12 Best Beaches In Perth

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As an avid beach lover, I have traversed every grain of sand in Australia its most isolated city - Perth. From the luxuriously warm sunsets to the crystal clear waters, Perth is a treasure trove teeming with pristine beaches. Come along and dive into my personal experience as we explore the best beaches in Perth that will make you want to pick up your surfboard or simply lay back with a good book.

1. Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Perth, Western Australia. It is located just 15 minutes away from the city center and is easily accessible by public transport. The beach is famous around Perth for its crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking sunsets. It is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Cottesloe Beach is also family-friendly, with calm waters and a playground for children. The foreshore has a range of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for lunch or dinner. Visitors can also enjoy a swim in the nearby swimming pool or take a walk along the coastline.

For those who love people watching, Cottesloe Beach is the perfect spot. The beach attracts both locals and tourists, and there is always something happening. The beach is also home to the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, a historic hotel that offers great views of the Indian Ocean.

One of the highlights of Cottesloe Beach is the Blue Hole. This natural pool is located at the southern end of the beach and is a popular spot for snorkeling. Visitors can observe a variety of marine life, including fish and crabs.

Cottesloe Beach hosts the sunset markets every summer, where visitors can enjoy food trucks, live music, and shopping. It is a great way to spend a weekend evening with friends and family.

2. Bathers Beach

Bathers Beach is a serene bay located in Fremantle's fashionable West End, between The WA Maritime Museum Precinct and Challenger Harbour. This picturesque beach is perfect for swimming, with the bay largely protected by two rock walls. The calm waters make it ideal for families with children or those who want to relax and soak up the sun.

Apart from swimming, Bathers Beach is also a well-known beach and a great spot for snorkelling and fishing. Visitors can also take a stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the foreshore.

For those who want to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, there are several restaurants and bars in the area. Bib & Tucker, located on Leighton Beach Boulevard, is a popular spot with sweeping views of Leighton Beach. Visitors can enjoy incredible food while taking in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Bathers Beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views while sipping on a cocktail or a cold beer at Bathers Beach House. The beach is located near several sightseeing sites like the Round House Museum, and Art on the Move.

3. Leighton Beach

Leighton Beach is a beautiful beach located in the suburb of North Fremantle. The beach is known for its stunning white stretch of sand, clear blue waters, and calm conditions, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

This great beach is family-friendly and has a large grassy area for picnics and barbecues, as well as several pubs and restaurants nearby. There are also plenty of amenities including showers, toilets, and a surf lifesaving club.

Leighton Beach is popular among locals and tourists, and it's easy to see why. The beach is a lovely place for a relaxing day out, and the sunsets are particularly stunning.

For those who enjoy surfing, there are some offshore breaks that can provide some great waves. There are also several surf shops in the area for those who need to rent equipment.

4. Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a popular destination for locals and tourists, located just off the beautiful coastline of Perth. The car-free island is known for its beautiful beaches and bays, crystal clear waters, and white sand. The island is accessible by ferry from Perth or Fremantle and is a great place to spend a day or even a weekend.

There are plenty of things to do on Rottnest Island, including swimming, snorkelling, and surfing. Some of the best beaches on the island include The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, and Parakeet Bay. The beaches are perfect for families with calm waters and plenty of marine life to spot such as starfish.

In addition to the amazing, Rottnest Island also has a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The island is also home to the iconic Rottnest Island Hotel, which offers the best views of the Indian Ocean and is a great place to watch the sunset.

For beach-goers looking for more active pursuits, there are plenty of walks and bike rides to explore the island. The island also has a skate bowl, playgrounds, and even a shipwreck gallery to explore.

5. Scarborough Beach

I have been to many beaches in Perth, but Scarborough Beach is one of my favorites that should be on everyone's itinerary. It is a popular beach located in the City of Stirling, just 20 minutes’ drive from Perth City. The newly redeveloped Scarborough Beach is buzzing with vibrancy and life, boasting brand new facilities and something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Scarborough Beach is its great year-round surfing. It is known to be one of the most popular surfing spots in Perth, attracting surfers from all over the world. If you are not a surfer, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.

Scarborough Beach has a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water, making it perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring the safety of all visitors. There are also plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars nearby, offering a variety of food and drinks.

6. Mettams Pool

Mettams Pool is a stunning little beach situated just north of Scarborough and Trigg. As a beach enthusiast, I highly recommend this beach to anyone visiting Perth. It is a small beach, but it boasts clear turquoise waters and a shallow reef that makes it one of the best snorkeling spots in Perth.

There are stairs and ramp access down to the beach from the carpark, making it easily accessible for all visitors. The beach can get quite busy on summer weekends, so it is best to arrive early to secure a spot.

One of the best things about Mettams Pool is its natural beauty. It is nestled between two rocky headlands, giving it a secluded and peaceful feel. The lack of waves makes it a fantastic spot for families with young children or those who prefer a more relaxed swimming experience.

If you are interested in snorkeling, Mettams Pool is the perfect destination. The shallow reef means visitors can see a range of marine plant and animal species close to shore. There is also a great shop nearby that sells all the necessary snorkeling gear.

7. Trigg Beach

Trigg Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach located on the West Coast Drive in Perth. It is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike. The beach is known for its consistent surf breaks, which make it a great place for surfing.

Jim Clarko Reserve is a popular spot for visitors to Trigg Beach. It has a number of facilities including BBQs and shelter sheds, which make it a great picnic spot for family outings. The reserve is located close to the beach, making it easy to access.

Trigg Beach is also one of the best spots for fishing. Visitors can fish off the beach or from the nearby rocks. The beach has a number of fish species including tailor, herring, and salmon. It is important to note that fishing regulations apply, and visitors should be aware of these before fishing.

8. Floreat Beach

Floreat Beach is a beautiful beach situated in the upper-crust suburb of Floreat, which is part of Perth's exclusive Western Suburbs. This beach is usually not crowded, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is adjacent to City Beach, which is more popular and crowded.

One of the highlights of Floreat Beach is the boardwalk and grassed picnic area, where you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends. There is also a beach volleyball court for those who want to play some beach volleyball. The Kiosk at Floreat Beach offers a great selection of light meals and refreshments, making it an ideal place to grab a bite to eat.

At the south end of the beach, there is a groyne that provides protection from the waves, making it an ideal place for swimming. The water is usually calm and clear, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities.

You can easily access Floreat Beach from the City Beach bus stop, which is around 1 km away. The beach is also a popular spot for dog owners, as it is one of Perth's best dog beaches..

9. Swanbourne Beach

I have to say that Swanbourne Beach is one of my favorite Perth beaches. Even though it is known as a nudist beach, clothing is optional in most areas, and beach users of all ages and body types can be seen enjoying the sun and the blue sea.

Swanbourne Beach has relatively gentle surf, which makes it good for swimming, but not for surfing. During the high season, the beach is patrolled by the Swanbourne-Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club. The beach is west-facing, which means that it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset.

If you are looking for a secluded spot, head to the north end of the beach, which is the official nude beach area. Accessible by a 300-metre walk from the car park, this hidden section of the coastline is one of the few 'official' nude beaches in Perth.

Swanbourne Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, as there is an offshore reef that protects the beach. If you are lucky, you might spot some colorful fish and other marine life.

10. Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is a family-friendly beach located in the southern suburbs of Perth, Western Australia. With its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, it's no wonder why Coogee Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Perth.

The beach is patrolled by surf lifesavers, making it a safe place for swimming and other water activities. There are also plenty of shaded grassy areas for picnics and barbecues, as well as a playground for children.

For those who love fishing, Coogee Beach has a jetty where you can cast your line and catch some fish. The beach is also home to a large reef, which is perfect for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are several cafés and restaurants located near the beach. One of the most popular places to eat is the Coogee Beach Cafe, which serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

11. City Beach

I have to say that City Beach is one of Perth’s best beaches to visit. It's located just 20 minutes away from Perth's city center and offers a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean.

One of the things that I love about City Beach is the fact that it's never too crowded. Even during peak season, you can always find a spot to lay down your towel and relax. The beach is also well-maintained, with clean sand and clear water.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of options at City Beach. The beachfront cafes and restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from seafood to burgers. You can also bring your own food and have a picnic on the grassed area near the beach.

For those who are more active, City Beach has a lot to offer. You can take a walk or a run on the beach, play beach volleyball, or go for a bike ride along the coast. There are also plenty of facilities available, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms.

12. South Beach

South Beach is located in the charming suburb of Fremantle, just a short drive from the city center. This beach is perfect for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a peaceful day by the water.

One of the best things about South Beach is its clear waters. The ocean is calm and shallow, making it an ideal spot to swim, snorkel, and paddleboard. The beach is also patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, so you can feel safe while enjoying the water.

If you're looking for a place to relax, South Beach has plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun. There are grassy areas with shaded picnic tables, perfect for a beachside lunch. You can also take a stroll along the beachside path and enjoy the fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.

South Beach is also a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding. The waves are perfect for beginners, and there are several surf schools in the area if you're looking to take a lesson.