The Best Beaches In Perth | Australian Traveller

It’s not hard to find a beautiful beach in Perth – what is hard however is deciding which one to visit.

Unfurling from either side of Perth city is an 80-kilometre-long stretch of pristine coastline, with blinding white sand, turquoise ocean as far as the eye can see, and seemingly endless beach options. The Western Australian capital arguably has the best beaches of any city in Australia, and here are 10 of our favourites.

1. Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 25 mins

Cottesloe Beach, or “Cott" as the locals like to call it, is unequivocally Perth’s most famous beach.

paddleboarding at Cottesloe Beach, Perth — Enjoy paddle boarding in the sun at Cottesloe Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

It’s quickly distinguished by the iconic Indiana Teahouse building precariously perched on the perimeter – which is now home to one of Perth’s best restaurants with a view. Indigo Oscar – with pristine white sand and turquoise waters beyond.

sunset at Cottesloe Beach, Perth — The sky is painted with cotton candy hues at sunset. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The beach is also home to the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, which showcases stunning artworks along the shore.

an aerial view of the white-sand beach at Cottesloe Beach, Perth — This iconic beach boasts pristine white sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Scarborough Beach, Scarborough

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 15 mins

Scarborough Beach is a favourite among local surfers and kite surfers due to its impressive surf breaks and regular swell.

the Scarborough Beach Surf School in Perth — Scarborough Beach is a hit among surfers. (Image: Tourism Australia)

What sets Scarborough Beach apart, however, is its impressive beachfront promenade, with cafes, restaurants, bars, a skate park, an outdoor amphitheatre that hosts summer night markets and live music – and even a geo-thermally heated open-air pool if you prefer not to jump in the ocean.

an aerial view of a geo-thermally heated open-air pool at Scarborough Beach — Next to the beach is a geo-thermally heated open-air pool. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Port Beach, Fremantle

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins

Port Beach is a relaxed and family-friendly beach with calm waters ideal for swimming, and soft sand perfect for beach picnics. Its sheltered location, which offers views of Fremantle’s iconic port and cranes, makes it a safe spot for young children to splash around. It’s great for swimming, walking, jogging, and cycling along the picturesque coastal path – and thanks to the afternoon sea breeze (or Freo Doctor as the locals call it) it also becomes a popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spot come 1pm.

Port Beach Perth — Port Beach is perfect for swimming due to its calm waters. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

4. Leighton Beach, North Fremantle

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx 15 mins

Leighton Beach offers wide open sandy spaces and pristine waters, making it perfect for those looking for a quieter, more peaceful beach experience – that’s even if you make it down to the sand, though.

an aerial view of Leighton Beach, North Fremantle — Plunge into the pristine waters of Leighton Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The beachfront is home to a vast and lush green space, with sprawling lawns, plenty of shaded picnic tables, a very impressive adventure playground for kids, and a great cafe – The Orange Box – that does coffee, smoothies and takeaway food. You could easily laze the day away there without even making it down to the water.

people spending a day at Leighton Beach, Fremantle — This coastal gem offers the perfect escape from the everyday hustle. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @ospreycreative)

5. South Beach, South Fremantle

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 25 mins

South Beach is a sprawling family-friendly beach that benefits from great protection from Rottnest Island, meaning calm waters with no dumpy waves. There are several different sub-beaches within the area, including two dog-friendly beaches (one at the northern end and another at the south) and two human-only beaches.

South Beach in Perth, WA — Hang out with the locals on South Beach’s floating pontoon. (Image: Tourism Australia)

In true Freo style, expect to see a wide variety of beach-goers, from stand-up paddle-boarders and swimmers training for the Rottnest Channel Swim, to international backpackers in their campervans and hippies slack-lining on the grass.

6. Mettams Pool, North Beach

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins

Mettams Pool is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers – a unique natural lagoon, protected by a coral reef. This shelter means its waters are calm and shallow, and teeming with marine life, including colourful fish and even starfish. Pack your snorkel.

an aerial view of Mettams Pool, Perth — Mettams Pool is home to a unique natural lagoon, protected by a coral reef. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

7. Trigg Beach, Trigg

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 20 mins

Trigg Beach is famous for its surf breaks, so if you’re a surfer look no further. The rugged coastline and powerful waves make it a go-to spot for experienced surfers, while the calmer areas are great for a splash.

surfers hitting the waves at Trigg Beach, Perth — Hit the waves at Trigg Beach. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @saltywings)

If the powerful waves are too much for you though, Trigg’s coastal walking trail that hugs the shoreline is one of Perth’s best – so pack your walking shoes instead of your swimmers and enjoy the beach views without getting wet.

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8. Bathers Beach, Fremantle

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 30 mins

Bathers Beach is often described as a place where Fremantle’s heritage and beach life come together. It’s right in the heart of Fremantle’s west end, and is a small, peaceful spot perfect for those looking for a quick dip after a day of uncovering all there is to do in Fremantle.

an aerial view of Bathers Beach, Fremantle — The beautiful Bathers Beach is situated in the heart of Fremantle’s west end. (Image: Tourism Western Australia / @ospreycreative)

It’s also home to Bathers Beach House, one of Perth’s best restaurants with a view, which is the only place in WA where you can order a cocktail to your table on the sand.

the Bathers Beach in Fremantle — Order a cocktail to your table on the sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

9. City Beach

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 10 mins

the City Beach in Perth — City Beach is known for its clean, white sand. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

City Beach – as the name suggests – is a mere 10 minutes from Perth CBD. The beach is known for its clean, white sands – expect to see beach volleyball teams battling it out – and crystal-clear waters.

sunset at City Beach in Perth — Be dazzled by the breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean. (Image: Tourism Western Australia; @from.miles.away / @mattfrommilesaway)

The beach backs onto an expansive grassy area with shaded playgrounds, picnic spots and a bevvy of great cafes and restaurants including Clancy’s Fish Pub, Odyssea and Hamptons.

the grassy area of City Beach at sunrise — The grassy area is the perfect spot to set up a picnic. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

10. Floreat Beach

Driving time from Perth CBD: Approx. 15 mins

Floreat Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere with its white sandy shores and adjoining parkland. It’s a particularly great spot for families and little ones, with grassy areas, undercover barbecues, a playground and a cafe serving coffee, smoothies and takeaway baked goods.

Discover the best cafes in Perth to kickstart your day.

With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

As the sun slowly rises over the languid waves and fine sand of Broome’s Cable Beach, the morning colours shift from rich apricot to pale gold and frosty pearl. Remnants of life reveal themselves in the subtle shadows – crab claw marks, towel impressions, footprints. Life here is unhurried, but don’t be fooled. This town is continually shifting like the desert dunes that surround it.

And with a $75 million upgrade – offering easier and more inclusive access for people of all abilities – it’s getting even better.

Cable Beach upgrade foreshore redevelopment stage 1 — Discover the Cable Beach redevelopment.

The addition of comfortable and welcoming spaces has begun (and will continue). This means visitors will be able to spend longer enjoying this beautiful environment, while knowing that the upgrade will create a more environmentally protected setting that preserves the natural character visitors come for. Come sunset, soak it in all the better thanks to the already improved foreshore areas, made for lingering while the light changes. And for the kids, a new splash park and accessible dry playground will make it easy to while away the hours.

Think you know what a day at this beach is like? Think again.

Morning colours

car on cable beach at sunrise — Cable Beach comes alive after sunrise. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the sun colours the sky, Cable Beach shows signs of life (and not just the aquatic kind). Locals and visitors alike float in the cool water as it laps the shore, landlubbers explore the coast on foot, runners pace and beachside yoga classes bring quiet movement to the day.

When the sky is blue and the sun is firmly in position, head down to the well-known Cable Beach House for a long, slow breakfast overlooking the ocean. Think fresh tropical fruit, eggs cooked your way and strong coffee in the warm morning breeze.

Afternoon adventures

camel train on cable beach in broome at sunset — Join a camel train at sunset. (Credit: C J Maddock)

When you’re ready to explore, carve a path along the Minyirr Park Trail – a gentle 1.5-2km track through coastal bushland with spectacular views of the dunes. Refuel at the nearby Spinifex Brewery for lunch with its low-key, outdoor beer garden. There’s even an outdoor playground if you’re travelling with young humans.

Walk off your lazy lunch by watching (or joining) one of the beach soccer or volleyball games, or even try Silent Beats Broome – a silent walking disco through the dunes. Or book a spot on the famous camel trains, watching the sun drop below the horizon along the way. They’re a constant reminder of the fascinating history, landscape and cultural mix in this part of the country.

Evening degustation

server at Cable Beach Club — Stop into the Cable Beach Club. (Credit: Tourism WA)

As the day closes, watch the world-famous Cable Beach sunset from the appropriately named Sunset Grill at Cable Beach Club. This open-air terraced dining spot overlooking the beach is the kind of place where the view takes centre stage.

While you sip on a lychee, lime & lemonade mocktail or a local beer, enjoy the bustle of life and nature outside as the day comes to an end.

For dinner, nab a table at the Bali Hai Cafe, where they offer pan-fried crispy barramundi, Abrolhos Island scallops and deep-sea snow crab. When you’re ready for bed, check in to Pinctada Hotel Broome – a lush, tropical resort with palm-dotted gardens and a large, lagoon-style pool to cool off in.

Beyond the beach

Beyond the wide, open beach and never-ending sky of Cable Beach, there are many more reasons to visit North West Australia. These are just a few.

Unmatched experiences

Shinju Matsuri Festival's popular Long Table Dinner on cable beach — Join Shinju Matsuri Festival’s popular Long Table Dinner. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Engage with the history of the land and its people on an Indigenous cultural tour exploring everything from the local wildlife to the tastes of bush tucker. To understand the importance of pearling to this town, take a tour of Chinatown, or head outside of town to the live pearl harvests at Willie Creek or Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm, one of Australia’s oldest pearl farms.

Learn why Japanese pearlers were central to Broome’s pearling success and visit the largest Japanese cemetery in Australia, where 900 Japanese pearlers were buried – a testament to the risks and rewards of this dangerous profession.

And book ahead every spring for when communal tables, freshly cooked local fare and festoon lighting fill the beach for the extremely popular Long Table Dinner on Cable Beach. It’s a highlight of the Shinju Matsuri Festival, along with the Floating Lanterns Matsuri, where you can personalise a lantern and gently release it into the sea to honour those you love.

Dining discoveries

Further your culinary adventure at the laid-back Sunday Sesh at Matso’s Broome Brewery. Chow down on smoked crocodile or Aussie barramundi while kicking back to a local DJ as the heat of the day fades.

For more tunes, the beautiful outdoor Bay Club at the Mangrove Hotel is a great choice for dinner with live music, DJs or an event that stretches on into the early hours. Still hungry? Pop by Johnny Sausage for Italian-influenced meals paired with impeccable wines.

Natural beauties

Gantheaume Point cabnle beach broome — Experience the striking colours of Gantheaume Point. (Credit: Tourism WA)

Avoid the crowds and head to Town Beach for a quieter vantage point to see the phenomenal Staircase to the Moon – a natural illusion where the rising full moon is reflected on the tidal flats, creating a shimmering ‘staircase’ stretching up to the sky.

Just south of Cable Beach are the deep red cliffs and dramatic ocean views of Gantheaume Point, where 130-million-year-old dinosaur footprints can be seen, revealed at low tide. Or head to Roebuck Bay to visit the internationally significant wetlands, where vast tidal flats are home to shorebirds and coastal fauna.

Between October and March, watch turtles nesting and hatchlings emerge from the sand. You’ll be holding your breath as they make their way down to the shoreline, ready to start their life in one of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes.

For more on Cable Beach and Australia’s North West, visit australiasnorthwest.com.

10 of the best beaches in Perth

It’s not hard to find a beautiful beach in Perth – what is hard however is deciding which one to visit.

1. Cottesloe Beach, Cottesloe

2. Scarborough Beach, Scarborough

3. Port Beach, Fremantle

4. Leighton Beach, North Fremantle

5. South Beach, South Fremantle

6. Mettams Pool, North Beach

7. Trigg Beach, Trigg

8. Bathers Beach, Fremantle

9. City Beach

10. Floreat Beach

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With unhurried mornings, long, sun-filled afternoons, evenings shaped around sunset, this iconic beach offers an all-day experience (and it’s about to get even better).

Morning colours

Afternoon adventures

Evening degustation