreline runs for tens of kilometres. Once you have met the headliners, explore these local favorites for snorkelling, mellow swims, and quiet coastal walks.

City Beach and Floreat: Classy Calm Meets Coastal Parklands

• City Beach: This refined foreshore has shady structures, playgrounds, and two groynes that temper the swell for more comfortable swimming. Odyssea and Hamptons City Beach serve seafood and sundowners with front-row ocean seats.
• Floreat Beach: A little quieter than its neighbours, Floreat suits long walks, gentle dips, and lazy beach days. Dog-friendly zones exist nearby. Always check local signage for boundaries.
• Practical tip: City Beach is a top pick for families who want facilities close at hand and a little extra protection from waves.

Trigg Beach and Mettams Pool: Surf and Snorkel Double Act

• Trigg Beach: A magnet for experienced surfers, especially at Trigg Point on the right swell. The beach break can be punchy. Not always ideal for kids but excellent for wave watchers and confident swimmers.
• Mettams Pool: A small, shallow, reef-sheltered lagoon just north of Trigg. Perfect for beginner snorkellers and families on calm days. Expect coral-like limestone reef, sea grasses, and darting fish.
• Safety note: Avoid Mettams on big-swell or windy days, since surge and visibility can deteriorate quickly. Early mornings are best for glassy conditions.

Sorrento, Hillarys and Northern Favourites

• Sorrento Beach: A popular family beach with gentle swells and easy access. Some seasons include a swim enclosure. Check current conditions during your visit.
• Hillarys Boat Harbour: A sheltered man-made beach inside the marina offers flat water for toddlers and paddleboarding. The Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA) sits on the edge of the harbour with displays of local marine life, including the Marmion Marine Park that stretches along this coast.
• Watermans Bay and North Beach: Low-key nooks with reefy sections for snorkelling on calm days, and relaxed local cafes nearby.
• Mullaloo Beach: Broad, family-friendly sands and a friendly community vibe, with shaded parks and BBQs behind the dunes.
• Burns Beach: A photogenic headland area with coastal walkways, limestone cliffs, and dreamy sunset viewing.

Fremantle and South: Leighton, Port and South Beach

• Leighton Beach: Known for powdery white sand and clear water. A favourite for kitesurfers when the breeze picks up. The northern end has dog-friendly sections. Cafes sit just behind the dunes.
• Port Beach: Close to Fremantle, popular for its calm shoreline. Beach width can change with seasonal erosion, so check conditions on the day.
• South Beach: A grassy foreshore shaded by tall trees, calm shallows suited to families, and a relaxed crowd. In summer you can often catch weekend sunset markets with food stalls and music.
• Coogee Beach and the Omeo Wreck: Just south of Fremantle, Coogee’s calm water is complemented by the Coogee Maritime Trail, which features the shallow Omeo shipwreck and underwater sculptures suitable for snorkellers and beginner divers. Coogee often has a seasonal shark-protective swim enclosure too.

Adventure Day Trips: Rottnest, Penguin Island and Rockingham

If you have a day to spare, these nearby coastal playgrounds are worth the ferry or short drive.

• Rottnest Island (Wadjemup): Famous for quokkas, bike-only roads, and over 60 beaches and bays. The Basin and Pinky Beach are perfect for families, while Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point suit snorkellers. Ferries depart from Fremantle, Hillarys, and Elizabeth Quay in the city. Spend a day cycling from bay to bay, or stay overnight to catch sunrise swims and empty coves.
• Penguin Island and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park: South of Perth near Rockingham, this marine park hosts sea lions, penguins, and nesting seabirds. Ferry services operate from Shoalwater. The seasonal sandbar can be hazardous, so take the ferry rather than walking across, and join guided snorkel or kayak tours for wildlife spotting.
• Rockingham and Safety Bay: A kitesurfing mecca when the afternoon sea breeze arrives, with shallow waters and an easygoing foreshore for families.

When to Visit and What to Expect

• Weather: Summer runs from December to February with hot days and the famous Fremantle Doctor sea breeze most afternoons. Spring and autumn are warm and less windy, ideal for long beach days. Winter brings moody skies, powerful surf, and spectacular cloudscapes.
• Water temperature: Generally ranges from about 18 to 22 degrees Celsius through the year. Wetsuits are common for surfers and snorkellers in winter and spring.
• Best time of day: Mornings are usually calmer with lighter winds and clearer water for snorkelling. Late afternoon is unbeatable for sunsets.
• Marine life: You may spot dolphins cruising along the surf line, especially in the morning. In winter and spring, humpback whales migrate offshore.

Beach Safety and Accessibility

Perth’s beaches are welcoming, but ocean safety comes first.

• Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Lifesavers set flags to mark the safest area free of rips and hazards.
• Be rip-current aware. If caught in a rip, float to conserve energy, wave for help, and swim parallel to the shore to exit the current.
• Follow local signage about conditions, closures, and marine stingers. Late summer can bring jellyfish. A rash shirt adds sun and sting protection.
• Stay hydrated and sun safe. Use SPF 50 sunscreen, reapply often, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak UV hours.
• Accessibility: Key beaches such as Scarborough, City Beach, and Hillarys typically offer accessible paths, beach matting in season, and access to beach wheelchairs via surf lifesaving clubs or councils. Check local websites to confirm availability and booking procedures before your visit.

In case of emergency, call 000 in Australia.

What to Pack for a Perth Beach Day

• Lightweight beach towel or quick-dry travel towel
• SPF 50 sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, and a long-sleeve rash shirt
• Reusable water bottle and snacks
• Reef-safe snorkel set for Mettams Pool, Coogee Maritime Trail, and Rottnest
• Compact beach shade or umbrella, respecting foreshore rules
• Waterproof phone case and a dry bag for valuables
• Thongs or sandals for hot sand
• For surfers: appropriate board, legrope, and a spring suit or steamer outside midsummer

Sample 3-Day Perth Beach Itinerary

Use this easy plan to hit the highlights without rushing.

Day 1: Cottesloe and Fremantle

• Sunrise coffee and swim at Cottesloe. Snorkel near the groyne if conditions are calm.
• Brunch at Il Lido or the Cottesloe Beach Hotel.
• Visit Fremantle in the afternoon for heritage streets, Fremantle Markets on weekends, and small bars.
• Late afternoon dip at South Beach or Leighton, then dinner on South Terrace in Fremantle.
• Sunset: Watch from the sand at South Beach or book a waterfront table.

Day 2: Scarborough, Trigg, and City Beach

• Morning surf lesson at Scarborough, followed by a soak at Scarborough Beach Pool.
• Coffee and lunch along the Scarborough foreshore.
• Head to Mettams Pool for a snorkel when the wind is light.
• Late afternoon move to City Beach for a calm swim and dinner at Odyssea or Hamptons.
• Sunset: Set up on the grass or take a stroll along the promenade.

Day 3: Rottnest or Hillarys and Sorrento

Option 1: Rottnest Island

• Early ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys.
• Rent bikes, snorkel at The Basin or Little Salmon Bay, and meet quokkas.
• Lunch at Pinky’s Beach Club or pack a picnic.
• Return for sunset back on the mainland.

Option 2: Northern coastal day

• Morning at Hillarys Boat Harbour beach with kids. Visit AQWA to learn about local marine life.
• Lunch at Sorrento Quay.
• Afternoon swim at Mullaloo or a coastal hike around Burns Beach.
• Sunset: Find a headland viewpoint for sky colours along the Marmion Marine Park coast.

Responsible Travel and Culture

• Country: Perth sits on Whadjuk Noongar land. Many coastal places carry deep cultural significance. Acknowledge Traditional Owners and tread respectfully.
• Leave no trace: Take all litter with you, avoid trampling dune vegetation, and stick to marked paths.
• Wildlife respect: Do not feed birds or marine life. Keep distance from dolphins, sea lions, and nesting shorebirds.
• Marine protection: Marmion Marine Park and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park safeguard fragile reefs and habitats. Follow local guidelines and avoid touching corals or reef structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perth Beaches

• Are there sharks in Perth? Sharks live in Australian waters. Popular beaches use a combination of aerial surveillance, tagged shark notifications, and in some locations swim enclosures. Always follow surf lifesaver instructions and check the SharkSmart WA resources for updates.
• Is alcohol allowed on the beach? Drinking alcohol is not permitted on public beaches. Enjoy licensed venues along the foreshore instead.
• Are dogs allowed? Yes, in designated dog beach zones only. Check local council signage for boundaries and rules.
• Can I camp on the beach? No. If you want a coast-side stay, choose beachfront hotels or caravan parks. Discovery Rottnest offers eco tents on the island if you want a glamping experience.
• Is snorkelling good in Perth? Yes. Top mainland spots include Mettams Pool and the Coogee Maritime Trail. Rottnest Island offers the best variety, with sheltered bays and marked snorkel trails.

How to Get Around

• Public transport: Transperth runs trains and buses to many beaches. Cottesloe is on the Fremantle train line with a short walk to the water. Scarborough is served by frequent buses from the city. For Hillarys and Sorrento, connect via the Joondalup Line and local buses.
• Driving and parking: There are coastal car parks at most beaches, but they fill fast on hot weekends. Arrive early or late, or use public transport.
• Rideshare and taxis: Readily available across Perth and handy for sunset returns.
• Ferries: For Rottnest, ferries depart from Perth’s Elizabeth Quay, Fremantle, and Hillarys. Book ahead in peak seasons.

Where to Stay on the Coast

• Scarborough: Rendezvous Hotel offers ocean-view rooms and easy access to the foreshore. Seashells Scarborough suits families and longer stays with apartment-style living.
• Cottesloe: The Cottesloe Beach Hotel and OBH have rooms close to the action, with cafes and beach walks at your doorstep.
• Fremantle: Boutique options and serviced apartments give you heritage charm and short drives to Leighton and South Beach.
• Northern beaches: Apartment stays near Sorrento or Mullaloo are popular with families and longer visits.
• Rottnest Island: Book cabins, heritage cottages, or eco tents near Pinky Beach for a special overnighter.

Photography Tips for Sunset Chasers

• Timing: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for changing light. Stay for twilight blues after the sun slips below the horizon.
• Composition: Frame Cottesloe’s Norfolk pines or use the Scarborough amphitheatre steps as leading lines.
• Reflections: Wet sand after a gentle wave recedes creates mirror-like surfaces. Perfect for silhouettes.
• Snorkel shots: Bring a compact action camera. Choose mornings with light winds for clear water.
• Drone use: Respect CASA regulations, flying only where allowed and well away from people and wildlife.

Insider Tips to Maximize Your Beach Time

• Watch the wind: The afternoon sea breeze is refreshing for kitesurfing and cooling down, but it can chop up the water. Swim and snorkel in the morning, then sail or relax later.
• Check conditions: Apps and surf cams show swell and wind. This helps you decide between surfy Trigg or calmer Cottesloe and City Beach.
• Stay flexible: If a beach is crowded, the next bay might be perfect. Perth’s coastline makes it easy to pivot.
• Market days: Time a visit to Scarborough Sunset Markets or South Beach markets in summer for extra atmosphere.

Conclusion: Why Perth’s Beaches Win Hearts

Perth’s coastline is endlessly enticing. Cottesloe sets the scene with iconic beauty. Scarborough adds adventure and energy. Then, just minutes away, you can slip into a reefy snorkel at Mettams Pool, wander the calm sands of City Beach, or drift through the family-friendly coves near Hillarys. Add in Rottnest Island’s magical bays and Fremantle’s sunset lawns, and you have a coastal holiday that blends relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable views.

If you love warm sun, clear water, and a city where the beach is part of everyday life, Perth belongs at the top of your list. Pack your swimmers, book those sunset tables, and let the Indian Ocean set the pace of your trip. The best beaches in Perth are ready to welcome you, from Cottesloe and Scarborough to every sparkling bay beyond.