It’s not hard to find a beautiful beach in Perth – what is hard however is deciding which one to visit.
Unfurling from either side of Perth city is an 80-kilometre-long stretch of pristine coastline, with blinding white sand, turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see, and seemingly endless beach options. The Western Australian capital arguably has the best beaches of any city in Australia, and here are 10 of our favourites.
1. Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 25 mins
Cottesloe Beach, or “Cott” as the locals like to call it, is unequivocally Perth’s most famous beach.
Go for a paddleboard at Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
It’s quickly distinguished by the iconic Indiana Teahouse building precariously perched on the perimeter – which is now home to one of Perth’s best restaurants with a view. Indigo Oscar – with pristine white sand and turquoise waters beyond.
The sky is painted with cotton candy hues at sunset. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
The beach is also home to the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, which showcases stunning artworks along the shore.
Cottesloe Beach boasts pristine white sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
2. Scarborough Beach, Scarborough
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 15 mins
Scarborough Beach is a favourite among local surfers and kite surfers due to its impressive surf breaks and regular swell.
Scarborough Beach is a hit among surfers. (Image: Tourism Australia)
What sets Scarborough Beach apart, however, is its impressive beachfront promenade, with cafes, restaurants, bars, a skate park, an outdoor amphitheatre that hosts summer night markets and live music – and even a geo-thermally heated open-air pool if you prefer not to jump in the ocean.
You’ll also find a geo-thermally heated open-air pool at Scarborough Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Port Beach, Fremantle
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins
Port Beach is a relaxed and family-friendly beach with calm waters ideal for swimming, and soft sand perfect for beach picnics. Its sheltered location, which offers views of Fremantle’s iconic port and cranes, makes it a safe spot for young children to splash around. It’s great for swimming, walking, jogging, and cycling along the picturesque coastal path – and thanks to the afternoon sea breeze (or Freo Doctor as the locals call it) it also becomes a popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spot come 1pm.
4. Leighton Beach, North Fremantle
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx 15 mins
Leighton Beach offers wide open sandy spaces and pristine waters, making it perfect for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful beach experience – that’s even if you make it down to the sand, though.
Plunge into the pristine waters of Leighton Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
The beachfront is home to a vast and lush green space, with sprawling lawns, plenty of shaded picnic tables, a very impressive adventure playground for kids, and a great cafe – The Orange Box – that does coffee, smoothies and takeaway food. You could easily laze the day away there without even making it down to the water.
Laze the day away at Leighton Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @ospreycreative)
5. South Beach, South Fremantle
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 25 mins
South Beach is a sprawling family-friendly beach that benefits from great protection from Rottnest Island, meaning calm waters with no dumpy waves. There are several different sub-beaches within the space, including two dog-friendly beaches (one at the northern end and another at the south) and two human-only beaches. In true Freo style, expect to see a wide variety of beach-goers, from stand-up paddle-boarders and swimmers training for the Rottnest Channel Swim, to international backpackers in their campervans and hippies slack-lining on the grass.
6. Mettams Pool, North Beach
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins
Mettams Pool is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers – a unique natural lagoon, protected by a coral reef. This shelter means its waters are calm and shallow, and teeming with marine life, including colourful fish and even starfish. Pack your snorkel.
Mettams Pool is home to a unique natural lagoon, protected by a coral reef. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
7. Trigg Beach, Trigg
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins
Trigg Beach is famous for its surf breaks, so if you’re a surfer look no further. The rugged coastline and powerful waves make it a go-to spot for experienced surfers, while the calmer areas are great for a splash.
Hit the waves at Trigg Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @saltywings)
If the powerful waves are too much for you though, Trigg’s coastal walking trail that hugs the shoreline is one of Perth’s best – so pack your walking shoes instead of your swimmers and enjoy the beach views without getting wet.
8. Bathers Beach, Fremantle
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 30 mins
Bathers Beach is often described as a place where Fremantle’s heritage and beach life come together. It’s right in the heart of Fremantle’s west end, and is a small, peaceful spot perfect for those looking for a quick dip after a day of uncovering all there is to do in Fremantle.
The beautiful Bathers Beach is situated in the heart of Fremantle’s west end. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @ospreycreative)
It’s also home to Bathers Beach House, one of Perth’s best restaurants with a view, which is the only place in WA where you can order a cocktail to your table on the sand.
Order a cocktail to your table on the sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
9. City Beach
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 10 mins
City Beach is known for its clean, white sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
City Beach – as the name suggests – is a mere 10 minutes from Perth CBD. The beach is known for its clean, white sands – expect to see beach volleyball teams battling it out – and crystal-clear waters.
Be dazzled by the beauty of the sunset on City Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia; @from.miles.away / @mattfrommilesaway)
The beach backs onto an expansive grassy area with shaded playgrounds, picnic spots and a bevvy of great cafes and restaurants including Clancy’s Fish Pub, Odyssea and Hamptons.
Set up a picnic in the grassy area of City Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
10. Floreat Beach
Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 15 mins
Floreat Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with its white sandy shores and adjoining parkland. It’s a particularly great spot for families and little ones, with grassy areas, undercover barbecues, a playground and a cafe serving coffee, smoothies and takeaway baked goods.
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