You’ll have no issues finding a gorgeous patch of sand to spread out on in our guide to the best Perth beaches!
From Cott to Scabs, Trigg to South, there’s no shortage of pristine Perth beaches in this corner of Western Australia.
I’ll be honest with you – Having grown up in Western Australia I have a soft spot for all the beaches in Perth.
As I always say, west is best! It really is a paradise out this way.
Their long stretches of white sand, beginner-friendly surf breaks and Californian bar and cafe vibes make them a favourite for any person, local or traveller, to check out.
And of course we can’t forget about those magical Western Australia sunsets right over the ocean!
It’s little wonder that when people are checking out the best things to do in Perth, they always add the beaches to their list!
Table of Contents
Our Guide to the Best Perth Beaches
There are so many beaches in Perth to choose from, but luckily for you we have narrowed it down to the best ones.
Here is our list of the best Perth beaches to visit for adults, couples and kids on your next trip to Western Australia.
Mettams Pool
- Distance from Perth CBD – 16km (20min drive)
- Patrolled – No
- Best for – Snorkelling, sunbathing, swimming, relaxing
- Facilities – Toilets, outdoor and indoor showers, picnic tables,
Mettams Pool is a hidden treasure, which has everything you need for the perfect day at the beach.
Located at the southern end of North Beach, you’ll find all kinds of incredible marine life in this natural rock pool. Mettams Pool is home to anemones, starfish, molluscs, red-lip morwong, banded sweep, bullseyes and more.
The calm, warm waters of Mettams Pool make it perfect for snorkelling, but it can get busy on weekends so make sure you arrive early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.
Go for a walk further north of Mettams Pool to the protected limestone reefs at Marmion Marine Park for arguably the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Perth. But Mettams Pool is one of the most beautiful places in Perth!
READ MORE: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Margaret River if you’re planning a trip down south!
Trigg Island Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 15km (20 mins drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – Walks, relaxing, sun bathing, surfing, body-boarding, windsurfing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers, children’s playgrounds, BBQs
One of the best surf breaks in Perth is Trigg Beach, and depending on the swell you’ll find new and experienced surfers tackling the sand breaks or the reef just offshore.
While not as advanced as Rottnest Island, if you’re looking for somewhere to catch a wave close to the city, these beach breaking waves near Perth’s northern suburbs are some of most consistent you’ll find.
For those that prefer swimming, Trigg isn’t the most relaxing place due to the rips and currents that often cut through here. Make sure you swim between the flags if you do take a dip, and watch out for the permanent rip at the Blue Hole.
Ask at the Surf Lifesaving Club if you’re unsure.
That doesn’t make it a bad place to visit though if you’re not a surfer! There’s a great grassy reserve with barbecues, facilities and tonnes of space for picnics.
The birdwatching and fishing in summer time is great here too, and if you’re really lucky you might even see bottlenose dolphins offshore!
This reserve is also a dog-friendly area, so bring your furry friend along.
Scarborough Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 14km (25 mins drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – Watching sunset, sun bathing, families, picnics, surfing, swimming, fishing, windsurfing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers, skate park, climbing wall, basketball court, exercising equipment, amphitheatre, restaurants
Scarborough Beach has developed into one of Perth’s best beaches and there is a good reason why. Not just for being a beautiful beach, but it has so much more to offer.
Boasting a 2.5km long stretch of pristine sandy beach and clear blue water, it’s hugely popular for swimming, sun bathing, socialising and even surfing when the waves are up.
What sets ‘Scabs’ apart from the other Perth city beaches though is the huge amount of other attractions close by.
Cafes, restaurants, food trucks, bars, live music, street festivals, a skate park, surf shops, outdoor gyms, the picturesque grassed terraces- you could literally spend a week hanging out in Scarborough and not actually step into the ocean.
Nearby Summer Hill has lovely views over the beach in the afternoons and there’s a bicycle and walking path that connects Scarborough Beach with the other best beaches in Perth such as Cottesloe and Trigg.
Rips and currents can be bad at Scarborough Beach so always swim between the flags. But if you prefer there is also an open air pool to do laps in.
Floreat Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 11 km (20 mins drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – Watching the sunset, dining with a view, families, picnics, surfing, swimming, fishing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, showers, children’s playground, BBQ, shelters, volleyball courts
If you want a little more of a quieter scene than Cottesloe Beach, then Floreat is just down the road from it.
Situated off the West Coast Highway south of City Beach, Floreat has plenty to offer with a nice boardwalk for easy shore access, grassy areas with lots of shade during hot days and a cycle path to get around.
There’s lots of car parking close by so you can fill the car with snacks and toys without having to worry about lugging it all over town.
City Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 11 km (20 mins drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – Watching sunset, dining with a view, families, picnics, surfing, swimming, fishing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers, playground, BBQ, shelters,
If you just want get to the closest beach to the city centre, then head on down to City Beach.
With gorgeous white sandy shores and 500m of waterfront, City Beach has earned the title of Perth’s best beach many times in recent years.
There are two purpose-built groynes (man-made shore protection) here to protect the beach and block large waves from the main swimming area, especially when the Fremantle Doctor* is in.
*The Fremantle Doctor is the nickname for the afternoon sea breeze that hits the Western Australia coast around Perth in the summer months.
This provides calm water for people of all abilities and ages. The groynes offer great fishing too, if you are into that.
You’ll find a plethora of cafe and food options near City Beach, as well as the typical barbecues, so you’ll never go hungry down here.
If you’re looking for some exercise you may be in luck with beach volleyball games, boot camps and yoga classes all happening down at City Beach.
Families wanting a great playground and grass space for relaxing while the kids run around will be right at home here.
South City Beach is also a dog beach, so bring your furry friends to the south area.
Swanbourne Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 12km (20 mins by car)
- Patrolled – Look for the red and yellow flags
- Best for – Nudists, sun bathing, swimming
- Facilities – Toilets, change room
If you’ve been wondering what nude beaches Perth has to offer, then you’ve come to the right place.
Swanbourne Beach is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Perth, but those looking for the clothing-optional section will have to wander over to North Swanbourne.
This hidden section of coastline provides beautiful calm waters, secluded sand dunes and a unique opportunity for nude sunbathing close to the city centre.
If this is not your scene though, make your way to the south end of the beach where people keep their clothes on.
The south end of the beach is family-friendly and great for young swimmers. You’ll also find a cafe at South Swanbourne Beach near the Surf Life Saving Club.
If you are feeling active, you can walk up to Melon Hill for a great view over the area.
The other nudist beach in Perth is Warnbro Beach.
Cottesloe Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 12km (20 min drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – Watching the sunset, swimming, snorkelling
- Facilities – Toilets, outdoor showers, BBQs, playground, picnic tables.
Can you believe you’ve made it this far into our article on the best Perth beaches and we’ve only just now mentioned the famous Cottesloe Beach?!
Everybody who has grown up in Perth has fond, and sometimes foggy, memories of this spectacular beach, with its huge grassed area, turquoise waters, almost Gothic backdrop and world-class bars.
On a summer’s day the beach will be packed with people swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters, having picnics on the white sand and kicking the footy around.
You’ll find dozens of places to eat and drink near Cottesloe Beach, including the legendary Ocean Beach Hotel (website here), which boasts a messy Sunday Session that even celebrities make appearances at. Cottesloe Beach Hotel is also a fun place to have a drink or to stay.
If you’re only in town for a day or two, make sure you come and check out the sunset over the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe.
Every year Cott is home to the “Sculptures by the Sea” festival.
It is part of Australia’s largest free, annual, outdoor sculpture exhibition, also happening at Bondi over in Sydney.
It happens around late October – early November. Check their website for dates.
Leighton Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 16km (25 mins drive)
- Patrolled – No
- Best for – Afternoon views, relaxing, family friendly, kayaking, SUPing, windsurfing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers
Leighton Beach is a popular beach located in North Fremantle and offers great snorkelling, swimming and a fantastic spot to enjoy the ocean and relax.
If you’re looking to do some body surfing then Leighton Beach is a great place to do it.
The water at Leighton Beach is also great for swimming, especially in the morning before the Fremantle Doctor makes his windy appearance.
When the Freo Doctor does kick up then expect to see windsurfers and kite surfers flock to Leighton Beach.
The north side of Leighton Beach is a dog beach, and there is even a dog exercise area on the grass next to the white sand.
There are lots of tables around to have picnics on as well as barbecue stations – so bring some food along when you visit the beaches in Perth!
READ MORE: Use our comprehensive guide of the best things to do in Busselton to make the most of your trip in Western Australia!
Port Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 16km (30 mins drive)
- Patrolled – No
- Best for – Sunset views, relaxing, families with young children, first timer surfers, kayaking, SUPing, wind surfing
- Facilities – Toilets, change rooms, outdoor showers
Also located in North Fremantle, Port Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists year-round.
This shallow and flat sea makes it perfect for families, but keep in mind it can get busy on weekends and school holidays, so get there early.
Surfers rate Port Beach as one of the best beaches close to the city to learn as the swell is really mellow.
If you have a kayak or standup paddleboard, bring it along. If the winds are up, Port Beach is great for windsurfing also.
There is a pub and places to eat nearby in case you are after a snack or meal. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Rottnest Island, a gem of Western Australia.
South Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 25km (30 min drive)
- Patrolled – No
- Best for – Great for families and beginner swimmers, paddling
- Facilities – Bathrooms, playground, outdoor gym equipment.
South Beach is located in Fremantle and is a popular beach for just about everybody, from families to groups of friends, and even pups as it’s dog-friendly!
South Beach has plenty of services that make it great for both inexperienced swimmers and more experienced ones looking to have fun.
There’s a huge park next door where people can play ball games like tennis, and also provides an excellent location if anyone wants some exercise before enjoying the water.
On the beach itself, there are plenty of facilities for all, including a playground, picnic areas and an outdoor gym.
There are cafes just a 2-minute walk away if you need, and the Fremantle train line lies 5 minutes walk from South Beach.
There are street markets on Saturdays with lots of different stalls and food and drink trucks.
READ MORE: If you think the Perth beaches are good, wait until you check out the ones in Esperance!
Bathers Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 16km (20 mins)
- Patrolled – No
- Best for – Young families, swimming, sun bathing, paddling, kitesurfing. Great for shopping, restaurants, visiting museums and galleries.
- Facilities – Toilets, BBQs, shelters
Bathers Beach is one of the best beaches in Fremantle, Western Australia, with 300m of clean white sand and flat seas that are perfect for swimming or SUPing.
Filled with vibrant Western Australia heritage and coastal charm, this place has plenty on offer to fill your day.
A short walk will take you to plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, and if you’re looking for fish and chips you’ll find some of the best at Fishing Boat Harbour.
There’s also Challenger Harbour, the Maritime Museum & Esplanade Park all within walking distance from each other for you to explore.
This is a perfect beach for sun bathing, swimming and having picnics with family & friends. There are also public BBQs located here too.
While public toilet facilities are available in multiple locations, you won’t find any showers or changing rooms after your swim so keep that in mind.
Once a late-night drinking spot for the locals, this beach is home to some of Western Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous artists and designers.
Check out the Kidogo Arthouse and the Bathers Beach Art Precinct which is located in the middle of the beach.
And while you’re at Bathers make sure you stop in for a pint at Little Creatures.
Coogee Beach
- Distance from Perth CBD – 16km (30 mins drive)
- Patrolled – Yes
- Best for – families, sunset viewing, relaxing, swimming, sun bathing, snorkelling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarders, wind surfing, sailing
- Facilities – BBQs, picnic tables and toilets. There are showers down the north end near the caravan park.
Keep going south past Fremantle, following the coastline and you will come to the white sand shores of Cockburn’s Coogee Beach.
Coogee Beach is a long stretch of sand that begins near the seawall and gently curves northward for 3.7km before reconnecting with the shoreline called James Rocks at its northern point.
Coogee Beach is great for families as it is calm and you will easily be able to find a spot away from everyone.
The beach has a long jetty for jumping off, and it also offers great snorkelling opportunities at the shipwreck at Omeo Wreck which is located at the north end of Coogee Beach.
READ MORE: Continue your exploration of Western Australia with our guide to the top things to do in Albany!
Conclusion of Perth’s Best Beaches
That wraps up our list of the best Perth beaches, and we have no doubt you’ll fall in love with the sensational Western Australia coast as much as we have.
I mentioned a few dog beach options, but there are others including Quinns Rock Dog Beach, South Fremantle Dog Beach, Rockingham Dog Beach, and Hillarys Dog Beach.
If you have more time you can check out some other spots, such as Burns Beach or Brighton Beach. Or even jump on the ferry to Rottnest Island, home to the super cute quokkas and Australian sea lions. Rottnest Island has some stunning beaches, so definitely make the day trip if you have time!
Or just drive along the West Coast Highway and see what beaches you come across.
Whether you’re locals of Western Australia or coming from out of state, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the white sandy shores of Perth’s best beaches.
If we’ve missed out on your favourite let us know in the comments below!
Be Beach Safe
As beautiful as the Perth beaches are, it’s important to stay safe out there. Waves, rips, currents and wind can make the sea a little wild, and if you’re not a strong swimmer you could get yourself in trouble while swimming in Western Australia.
Always swim between the flags, and stick to patrolled beaches. If in doubt, chat to the friendly lifesavers.
Another great resource is the BeachSafe website, and they have an app for your phone as well so you can access the safety and beach information anytime.
For safe swimming, please be beach smart – It could save your life or someone else’s life.
