Perth might just be the crown jewel of Australia’s coastline, and if you’re anything like me, finding the perfect beach always feels like hitting the jackpot. We’re pretty lucky here in WA – our beaches aren’t just good; they’re some of the best in the world.
In this post, I’m diving into my favourite sandy spots around Perth. From the popular buzz of Cottesloe to the hidden charm of Coogee, I’ll guide you through where to soak up the sun, catch the best waves, or maybe even spot a dolphin or two. So, grab your sunnies and a towel, and let’s explore the stunning beaches that make Perth truly spectacular!
1. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is where Perth’s laid-back spirit really comes to life. In my opinion, it’s one of the best beaches in WA as a whole, not just Perth!
Located just a 15-minute drive from the city centre, it’s the kind of place where you can unwind as you watch the gentle waves roll in. Plus, thanks to the beachfront Indiana Teahouse, it’s one of the most photographed beaches in Perth!
Mornings are probably the busiest here when you’ll see people out walking their dogs, catching a pre-work swim, or just enjoying a coffee with friends, but I’ve also spent countless evenings here just soaking up the incredible sunsets. Trust me, they’re like nowhere else.
The beach itself is perfect for anyone looking to relax or even have a gentle swim. And with a few cafes just steps from the sand, it’s easy to grab a coffee or a bite while you’re enjoying the view.
2. Scarborough Beach
Thinking of a beach day that rolls into a night out? Scarborough Beach, a 10-minute drive north from Perth CBD, is your go-to. It has a bit of everything: great surf, wide sandy stretches, and tonnes of bars, restaurants and cafes!
During the day, the beach is alive with surfers and families, thanks to its reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in Perth, but as the sun sets, the focus shifts to the beachfront bars and restaurants.
There’s always something happening here, whether it’s live music or just the communal vibe of people enjoying the sunset. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that there’s also a skatepark, a climbing wall, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a 50-metre lane pool that’s heated in winter right on the beachfront. There are so many things to do in Scarborough!
3. Trigg Beach
For a quieter beach day, Trigg Beach is a top choice. It’s a bit more laid back than its northern neighbour, Scarborough, but no less beautiful. It’s also pretty massive, which means more space and peace for a day under the sun. The surf here is excellent, attracting a fair share of local surfers and a fair few beginners, too.
The nearby Trigg Bushland Reserve adds a splash of greenery and offers lovely walking trails for when you need a break from the salt and sand.
If I’m aiming for a full beach day, I’ll usually head to Trigg Beach for a few hours in the morning, go for a wander in the Trigg Bushland Reserve, and then round off the day on Scarborough Beach. You can’t beat it!
4. Mullaloo Beach
Just a quick 25-minute drive north of Perth’s CBD and you’re at Mullaloo Beach, one of my personal favourites. It’s the kind of place where you can really spread out your towel and not worry about bumping elbows, since it’s so huge and its distance from the city centre means it’s usually fairly free of tourists.
The white sand and calm, clear waters make it ideal for families or anyone looking to just chill with a book or paddle around without waves knocking you over. We sometimes get surf on this beach, but it’s generally much more gentle than that on the more famous surf beaches like Scarborough.
There’s a great little cafe right by the beach called Swell, with windows overlooking the ocean, and the coffee here is fabulous. And if you’re feeling active, the walking paths by Mullallo Beach offer gorgeous ocean views – great for a sunset stroll.
It also doesn’t hurt that Mullaloo Beach is just an 8-minute drive from Pinneroo Cemetery, one of the best places to see kangaroos in Perth for free!
5. Bathers Beach
Nestled in the heart of Fremantle, about 30 minutes south of Perth CBD, Bathers Beach is as much about history as it is about seaside relaxation. If I’m being honest, it’s not exactly Perth’s most beautiful beach, but it has another reason for being featured on this list. What sets it apart? It’s one of the few places in Perth where you can actually enjoy a drink on the beach!
That’s right, drinking in public, including on the beach, is illegal in WA, but Bathers Beach House has a licence, meaning that you can sip a cold one with your toes in the sand from their deckchairs. This makes it the perfect place for sunsets!
Another reason this beach is so cool is that it’s tucked right next to the oldest building in WA, the Round House, and it’s just a stone’s throw from the oh-so-lovely Fremantle Markets, one of my go-to rainy day activities in Perth.
6. Coogee Beach (Omeo Wreck)
If you hop in the car at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach and head just 15 minutes south, you’ll hit Coogee Beach, which has a totally different vibe – more laid-back, less crowded, and perfect if you’re into a bit of underwater exploration. It’s my top pick when it comes to the best beaches in Perth for swimming!
The main draw here is the Omeo Wreck. This old ship sank just off the coast in 1905 and now serves as a cool spot for snorkelling. It’s totally safe and really close to shore, so even snorkelling newbies and kids can check it out.
The beach itself is super chill, with calm waters that are great for swimming and a killer playground that keeps the little ones buzzing. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot of sand space for you to sprawl out on, but that’s okay – most people only come here for a couple of hours to explore the wreck.
7. City Beach
Just a 20-minute drive from the CBD, City Beach is a local favourite for good reason. The beach is wide and welcoming, with soft, clean sand that stretches far enough to never feel crowded. It’s perfect for everyone – from families laying out picnics to surfers chasing the perfect wave.
What really sets City Beach apart are the amenities, which make it one of the best beaches in Perth for kids. There’s an awesome playground that the kids absolutely love and a nearby grassy area for those impromptu footie games or frisbee throws, as well as a selection of fabulous cafes and restaurants.
And if you’re into sunsets, stick around – City Beach serves up some of the most stunning sunset views in Perth, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. It’s the perfect way to wind down a day, just sitting on the sand or at one of the beachside bars, watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Most Beautiful Beaches in Perth WA
And that concludes my insider’s guide to the best beaches around Perth. We’re so lucky to live in a city with so many epic beaches that it’s hard to choose just a few favourites. My advice? Try them all. Each one has something special that makes it worth a visit!
