Arguably Perth’s most well-known beach, Cottesloe is famously picturesque, with grassy terraces and Norfolk pines leading down to the sandy shore and the iconic Indiana Tearooms. About 13km (8mi) from the CBD and easily accessible by public transport, Cottesloe has plenty of great restaurants and cafés on nearby Marine Parade and water that’s perfect for swimming. Every March, the beach is transformed into a huge outdoor art gallery, Sculpture by the Sea.
If Cottesloe is Perth’s most famous beach, Scarborough is its trendy sibling, with plenty of hip bars, restaurants and cafés. During the summer months, the promenade is also home to a weekly pop-up market, with food trucks, stalls and music. The beach itself is an open stretch of sand bordered by dunes and grass, with somewhat unpredictable water conditions. Keep an eye out for rips. Head north towards Trigg for the best surf in the city, or south towards City Beach for a more sheltered swim.
South of the city in Fremantle, Bathers Beach is where art meets history and culture. This small stretch of beach was once used for whaling, and is now a popular swimming and hangout spot, especially on hot days. A 10-minute walk from Fremantle Station, Bathers is also within walking distance of some of Freo’s most popular spots, including the twelve-sided Roundhouse, the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Kidogo Art House and the Shipwreck Galleries.
If you’re looking for photogenic coves, hidden caves and secret swimming, surfing and snorkelling spots, then head up north to the beaches between Trigg and Sorrento. The most famous and popular beach here is Mettams Pool, but there are other great spots including Bennion Beach and North Beach. Scout the best beaches by walking or cycling the coastal path that runs from Scarborough to Hillarys, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins.
Part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Cape Peron is a stretch of white sand surrounded by limestone outcrops and wild dunes, with offshore reefs perfect for snorkelling. Best known for its rugged beauty and military history, Cape Peron makes for a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. You can reach Cape Peron by heading 45 minutes south of Perth’s city centre on Kwinana Freeway.
We couldn’t give a round-up of the best beaches in Perth and not include at least one on Perth’s popular holiday island, Rottnest. A 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle, Rottnest’s 67 beaches are up there with the best. While it’s almost impossible to choose just one, the Basin is a good place to start. Within walking distance of the ferry dock, the Basin is not only famously beautiful, with emerald water and white sand, but the enclosing rocks provide a natural shark barrier, so you can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.