Cottesloe Beach Guide 2024: Everything You Need To Know!

The iconic Cottesloe Beach holds a very special place in my heart. I still vividly remember the first time I saw the bright white sand and beautifully clear turquoise water during my first trip to Perth in 2015. Now, years later it’s still my favourite Perth beach. I never get tired of exploring Cottesloe and I want to share all my tips for the perfect day out at Cottesloe with you. 

Why Visit Cottesloe Beach?

If you’re looking for the best spot in Perth to soak up the sun and enjoy the Australian coast – Cottesloe (known affectionately to locals as Cott) is for you! This iconic beach is famous for its crystal-clear water, pristine white sands and breathtaking sunsets. It’s one of the best beaches in Western Australia.

Cottesloe Beach is the perfect place to unwind, take a dip, go on a coastal walk or try out some surfing or paddleboarding – there’s something for everyone who loves the great outdoors!

The beach is also surrounded by a vibrant community with heaps of fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops to explore. Read on for everything you need to know for the perfect Cottesloe Beach day.

How to get to Cottesloe Beach

The easiest way to get to Cottesloe Beach is by catching the Fremantle Line train from Perth City Station. Jump off at Cottesloe Station and walk the 20 minutes along Forrest Street until you reach the beach. Look for the big silver ball sculpture, called Lucky Country, if you’re unsure which direction to take. From here you should see markings on the pavement to follow to the beach.

If you’re visiting during the Sculptures by the Sea event in March, you can catch the free Cott Cat shuttle bus service from Cottesloe Station. The bus runs from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm and its stop is just west of the train tracks – look for the signs. 

If public transport isn’t your thing, you can take the 20-minute drive from the CBD. There are a few paid carparks to choose from, as well as single spaces along Marine Parade. Just keep in mind that parking fills up quickly, especially on the weekend, school holidays or during event times, so arrive early or be prepared to have to walk a ways. Check out the Town of Cottesloe site for more information about parking in Cottesloe. 

22 Best Things To Do At Cottesloe Beach

There’s something for everyone at Cottesloe Beach, from paddleboarding to relaxing on the grass – here are all the best things to do at Cottesloe Beach. 

1. Head Out For A Swim

Obviously, I can’t write an article about the best things to do at Cottesloe Beach without mentioning swimming – the clear blue water just begs you to jump in!

You’ll find people enjoying the water all along the Cottesloe coastline, however, if you’re unfamiliar with conditions or not a strong swimmer make sure you stick to the patrolled sections. 

Cottesloe Beach has a protected swimming enclosure (the eco shark barrier) from October to March to protect swimmers from sharks and is usually patrolled on weekends and public holidays between October and April. 

North Cottesloe Beach is my favourite spot to swim, I find it less crowded and the waves are a little bigger than Cottesloe Beach. North Cottesloe is also patrolled between October and April on weekends and public holidays. 

While rare, shark attacks have occurred around Cottesloe. Occasionally there are shark sightings and warnings are issued. Keep an eye on the SharkSmart website to keep up-to-date with warnings and advice. 

2. Go For A Surf

While the waves at Cottesloe don’t get as big as some other Perth beaches, you’ll still see surfers frequenting the area. Personally, I love watching the surfers catch waves from the top of the dunes as I have a coffee – the perfect way to start the weekend!

It’s a good spot for beginners as it’s protected from the wind and bigger swells by Rottnest Island. 

If you’re keen on surfing at Cottesloe, it mostly takes place around the rock groyne. During summer when the shark net is up you’ll catch surfers along the coastline on the left side of the groyne, and between April and September, surfers will be catching waves off both sides of the rocks. 

3. Try Out Stand Up Paddleboarding

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beautiful waters of Cottesloe Beach, or are after a killer core workout, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a must-try activity! 

Not only is it a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, but it also gives you a unique perspective of Cottesloe’s stunning coastline. The calm and sheltered waters of the beach are perfect for paddle boarding. I recommend going in the early morning, while the ocean is still.  

4. Spend The Day Fishing

As the most popular beach in Perth, Cottesloe draws in its fair share of keen anglers. You’ll almost always catch fishermen out on the rock groyne and up and down the beaches. 

If you’re lucky you can catch tailor, herring, silver trevally, tarwhine and whiting in and around Cottesloe Beach. 

The best time to go fishing at Cottesloe is in the early morning and late afternoon. What could be better than spending a day fishing on the picturesque sands of Cottesloe Beach? 

5. Enjoy A Picnic At Sunset

As I’m originally from Queensland, I grew up watching the sun rise over the ocean. It wasn’t until my first trip to Perth that I saw my first-ever sunset over the sea, and of course, it was at Cottesloe Beach and it was absolutely spectacular! 

There’s nothing better than packing a few cheeses and a bottle of wine, finding a perfect spot on the grass and having chats with your favourite people while the sun dips beneath the horizon.

I recommend finding a spot on the grassy foreshore, the afternoon breeze on the beach can sometimes pick up and no one wants sandy food!

Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Iconic Perth Picnic for more picnic inspiration. 

6. Enjoy Fish And Chips On The Beach

Is it possible to go to the beach without grabbing fish and chips for lunch? I certainly don’t think so! 

There are a few spots that offer beaut fish and chips, but Amberjacks, across the road from the main beach is my personal favourite. They’ve been around for years and their fish is filleted on the premises each day. 

Grab your fill of fish and hot chippies and head over to the grassy spot to have lunch with a view! They also have onsite indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views. 

Amberjacks are open every day in summer and 5 days a week in the winter. 

7. Head Out Kayaking

If you’re after adventure, why not try open-sea kayaking from Cottesloe Beach? In the early morning when the water is calm and flat you’ll often see keen kayakers gliding along the coast. 

You can launch right off the sand and you’re good to go! Just keep in mind that the water gets a bit choppier as the wind picks up in the afternoon, so suits more experienced paddlers. 

8. Go Snorkelling

While not as spectacular as some other famous Perth snorkelling spots like Mettams Pool or Point Peron, Cottesloe is known for its beautiful, clear waters, which offer fantastic visibility and a day out snorkelling at Cottesloe is guaranteed fun for the whole family. 

The eco shark barrier, which is up between October and March, is a popular spot for snorkelers. Here you’ll spot schools of reef fish as well as all sorts of marine life growing on the barrier. 

Peter’s Pool in North Cottesloe, and around the rocks near the groyne are also great options for snorkelling in Cottesloe.

I recommend heading out snorkelling in the morning before the water gets too choppy as the afternoon breeze picks up and limits visibility.

9. Play A Round Of Golf

There’s something so idyllic about watching the golfers at Cottesloe Golf Club tee off on a Saturday morning with the spectacular ocean backdrop. 

The golf club was founded over a century ago and has played a prominent part in the history of golf in Western Australia ever since. While it’s a private club and membership is quite exclusive, guests of members, visitors who are members of reciprocal clubs or people who hold a World Handicap are able to tee off. The rest of us can just enjoy having a sticky beak as we walk to the beach. 

10. Relax on the grass 

If sand isn’t your thing but you’re still keen to watch an ocean sunset or indulge in hot chippies with a view, then Cottesloe is the beach for you! There’s a large tiered grassy area which is the perfect spot for lounging in the sun. Get here early to nab a prime spot.

11. Explore Cottesloe’s Walking Trails

As an avid walker, one of my favourite weekend activities is a morning walk along the coast with a coffee, and Cottesloe is one of my favourite spots. Here are some of the walks you can do around Cottesloe:

Cottesloe Foreshore Walk

The Cottesloe Foreshore walk is an easy 5.5km walk along the paved foreshore which takes around an hour to complete. On the foreshore walk you’ll be able to take in sweeping views of the ocean, permanent sculptures that are dotted along the path, ships coming into Fremantle and you can even see out to Rottnest Island on clear days. 

Wardun Beelier Bidi Walk

The Wardun Beelier Bidi walk is generally considered a pretty easy one. It’s a 17.2km loop that starts from Grant Marine Park. This is a great one as you get to take in stunning views of the Indian Ocean as well as the Swan River while also experiencing some bushland. There are some toilets and water fountains along the way.

12. Have A BBQ 

I don’t know about you, but my mouth waters when I smell snags being cooked up at the beach. If you bring your own portable barbecue you’ll have plenty of room to set up on the grassy areas that line the foreshore.

Otherwise, you can find public BBQs at The Cottesloe Civic Centre Grounds on the main lawn. The barbecues are free to use, and no bookings have to be made for family BBQs.

13. Work Out

Why go to the gym when you can work out with a view of the stunning Indian Ocean? South Cottesloe Beach Excercise Park is a public and free-to-use calisthenics park with equipment for pullups, dips, situps, leg raises, squats, step-ups and more. You can even end your workout with a beautiful coastal run.

14. Indulge in a Sunday Session

Make the weekend last by heading to Cottesloe for a Sunday Session. What better way to see out the weekend than having a cold beer at the beach while soaking up the view and enjoying some live music? 

My favourite Spot for a classic sunday sesh is the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. They have live chill acoustic music in the Verandah Bar each Sunday from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm as well as a DJ in the Beach Club on Sundays. 

15. Explore Sculptures By The Sea

Every March Cottesloe Beach is transformed into an art-lovers paradise by Sculptures By The Sea. Running at Cottesloe since 2005, the exhibition is now a Perth institution, drawing over 200 000 visitors to Cottesloe each year. 

Currently, Sculptures By The Sea features over 70 sculptures from both Australian and international artists. Sculptures are placed along the grassy foreshore, on the sand, and out on the rock groyne and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Perth in March. 

Make sure you arrive early and it’s best to catch public transport as carparks fill up very fast with the huge crowds the event draws. 

16. Go On A Morning Cycle

Another popular weekend activity in Cottesloe is the classic morning cycle. You’ll often see cyclists enjoying their breakfast at one of the many Cottesloe cafes before taking to the streets again for some exercise with a beautiful view. 

One of the most popular cycle routes in Perth is the Sunset Coast Route which takes cyclists from City Beach to Woodman Point, while passing through Cottesloe and plenty more of Perth’s premier beaches along the way. There are even bikes that can be rented next to the Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club. 

17. Let The Kids Loose On The Playgrounds

Once the kids get done on the beach, take them up to the playgrounds to tire them out even more!

Cottesloe Beach playground is Located on Marine Parade, right near all the action. There’s also Dutch Inn Playground located in South Cottesloe on Marine Parade which is shaped like a big ship and features rope bridges and climbing structures. This one is great to take the kids to when you want to enjoy a sunset over the ocean.

18. Grab An Ice cream

I firmly believe that grabbing an ice cream is a mandatory part of any day out at the beach! Luckily, there are some great sweet-treat options at Cottesloe!

First and foremost is the Gelato Bar conveniently located across the road from the beach on Marine Parade. They offer up authentic Italian gelato every day until sunset. You can’t go wrong with flavours like Ferrero, salted caramel and blueberry cheesecake and they also do other classics like smoothies and acai bowls. 

If you’re up for a walk you can head a few streets back to La Bomb Cookies & Gelato on Station Street. They serve up massive and indulgent New York-style cookies that are crunchy and gooey – my favourite! Of course, they also stock gelato to help you cool down after your big day in the sun. They’re open Tuesday – Sunday for all your sweet-treat needs.

19. Watch The Ships Come Into Port

One of the most fascinating parts of my first day out in Cottesloe was just sitting on the foreshore watching the huge ships on the horizon heading into Fremantle Port. 

I know it’s probably a standard sight for most locals, but having grown up on the east coast away from port cities, it was new and exciting for me! The sheer size of the ships way out on the horizon still awes me and maybe you’ll be fascinated watching them too. 

20. Take A Snap Of The Indiana Teahouse

The heritage-listed Indiana Teahouse, located right on the beach is a Perth icon. The original Indiana Tea House was noted as far back as 1910 and was replaced by the Century Pavilion in 1929. The landmark as it’s known today was built in the mid-90s as a restaurant and was based on the Century Pavillion design.

The Indiana Teahouse is now an internationally recognised landmark and its image is synonymous with Perth. A snap of the building and the beach is a must for any visitor to Cottesloe.

21. Take A Photo Of The Pylon

Another Iconic landmark is the Cottesloe Beach Pylon which can be seen offshore. Constructed in 1934 as part of a shark-proof enclosure that was never completed, the pylon is now an iconic part of the Cottesloe landscape. Make sure you get a picture of the structure on your next trip to Cottesloe. 

22. Watch the Rottnest Channel Swim

The Rottnest Channel Swim is one of Western Australia’s most iconic events. The event which occurs every February, first began in 1991 and is one of the largest open-water swimming events in the world, with over 2000 participants and over 12 000 attendees.

Participants complete the 19.7 km open water swim from Cottesloe Beach, through Gage Roads, to Rottnest Island. The exciting event is well worth a look!

Best Places To Eat At Cottesloe Beach

After a big day out at the beach head to one of these restaurants to recharge and refuel.

Indigo Oscar

Indigo Oscar serves up tasty Latin eats overlooking the ocean from within the iconic Indiana Teahouse. Sip on a delicious cocktail as you take in the view and enjoy a meal inspired by Central and South America. 

Il Lido

Il Lido is an institution, that famously serves up delicious Italian and beautiful wines topped off with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. 

Amberjacks

Fish and Chips are an absolute must for this List! Amberjacks serves up laid-back, takeaway-style fish and chips. You can dine in at the restaurant which overlooks the ocean but I recommend taking your deliciously crispy fish and chips down to the beach to enjoy. 

Ocean Beach Hotel

The Ocean Beach Hotel serves up classic pub-style meals. You can enjoy a chicken parmi, fish and chips or burger with a well-earned beer after a big day at the beach.

Best Places For Drinks At Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach Hotel

With a prime location overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Varandah Bar at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel is my favourite place to go for a beer after a big day at the beach. The Beach Club out the back serves up tasty cocktails with laid-back weekend vibes. 

Il lido

Il Lido is the perfect spot to go when you’re craving a late afternoon aperitivo while sitting back and enjoying stunning ocean views. I can’t think of a better weekend activity! They’ve also got a killer wine list. 

Indigo Oscar

If you’re after a cocktail, Indigo Oscar is your best bet. They’ve got an exciting cocktail list and serve up some super delicious tequila and mezcal drinks. 

Best Time To Visit Cottesloe

The best time to visit Cottesloe depends on your preferences, but here are some factors to keep in mind. 

If you’re a fan of warm weather and you want to fully enjoy the beach, the summer months of December to February are your best bet. The temperature typically ranges from the mid-20s to mid-30s and this is the best time to enjoy water activities like swimming and snorkelling. There’s also a busy, lively atmosphere to enjoy in summer.

If you prefer fewer crowds and cooler weather, spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) may be more your thing. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from high-teens to mid-20’s and there’s still plenty of sunlight to soak up. 

Ultimately, Cottesloe is a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. There’s a perfect time for everyone to visit and enjoy all the activities it has to offer. 

Beach Facilities 

You can find the following public facilities at Cottesloe Beach under the Indiana Teahouse building:

• Toilets
• Change rooms
• Showers
• Drinking water fountains

Western Australia Beach Safety

While a day out at the beach can be relaxing, it’s important to enjoy it safely. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

Swim Safety

When swimming at Australian beaches, including Cottesloe Beach, it’s important to keep safety in mind. There could be hidden rip currents, unpredictable waves, shallow sandbanks, submerged objects, sharp drop-offs or dangerous marine life. 

Cottesloe Beach and North Cottesloe Beach are patrolled on weekends and public holidays between October and April. It’s important to swim between the red and yellow flags as lifeguards have assessed this location to be the safest, supervise the area and can come to assist if needed. 

Be mindful of your swimming ability, don’t head too far off-shore if you’re not a confident swimmer and always keep an eye on kids and ensure they are within reach. 

For more information on how to swim safely at Cottesloe Beach, check out the Surf Life Saving website. 

Shark Warnings

While shark incidents are rare, they have occurred at Cottesloe in the past so it’s important to be aware of the possibility and take precautions: 

• Observe any shark warnings or alerts – visit Shark Smart for current alerts and warnings
• Observe any beach closures
• If you spot a shark immediately alert lifeguards and call Water Police on 9442 8600

UV Safety

Australia’s sun can be quite intense so it’s important to protect yourself from ultraviolet radiation. Here’s how:

• Apply sunscreen (at least SPF30) before heading to the beach and reapply regularly, especially after swimming
• Seek shade during the hottest parts of the day
• Wear protective clothing such as sleeves, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

Beach Emergencies

At each beach access point, you’ll see a Beach Emergency Sign which helps with emergency response time. If there’s an emergency down on the beach call 000 and quote the information on the sign. 

Stingers

While rare, there can be stingers such as bluebottles and jellyfish in the waters of Cottesloe Beach. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Visit Cottesloe Beach Stinger Watch Facebook group for stinger updates 
• Pay attention to stinger warnings
• If you see a stinger in the water, avoid touching it and calmly swim away
• If you do get stung and experience an unusual or severe reaction, be sure to seek medical advice immediately 

Best Places To Stay At Cottesloe Beach

Looking for the best accommodation for your trip to Cottesloe? I’ve got you covered! Here are the best places to stay in and around Cottesloe based on your travel style, luxury, romantic, family or budget travel.

Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets

Best For Luxurious Getaways

Discover the epitome of 5-star luxury at Warders Hotel Fremantle Markets. Located just a 15-minute drive from Cottesloe in the heart of Fremantle, Warders Hotel offers an unforgettable stay. 

Start your day with a delectable a la carte or continental breakfast at the restaurant before exploring the popular tourist attractions nearby, like the Fremantle Markets. Finish your day with a drink at the terrace bar which provides a charming setting to unwind and relax.

Rooms are thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities including a desk, coffee machine fridge, flat screen TV, wifi and private parking. 

Tradewinds Hotel and Suites Fremantle

Best for Romantic Getaways

Located just a 12-minute drive from Cottesloe, the Tradewinds Hotel and Suites Fremantle offers charming accommodations with sweeping views of the Swan River. 

The hotel is housed within a beautiful heritage-listed building and includes facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness centre, bar and restaurant.

Guests have the choice of a studio room or a 2-bedroom apartment and have free wifi, cable TV, air conditioning and coffee machine.

The Tradewinds is just a 5-minute drive to Fremantle so visitors have plenty of attractions to explore and activities to do.   

Ocean Beach Hotel

Best for Budget Travellers

Located just 300m from Cottesloe Beach, the Ocean Beach Hotel offers affordable and comfortable accommodation in a great location.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, fridge, kettle, minibar, hairdryer and desk. The hotel offers an la carte or full English/Irish breakfast. 

Last words on Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is an absolute gem that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. With its stunning white sands, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, it offers a slice of paradise along the Australian Coastline. 

Cottesloe Beach FAQ

More Weekend Inspiration

If you’re looking for more things to do in and around Perth this weekend, why not try out some of these great activities:

• Go for a Bells Rapids Hike
• Relax with an infrared sauna
• Hike Lesmurdie Falls
• Try out one of Perth’s best float tanks

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