I still remember my first-ever visit to Perth beach. It was my first trip west, and of course, I had to check out the iconic Cottesloe! And I was gobsmacked: the sand was so white it almost looked fake and the water was this insane clear turquoise colour. I grew up at the beach in Queensland, but this looked nothing like the yellow sand and inky blues I was used to. I spent the whole day living it up: reading on the sand, ducking in for the dip here and there, fish and chips in the sun, and then crossing the road for a cold beer to watch the sun set over the ocean (which is a novelty for a Queenslander!)
Since then, I’ve become a full-blown WA beach convert – possibly even a snob, if you ask my family back east. I’ve written guides to my favourites, swam in everything from hidden rock pools to open surf, and now I want to share the best of the best with you. Here are the top 10 best beaches in Perth.
The 10 Best Beaches in Perth
From classic coastal icons to hidden northern gems – here’s where to go when you want a perfect Perth beach day.
1. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach aka Cott, is Perth’s most iconic beach for a reason. The water is calm and clear, the sand is soft, and there’s a big grassy foreshore where you can sprawl out with a book or a picnic. It’s an ideal first stop for anyone new to WA. Jump off the train and stroll down Forrest Street past cafes and cute shops, then settle in for a swim, a snorkel around the shark barrier, or fish and chips from Amberjacks.
Finish your day with a beer at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel while the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean. Classic.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Oct-Mar, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, 3-hr limit, fills fast
- Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available
- Dogs: Not allowed (off-lead area south only)
- Facilities: Grass, BBQs, surf club, cafes
- Distance from Perth: 15 min by car or train
2. Trigg Beach
If you’re more into boards than beach towels, Trigg Beach is your spot. It’s Perth’s most consistent surf break and a popular spot for locals. The waves here are punchier than Cott or Scarbs, so it’s best for confident swimmers and surfers.
Even if you’re not paddling out, it’s a beaut spot for a beach walk or coffee with a view and you’ll catch heaps of locals out for a morning run or dog walk along the coastal path.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Oct-Mar, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, 3‑hr limit, fills fast
- Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available
- Dogs: Off‑lead area between Kathleen and Bennion St, otherwise not allowed
- Facilities: Grass, BBQs, surf club, cafes
- Distance from Perth: 15 min by car or train
3. Mettams Pool
Tucked between Trigg and North Beach, Mettams is one of the best spots in Perth for snorkelling. It’s a natural reef pool, so the water stays calm and shallow – perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone who just wants to float and watch the fish go by.
Go early before the breeze picks up, and bring reef shoes if you’re planning to explore the rocks.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: No
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free street parking, fills early
- Accessibility: Ramp and stairs only, reef underfoot
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Facilities: Small shelter, no BBQs or grass
- Distance from Perth: 20 min by car
CoolCabana Beach Shelter
Light to carry and quick to set up — perfect shade for Perth’s summer breeze and long beach days.
See CoolCabana shade shelters
Wanderer Quad Fold Beach Cart
Haul your gear with ease — foldable, sturdy wheels, and made for soft sand. Ideal for family beach days.
See Wanderer beach carts4. Floreat Beach
This one’s a solid family beach day option. It’s patrolled, less hectic than Scarborough, and has a big grassy area with BBQs and picnic tables. There’s usually space to spread out, even on weekends and the facilities make it easy to bring the whole crew.
The surf here is mellow, so it’s good for swimming – just watch for rips near the groynes, I’ve been caught out here myself and it was scary!
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Yes, Oct-Mar/Apr, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, fills on sunny weekends
- Accessibility: Paths to beach, uneven entry
- Dogs: Not allowed (off-lead beach nearby at Hale Rd)
- Facilities: Grass, BBQs, playground, café
- Distance from Perth: 15 min by car
5. City Beach
Sleek and polished, City Beach feels a bit fancier than your average local beach. The boardwalk, modern surf club, and oceanfront cafes give it a bit of a resort vibe. You’ll see lots of families and brunchers, but the beach itself is big enough to find your own patch of sand. There’s easy parking, showers, and a decent playground too. You’ll often see windsurfers which can be fun to watch.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Yes, Oct-Mar, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, fills on sunny weekends
- Accessibility: Paths to beach, uneven entry
- Dogs: Not allowed (off-lead beach nearby at Hale Rd)
- Facilities: Grass, BBQs, playground, cafe
- Distance from Perth: 15 min by car
6. Yanchep Lagoon
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Yanchep Lagoon is one of the best day-trip beaches around Perth. The reef here creates a calm, sheltered area perfect for young kids or anyone nervous about waves. The water is incredibly clear, and the shallows stretch out further than you’d expect.
It’s also a great excuse to check out nearby Yanchep National Park for a walk or picnic under the trees.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Oct-Apr, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, fills on busy days
- Accessibility: Path access, reef underfoot
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Facilities: BBQs, picnic area, café, surf club
- Distance from Perth: 50 min by car
7. Leighton Beach
Wide sands, fewer crowds, and close to Fremantle – Leighton Beach is ideal when you want to avoid the weekend chaos at Cottesloe. It’s a popular spot for long walks, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach days with your dog.
Grab a takeaway from one of the nearby cafes or book in at Bathers Beach House for lunch with a view just down the road.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Oct-Apr, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free, usually easy but fills on weekends
- Accessibility: Path access, wide sand
- Dogs: Off-lead in northern section
- Facilities: Grass, cafes, surf club nearby
- Distance from Perth: 20 min by car
8. Scarborough Beach
Scarborough, aka Scarbs, has had a bit of a glow-up in recent years. It’s Perth’s most energetic beach, with a huge redeveloped foreshore, skate park, surf lifesaving club, and beachside restaurants. There’s always something going on – from sunset markets in summer to surf comps and beach volleyball.
The waves here can be punchy, so stick to the flags if you’re swimming.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Oct-Apr, weekends and public holidays
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free and paid, fills fast on weekends
- Accessibility: Beach matting, accessible change rooms
- Dogs: Not allowed (off-lead zones nearby)
- Facilities: Cafes, skate park, pool, markets
- Distance from Perth: 15 min by car
9. South Beach, Fremantle
Just south of Freo, South Beach is a favourite for chilled-out swims. The water is usually flat and clear, and there’s a grassy park with shady trees that makes it feel more relaxed than some of Perth’s other beaches.
It’s also close to the South Freo cafe strip – perfect for post-swim coffee or ice cream.
Need to know:
- Patrolled: No
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: Free and paid, fills on weekends
- Accessibility: Path access, gentle slope
- Dogs: Off-lead area north of beach
- Facilities: Grass, BBQs, cafe, picnic area
- Distance from Perth: 30 min by car
10. Rottnest Island Beaches
Technically not on the mainland, but Rottnest Island, aka Rotto had to make the list. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in WA – from snorkel-friendly The Basin to the calm curve of Pinky Beach, and the more secluded Little Parakeet Bay.
Hire a bike and spend the day hopping from beach to beach. It’s peak Perth vibes!
Need to know:
- Patrolled: Some beaches in peak season
- Toilets/showers: Yes
- Parking: No cars – access by bike or bus
- Accessibility: Paths and ramps, beach wheelchair available
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Facilities: Cafes at settlement, minimal elsewhere
- Distance from Perth: 30 min ferry from Fremantle
Read this next: Rottnest Island Day Trip Itinerary: The Best of Rotto in One Day!
Beach Safety in WA
WA beaches are stunning but can be unpredictable. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, check conditions before heading out at Beachsafe and watch for rips – even on calm days. Reef shoes are handy for rocky spots, and keep an eye on kids near the water. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Quick Tips for Perth Beach Days
Here are my top tips for the best day out at the beach:
- Go early: The Freo Doctor (our local sea breeze) usually kicks in by mid-arvo
- Parking can be brutal at popular beaches, especially on sunny weekends
- Stick to patrolled areas: currents can be sneaky
- Watch for reef: Great for snorkelling, but rough on bare feet
- Pack shade and water: Perth sun hits hard. I use a simple CoolCabana beach shelter
Last Words on The 10 Best Beaches in Perth
Whether you’re chasing calm water for the kids, waves to surf, or a quiet spot to read with your feet in the sand – there’s a Perth beach that fits the bill. I’d say keep a towel and a pair of thongs in the boot. You never know when the day might turn into a beach day.
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