10 of the best beaches in Perth

Kirsty PetridesBy Kirsty Petrides
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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)

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.

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.

Kirsty Petrides
Kirsty Petrides is a writer, wine-lover and cheese enthusiast. Whether she’s hunting down the best restaurant in Albania, foraging the Marrakech markets for spices or camping in the middle of Patagonian wilderness, she loves to seek out the authentic side of the places she visits, and share that with readers through her writing.
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Inspire your senses with these iconic East Kimberley stays

    Jennifer EnnionBy Jennifer Ennion
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    The East Kimberley should be on every bucket list, and here’s why.

    Livistona palms soar out of chasms the colour of Valencia oranges. Shady waterholes beckon travellers daring to venture off the bitumen. From the air, fruit farms give way to vast plains that meet rolling hills and fascinating geological formations centuries in the making. The East Kimberley is one of Australia’s most treasured wilderness areas, but don’t be fooled by its rust-coloured roads. This north-eastern corner of Western Australia is home to some of Australia’s most iconic stays by Discovery Resorts  that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

    A group of people enjoy an intimate dining experience at El Questro Homestead.
    Dine in the heart of nature.

    Your guide to Lake Argyle

    The backstory

    With rolling hills that glow amber at sunrise and glassy water that reflects the Kimberley’s bright blue sky, a visit to Lake Argyle is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, travellers flock here to soak in the views from boats, helicopters and Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle .

    The latter is a lakeside oasis, a resort where travellers crossing from Western Australia into the Northern Territory (or vice versa) converge. Fifty minutes’ drive south of Kununurra, the property is perched atop a cliff overlooking the sprawling Lake Argyle.

    Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle was originally built in the late 1960s to provide accommodation for builders of the Ord River dam, which formed Lake Argyle. In the decades that followed it had several owners, until a Kununurra local took the reins in 2004 and reinvented the property with luxury villas and its now world-famous infinity pool. The iconic property was added to the Discovery Resorts portfolio in 2021, undergoing a major upgrade that took the resort from a beloved campground to an all-encompassing resort with premium waterfront villas.

    A boat glides across the expansive waters of Lake Argyle, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Kimberley. As part of the Discovery Holiday Parks experience, this unforgettable journey offers adventure and relaxation.
    Glide across the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Argyle.

    The rooms

    A lakeside resort like no other, Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle offers something for everyone, from campsites to villas and cabins . The Deluxe Lakeview Cabins have views of the opposing cliff and are surrounded by bush, ensuring plenty of privacy, while both the Deluxe and Standard Cabins are ideal for families, with contemporary furnishings and one, two or four bedrooms. The campsites also come in a variety of sizes.

    The facilities

    There’s no doubt the biggest drawcard to Discovery Resorts – Lake Argyle is the lake, 20 times the size of Sydney Harbour. One of the best ways to experience it is on the Kimberley Durack Sunset Explorer Cruise , during which you’ll see freshwater crocodiles nesting along the banks (it’s home to 30,000 freshies) and even get the chance to swim in their waters. The cruise also takes in Mt Misery, towering above the original and now submerged Argyle Downs Homestead.

    If you have young children who need to get to bed early, a great alternative is the three-hour Lunch Explorer Cruise . You’ll tour around the lake’s bays as you learn about the local wildlife before stopping at a remote island for a swim.

    Refuel between adventures at the onsite pub-style eatery, The Lake Argyle Cafe. The cafe is the heart of the resort, bringing together friends new and old over a steak, cold beer and live music. Hours vary with the seasons, but rest assured you’ll be able to enjoy a good feed year-round, with a well-stocked general store also open during the day.

    Cool off from a day of exploring in the striking infinity pool with some of the best views in the country (you’ll find sweeping views of the lake below). Or enjoy a flight with HeliSpirit, or clear your mind during a yoga class on the lawn.

    Two people unwind in an infinity pool, overlooking stunning Lake Argyle at Discovery Holiday Parks.
    Take a dip in the infinity pool and soak in breathtaking Lake Argyle views.

    Your guide to El Questro

    The backstory

    One of the most famous stays in Australia is El Questro . A former cattle station, it’s evolved into one of the country’s most recognisable tourism destinations over the past 30 years, and is now embarking on a new chapter to elevate the region’s rich First Nations culture.

    The property draws travellers seeking to reconnect with nature and the beauty of this country. Wild in spirit but immaculate in style, El Questro is a 283,000-hectare property like no other; surrounded by dramatic gorges, impressive mountain ranges, thermal springs, secluded waterfalls and even rainforest, it’s the perfect base for adventurous souls.

    A person floats leisurely in the river at Discovery Holiday Parks, immersed in nature’s tranquillity.
    Float along Zebedee Springs and immerse in nature.

    The rooms

    Across the sprawling El Questro are three properties catering to the wide variety of travellers who journey this way. The most impressive is the luxurious Homestead , where 10 suites perch at the edge of a burnt-orange cliff, with cantilevered bedrooms over the peaceful Chamberlain River. The adults-only, all-inclusive Homestead is a member of the prestigious Luxury Lodges of Australia collection and offers a backdrop of thick bushland; riverside, you’ll find an immaculate lawn and a shaded pool that lures guests out of their rooms.

    At Emma Gorge , travellers will be immersed in the beauty of the Cockburn Ranges, falling asleep to the sounds of wildlife in safari-style tented cabins. This is where you come if you want to completely connect with your environment while retaining a few creature comforts. The Emma Gorge Tented Cabins sleep three or four people and feature private ensuites and ceiling fans.

    Families also love The Station , home to simple yet comfortable air-conditioned rooms, as well as a large, leafy campground. Sitting by the Pentecost River, The Station is open from April to October and has a range of accommodation, from unpowered and powered campsites to air-conditioned tents for two people and a Gardenview Family Room for five.

    Two people stand beside a suite perched on the edge of a striking burnt-orange cliff, gazing out over the serene Chamberlain River below.
    Take a breather with stunning views of nature all around.

    The facilities

    Located in the heart of the Kimberley, El Questro retains its strong connection with its Traditional Owners, the Ngarinyin people. A highlight of a stay here is the Injiid Marlabu Calls Us experience ; over two hours, guests are immersed in the soul of Country by witnessing ancient healing rituals, listening to generational stories and learning about the land’s ancestral heritage.

    Other experiences include bird watching, cruising through Chamberlain Gorge, hiking through Emma Gorge, horse riding, four-wheel-driving and soaking in Zebedee Springs. At the properties, you can also cool off in the pools, and relax in the restaurants or at private dining locations. A bonus of staying at The Homestead is the exclusive service of El Questro’s dedicated reservations team, who will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your travel tastes.

    A group of people stand beside a tree, with a car parked nearby, taking in the surrounding natural beauty.
    Experience thrilling nature activities.

    Book your East Kimberley adventure today with Discovery Resorts.