Welcome, beach lovers, to the beautiful city of Perth Australia! The beaches here are beautiful, with white sand and crystal clear waters. They’re always clean and often surrounded by free BBQs with picnic tables for you to use.
Being from sun-deprived England I have always been searching for the sun and where the best beaches are, which landed me here in Perth 5 years ago with my drone and a thirst for adventure.
I’ve explored most of the best beaches in Western Australia and here are my top 9 picks for the Best Beach in Perth Australia, where you can experience the best of the city’s coast. So grab your sunscreen, beach towel, and sense of adventure, and let’s dive in!
Best Beaches in Perth WA
Here are 9 of the best beaches in Perth:
1. Cottesloe Beach
Is this the best beach in Perth Australia? Known for its calm waters and safe swimming conditions, Cottesloe Beach is the perfect spot for families and beachgoers of all ages. The unique thing about Cottesloe is its shark net which allows swimmers to go about 100 meters out to sea and swim with peace of mind that they won’t be fish food.
Cottesloe Beach has beautiful white sand and often calm waves, making it an ideal beach for families or those looking to relax. The beach is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and bars.
The Ocean Beach Hotel and Cottesloe Beach Hotel are both classic bars, a great place to sip your drink and watch the sunset. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sand, Cottesloe Beach is a popular spot for swimming, beach volleyball, and beachside picnics. Not to mention, it also boasts a huge grassed area, great for sunsets, recreational activities, and relaxation.
2. Scarborough Beach
Next on our list is Scarborough Beach, a hotspot for water sports in Perth. Dive into the surf culture of Scarborough, where you can catch some waves, soak up the beach vibes, and enjoy the fantastic ocean views. Trigg Beach next door is also a great spot for surfing.
The beachfront area of Scarborough is buzzing with life, offering a range of restaurants, cafes, and beach bars. Whether you’re into swimming, surfing, or simply lounging in the sand.
Don’t forget to visit the Sunset Markets every Thursday in summer and every Saturday in winter for yummy international fare, artisan goods, and DJ’s bringing year-long summer vibes.
3. Mullaloo Beach
For those seeking a tranquil escape away from the city crowds, Mullaloo Beach is the perfect choice. This is one of the best beaches in Perth’s northern suburbs offering a calm and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. Walk along the white sand beach or take a dip in the beautiful turquoise waters.
With plenty of parking and picnic areas, Mullaloo Beach is the ideal spot for a day of beachside bliss, even on public holidays.
If you’re looking for some of the best dog beaches in Perth then a short drive south of Mullaloo is Hillary’s Dog Beach.
4. Coogee Beach
One of the best beaches near Perth is Coogee, it’s located near Fremantle around a 30-minute drive from Perth city centre. Enjoy the soft sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Bring your snorkel to swim at the Omeo wreck, this can get busy at the weekend, so visiting in the morning or midweek to beat the crowds is advised.
There are jetties and pontoons to jump off into the sea as well as a shark net to keep you safe. It’s a great beach for families.
5. Port Beach
Located north of Fremantle, Port Beach has a unique dockyard behind it which creates an interesting commercial meets nature picturesque look.
The beach is beautiful, with white sand and a turquoise sea. Check on the wind before visiting as it can get windy in Perth making it a popular spot for kite surfing.
Check out Coast Port Beach for delicious food and drinks with sea views. A short walk away is the orange box which is great for grabbing a coffee whilst on a coastal walk.
6. Yanchep Lagoon
For a taste of the natural beauty near Perth, make your way to Yanchep Lagoon. This gem, located about 45 minutes north of Perth, offers a calm lagoon with shallow waters that is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling, and walks.
The white sand is surrounded by dunes and rock formations, providing the perfect backdrop for a beachside picnic or a family gathering in the great outdoors. Take in the stunning views of the ocean and let the serenity of Yanchep Lagoon, the perfect place, wash over you.
If you’re wondering about food or coffee, then the Yanchep Beach Lagoon Cafe has you covered. Another place worth checking out is Yanchep National Park, where you can see koala bears, visit an underground cave as well as many other things.
7. Mettams Pool
Last but not least, we have Mettams Pool, home to a small reef in the heart of Perth along the northern beaches section of the West Coast Highway. This unique spot is perfect for snorkelling. It’s a fairly small beach with not a lot of parking.
It’s best visited in the morning, when it’s not too windy and the waves are calm. I saw an octopus when I last went here, there’s also cool underwater tunnels you can swim through.
8. City Beach
Located just 8 kilometres west of Perth’s city centre, it offers a long stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and excellent surf conditions.
With its stunning views and modern amenities, City Beach is the perfect spot for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying watersports. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink.
9. Leighton Beach
Nestled between Cottesloe Beach and Port Beach, Leighton Beach is a hidden gem in Perth. It offers a wide stretch of pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming.
This spot is also popular among kitesurfers and windsurfers due to its consistent breeze.
How to Choose Which Perth Beach to Visit
With so many beautiful beaches in Perth, it can be tough to choose which one to visit. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Consider the type of beach experience you’re looking for, whether it’s surfing, swimming, snorkelling or relaxation.
- Explore the beach amenities, such as picnic areas, public facilities, and beachside cafes.
- Take into account the beach location, considering its proximity to the city centre and other attractions.
- Consider the beach conditions, including the wave intensity, and swimming safety.
- Research the beach’s reputation, reading reviews and recommendations from locals and fellow beachgoers.
- During the winter months, a lot of beaches can be covered in seaweed, Cottesloe being one of the worst for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The Best Time of Year To Visit Perth?
The best time to visit Perth’s beaches is during the months of November to March. The temperature usually stays around 30 degrees with some days getting above 40 degrees Celcius.
The months of April – June are cooler ranging in the high 20’s making it the perfect time to enjoy the beaches without the summer heat and holiday rush. While the summer months of December to February can be hot and busy.
Winter months in Australia of June to August can be cold and wet, but they still offer great opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking the local waterfalls, whale watching and travelling up north to places like Kalbarri and Exmouth which have warm sunny days during winter.
Where Are The Best Spots For Snorkelling in Perth?
If snorkelling is your passion, Perth has some fantastic spots for you to explore. Mettams Pool, Rottnest Island’s Salmon Bay, Point Peron and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Rockingham are among the best snorkelling areas in the city.
These locations offer clear water, diverse marine life, and easy accessibility. It’s best to bring your own snorkel gear and get ready to discover the underwater wonders of Perth’s coast. Always prioritize safety and check the wind and ocean conditions before snorkelling. The Indian Ocean provides great snorkelling and diving trails to discover.
Best Things To Do Near Perth?
There are many attractions to explore in Perth. I have crafted the ideal three day Perth travel itinerary.
1. Kings Park
Where you can discover amazing wildflowers and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Perth region.
It’s a great spot for sunset and don’t forget to check out the moonlight cinema which runs during the summer months.
2. Rottnest Island
Explore its pristine beaches, bike around the island, and snap a selfie with the adorable quokkas. Don’t forget to go snorkelling in Salmon Bay for an unforgettable underwater experience.
There are many different options for accommodation that you will need to book in advance when going during summertime.
3. Lesmurdie Falls
Take a hike and witness the breathtaking beauty of the cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery at Lesmurdie Falls.
Best visited during the winter months June to August when the water is flowing.
4. Margaret River
260km south of Perth lies the Margaret River Region, known for its world-class wineries, beautiful beaches and amazing underground caves.
Smiths Beach, located in the Margaret River Region, is a secluded stretch of icing-sugar-soft sand that is perfect for a post-plunge chardonnay after enjoying the famous Supertubes surf break.
5. Dunsborough
Near to Margaret River Dunsborough is home to some of the best beaches in Western Australia.
Meelup, Bunker Bay and Eagle Bay are a must-see when passing through Dunsborough.
6. Mandurah
Families with young children will also appreciate the nearby Mandurah Beaches, such as Dolphin Quay at the Mandurah Ocean Marina, which has a man-made, sheltered beach as well as a great playground and expansive grassed area.
It is also conveniently located close to shops, restaurants, and markets.
7. Rockingham
The highlights of Rockingham would be the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, where visitors can explore marine life, including dolphins, penguins seals, and diverse bird species.
Kayaking to seal island is a great activity which takes about 30 minutes to get across.
What is the best beach in Perth Australia?
Cottesloe Beach is often considered the best beach in Perth Australia. With its crystal clear waters, white sandy beach, and stunning sunsets, it’s a favourite for many locals. Whether you want to swim or simply relax on the beach, Cottesloe has something for everyone.
Conclusion
Now it’s time for you to explore and work out which is the best beach in Perth Australia. My favourite is Cottesloe Beach, which will be yours?
Before setting off to Perth’s beaches it’s always worth checking the weather forecast to see how windy it is. The beaches near Mettams pool offer good shelter from the wind with their large unique rocks creating little hiding spots.
Perth Australia offers a coastal paradise with stunning beaches that cater to every preference. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day at Cottesloe Beach or an adventurous snorkeling experience at Yanchep Lagoon.
Don’t miss the beautiful sunsets or the markets on Thursdays at Scarborough Beach. The best time to visit Perth is during the summer months(Dec-March)when the weather is warm.
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I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.
