Best Beaches in Perth: The Definitive Local Guide

Perth has some of the finest urban beaches in the world — full stop. With more than 19 kilometres of coastline running from Fremantle in the south to Hillarys in the north, the question isn’t whether you’ll find a good beach; it’s knowing which one suits your day. Here’s a frank rundown of the beaches actually worth your time.

Cottesloe Beach — The Icon Worth the Hype

If you only visit one Perth beach, make it Cottesloe. Sitting 14 kilometres from the Perth CBD, it’s the city’s most recognisable stretch — limestone groynes, Norfolk pines lining the esplanade, and the Indiana Tea House perched on the beachfront. The calm, shallow water at the southern end is ideal for kids and casual swimmers; the northern end gets choppier and better for bodyboarding.

Parking on Marine Parade fills fast on weekends between October and April. Arrive before 9am or use the overflow lots on Broome and Eric streets. A new beach amenities block and shaded rest areas were completed near the main carpark in 2025, making an already great beach even more comfortable. Entry is free, and Cottesloe train station puts it under 30 minutes from the city without a car.

Scarborough Beach — Perth’s Surf Hub

Scarborough sits 18 kilometres from the city and is the first choice for surf. The beach faces northwest, picking up consistent Indian Ocean swells that run between one and two metres on most days from April through September. The foreshore redevelopment — completed in stages since 2019 — turned Scarborough into a proper lifestyle precinct. There’s a 50-metre outdoor pool (entry $7 for adults), multiple cafés, a playground, and a waterpark open from November through April.

The break is patrolled by Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club year-round. Beginners should stay between the flags and avoid the southern end, where the current runs strong during swells above 1.5 metres.

City Beach — The Family Default

City Beach sits neatly between Cottesloe and Scarborough and gets overlooked because of its more famous neighbours — which is exactly why it’s worth choosing on a busy summer Saturday. The carpark off Challenger Parade holds around 300 vehicles, the kiosk does proper fish and chips, and the surf is generally milder than Scarborough. There’s a large grassed area behind the dunes that’s great for kids to roam.

It’s also one of the few Perth beaches with a functioning changeroom and shower block that’s genuinely well-maintained rather than left to deteriorate — a small thing that matters a lot at the end of a long beach day.

Mettams Pool — Snorkelling Without a Boat

For underwater life, nothing close to central Perth beats Mettams Pool in Trigg. A natural limestone reef shelf creates a sheltered, clear-water pool about 200 metres long. On a calm day with a mask and snorkel, you’ll spot blue-throated wrasse, wobbegong sharks resting under ledges, and schools of sweep. The pool is accessible from West Coast Drive — park at Trigg Beach and walk 300 metres north.

This spot is not patrolled, so stick to the pool area and avoid swimming beyond the reef when any swell is running. Best conditions are between November and March in the morning, before the afternoon sea breeze picks up.

Leighton Beach — Dogs, Sunsets, and Fremantle Proximity

Leighton Beach in North Fremantle is the most underrated beach on Perth’s coast. It sits five minutes north of Fremantle’s centre and backs onto North Fremantle’s café strip. The southern section is officially dog-off-leash before 9am and after 5pm, which draws a fiercely loyal local crowd every single morning.

The beach faces west and delivers some of Perth’s most photogenic sunsets — the view over Rottnest Island from here in the evening is exceptional. Swell is moderate and the beach is patrolled on weekends through summer. Swimmers should stay north of the rock groyne, which creates an unpredictable current at low tide.

When to Visit Perth Beaches

Perth’s beach season runs year-round, but the peak swimming months are November through April, when water temperatures sit between 21°C and 24°C. Winter (June–August) sees water drop to around 18°C, but the beaches are essentially empty and the light is spectacular.

The afternoon sea breeze — known locally as the Fremantle Doctor — typically kicks in around 1–2pm from November through March, dropping air temperatures by 5–8°C within minutes. Morning visits are calmer, clearer, and better for swimming or snorkelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Perth beach is best for snorkelling?

Mettams Pool in Trigg is the standout option close to the city. The natural limestone reef creates sheltered, clear conditions with regular marine life sightings. Further north, Marmion Marine Park offers boat-access snorkelling with more diverse coral and fish species.

Is Cottesloe Beach suitable for young children?

Yes — the southern end of Cottesloe has calm, shallow water that’s ideal for young children. It’s patrolled year-round on weekends and throughout summer weekdays, and the grassed esplanade provides shade and space to spread out without being right on the sand.

How far are Perth’s beaches from the CBD?

Most of Perth’s best beaches are 12–18 kilometres from the CBD. Cottesloe is 14km, City Beach is 12km, and Scarborough is 18km. Cottesloe has its own train station (Cottesloe Station on the Fremantle line), making it the easiest beach to reach without a car.