Our 10 favourite beaches in Perth

Western Australia has some of the best beaches in the country. And with 19 beautiful beaches along the coast of Perth, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to planning your next beach day. We've put together this list of our favourite beaches in Perth, all within easy reach of Perth city.

1. Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is truly a WA icon, easily distinguished by the iconic Indiana Teahouse building, which is now home to one of Perth's best restaurants with a view - Indigo Oscar. The tiered grassed area makes it an awesome spot to watch the sunset, and with restaurants and fish & chip shops nearby, you can enjoy a picnic dinner while doing so. Lifeguards are on duty from October to April, and a shark net also provides added safety for swimmers. 

• Good for: Fish & chips on the grass at sunset
• Time from Perth city: approx. 25 minutes by car, 40 minutes by public transport

2. Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is one of the most popular beaches in Perth. There's heaps to do, from the beachside restaurants and cafes to the swimming pool, skate park, rock-climbing wall, amphitheatre, and even nightclubs. 

The Scarborough Sunset Markets are held every Saturday evening in Winter and every Thursday evening in Summer, and feature food trucks, market stalls, and live music for you to enjoy while the sun goes down.

You can also learn to surf at Scarborough Beach with Go Surf! They provide you with everything you need from the surfboard to the wetsuit, so even if you've never surfed before, they'll teach you everything you need to know, and the warm summer waters create a comfortable environment to give it a go.

• Good for: Night markets and live music.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 20 minutes by car, 45 minutes by public transport

3. City Beach

As the name suggests, this is the closest beach to the Perth city centre. Featuring beach volleyball courts, two jetties, and a nice boardwalk, it's a great place to get active. Enjoy the clean, white sand and crystal clear waters, or set up for a barbeque or picnic on the grassed area. You can also visit one of the restaurants or cafes along the boardwalk to enjoy a sea-side meal.

• Good for: Beach volleyball. You can book a court for free at this link (max 1 hour).
• Time from Perth city: approx. 15 minutes by car, 30 minutes by public transport.

4. Coogee Beach

Located in the suburb of Coogee, south of Perth city, Coogee Beach is frequently cited as one of Australia's best beaches. It's a top spot for snorkelling and diving, with the Coogee Maritime Trail just 25m from shore, featuring the shipwrecked Omeo which sank in 1905, as well as other relics that speak to the area's rich seafaring history. On the Maritime Trail, you'll pass sculptures and art installations and come face-to-face with the area's abundant marine life, including stingrays, seals, and dolphins. 

Its 4km of stunning, turquoise coastline offers beautiful views and scenic walking trails, so if you're not keen on snorkelling it's a great spot to get some exercise in the sun.

• Good for: Snorkelling the Coogee Maritime Trail.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 30 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport

5. South Beach

Protected by Rottnest Island, South Beach gets little wind, meaning calm, flat waters. It's the perfect place to splash about without worrying about rough waves. With a large grassed area, it's a great spot for a picnic. It's also got a pontoon to swim out to, a basketball court, and a lovely cafe to grab a coffee or some lunch. 

• Good for: Calm, flat waters and grassed areas. 
• Time from Perth city: approx. 30 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport

6. Mettams Pool

Located in the suburb of North Beach, Mettams Pool is considered to be one of the best snorkelling spots in Perth. With abundant marine life and a coral reef that protects the area from the wind, the waters are calm and the natural lagoon area is quite shallow, making it the popular snorkelling hotspot that it is. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the scenic West Coast Drive, so grab some fish & chips and watch the sun set over the horizon.

• Good for: Snorkelling with the marine life.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 20 minutes by car, 40 minutes by public transport

7. Leighton Beach

Leighton Beach is a slice of coastal paradise. With soft, white sands and bright blue waters, this beach offers a laid-back atmosphere for swimming, playing in the sand, and is popular for kitesurfing. There are two cafes on the beach - The Orange Box or Bib & Tucker, which offer delicious coffee and breakfast options. Leighton Beach also has a dog-friendly area that your pooch can enjoy.

• Good for: Coffee and breakfast on the beach at The Orange Box or Bib & Tucker.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 25 minutes by car, 40 minutes by public transport

8. Trigg Beach

With awesome waves around 2m tall, Trigg Beach is one of the most popular surfing hotspots in Western Australia. You can sit on the beach and watch the surfers, or join in if you're experienced and confident. If you're looking for a casual bite to eat, head to Canteen, or for something more up-market, Island Market has got you covered. 

• Good for: Long walks along the coastal path.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 30 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport

9. Bathers Beach

Located in the historic town of Fremantle, Bathers Beach is where Fremantle's heritage and beach life come together. There are plenty of fish & chip shops nearby, including Kailis, Cicerello's and Twin Fin Fish & Chips. It's also the only beach in Western Australia where you can relax on the sand with food and drinks from the nearby restaurant, Bathers Beach House.

• Good for: Enjoying a drink on the sand.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 30 minutes by car, 45 minutes by public transport

10. Port Beach

Conveniently located near Fremantle, Port Beach is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing on the soft sands. It's home to the popular bar & restaurant, Coast. A number of festivals and open air events are held at Coast and on Port Beach. It's a great place to enjoy music and dancing right by the water.

Thanks to the afternoon sea breeze, known as the "Freo Doctor" by locals, it becomes a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing after lunch time.

• Good for: Events and beach festivals.
• Time from Perth city: approx. 30 minutes by car, 1 hour by public transport

Tips for making the most of your beach day

• Start early to beat the heat. Summer in Perth can get pretty hot, especially from midday into the afternoon. Head to the beach early in the day to enjoy the sunshine before it gets too hot.
• Sunscreen! Sunscreen is a must when spending time outdoors in Perth. Make sure to apply sunscreen every 2 hours, and always go for a minimum of SPF 50+. 
• Protect yourself from the sun in other ways - bring a hat and a long-sleeve shirt and pants to put on while you're not swimming. 
• Bring plenty of water, and stay hydrated. 
• Check the weather and wind. Strong winds means strong waves, so try to visit on a less windy day for less choppy conditions.
• Swim safety - lots of beaches around Perth have lifeguards who are on the lookout for swimmers in trouble. But you must swim between the two flags on the beach in order to be in their line of vision.