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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Theatre, art and music: Our top picks from this year’s Perth Festival lineup

Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy

    Lynn GailBy Lynn Gail
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    Blend the addictive energy of dance, creative cinematic movies, captivating theatre, and energising music during Perth Festival.

    Perth Festival has extraordinary roots. Born as a summer community experiment back in 1953, the brainchild of Professor Fred Alexander, it’s now Australia’s longest-running international art-based festival. From its first event at University of Western Australia, it now spans across Noongar Boodjar country (Perth City) bringing worldclass performances into the hearts of ardent festivalgoers. Hundreds of curtain calls, including numerous free events, are set to linger and leave a lasting impression on those who seek thrills that fill life’s in-between spaces. Featuring unmissable highlights from 6th February to 1st March, we’ve done the legwork for you – here’s what’s on, and where:

    1. East Perth Power Station

    East Perth Power Station during Perth Festival
    See East Perth Power Station come alive. (Image: Jessica Wyld Photography)

    Abandoned, run-down and shutdown in 1981, East Perth Power Station , located on the banks of the stunning Swan River, was reinvented in 2025 as an entertainment venue for the Perth Festival. Pack a picnic, bring the family and kick back under paperbark trees at Casa Musica – a free event featuring a melting pot of world-class musicians from Australian shores and around the globe. The diversity will have you bopping until the final encore.

    A decade after David Bowie’s passing, his powerful music lives on in the electrifying show, Rebel Rebel . Powerhouse vocalists join Perth Symphony Orchestra for one incredible night showcasing the singer-songwriter’s iconic hits. Illuminate your world through the eyes of First Nation Noongar artist, Lance Chadd Tjyllyungoo in a free event. His distinctive paintings and Dreamtime stories decorate the Power Station’s walls depicting spiritual beliefs. Or settle in to watch British indie pop singer-songwriter, Nilüfer Yanya .

    2. St Mary’s Cathedral

    Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth
    Take in Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth. (Image: Anja Schutz)

    Step into the lofty ceilings of Perth’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s, and soak up choral harmonies. Dating back to 1865, the stained-glass reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper are a talking point, add talented maestros, and the stage is set to enthral.

    The international line-up is impressive. Master Irish fiddler, Martin Hayes takes to the stage with exquisite lyrical compositions from his native land. Åkervinda , an award winning Swedish quartet, weave stories of love, loss, and resilience into harmonious Nordic folk songs. The USA Grammy Award-winning vocal group, Roomful of Teeth , break all the rules. Hear their voices echo through the arched vaulted ceilings.

    3. Lotterywest Films

    guests at Lotterywest Films as part of Perth Festival
    Discover the Lotterywest Films program. (Credit: Jessia Wyld Photograpghy)

    One of the festivals longest-running favourites, Lotterywest Films run a rich tapestry of cinematic features showing until 29th of March. Pack a picnic, cushions, popcorn and pop a cork under a Somerville Pine Tree as the sun sets and screenings begin. Cinema lovers, choose your poison from thrillers, deep-dive documentaries, tearjerkers, raunchy rom-coms and side-splitting comedies. The program is fantastically full, the filmmakers the best in the business, and the outdoor setting, unequalled.

    4. The Embassy

    guests at The EMbassy as part of Perth Festival
    Step into the old world glitz of The Embassy. (Image: Franz Bato)

    Modelled on Perth’s historic Embassy Ballroom, a devilish dance venue that operated in the 1900s, The Embassy in Perth Town Hall , serves sophistication in its A-list shows. Set your sequins a’sparkle at the, What’s TINA Got to Do With It extravaganza where guest artists play tribute as they belt out the glitzy star’s hits. The returning act, Ali Bodycoat & The Embassy Big Band, will have you jiving as you take to the dance floor reimagining a bygone era. Who doesn’t like chocolate? Black-bearded drag sensation, La Gateau Chocolat puts the raw in cacao. World-renowned for his feisty range of storied songs, he reveals the inner-man come artist through his deliciously sweet and intimate act.

    5. Unusual locations

    still from The Trial theatre
    Watch a star-studded cast in The Trial. (Image: Cole Baxter)

    We’ve all heard of the hit show, The Office, but a spinetingling operatic thriller acted out in disused office space? Philip Glass’ nail-biter, The Trial , has a star-studded line-up. Together they deliver a dramatic ordeal showcasing Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton’s libretto; the suspense lingers after the final bow.

    Sit back under starry skies and soak up dynamic dance at Ballet at the Quarry: Incandescence .  Four exclusive classical and contemporary acts illuminate the amphitheatre’s stage as Perth City twinkles at nightfall. Mystery excites the mind. West Australian Opera returns again with another ‘secret opera’. Be led from an undisclosed meeting point and let the music lead to the secret.

    6. A View From A Bridge

    A View From A Bridge special event at Perth Festival
    Share your innermost thoughts at A View From A Bridge.

    Free, connecting strangers, and inclusive to everyone, artist, Joe Bloom’s collaborative project, A View From A Bridge has one prop – an old red telephone. Talk into the receiver , share thoughts, innermost feelings, memories, hopes and dreams as Bloom captures you from afar. The freedom to speak through the telephone movement has a worldwide following. A range of clips will be shown online.

    What else to do in Perth

    Shadow Wine Bar in perth
    Taste the best of Perth at eateries like Shadow Wine Bar.

    Endless blue skies crown Perth during February, making it the perfect time to explore Australia’s most western capital city. The city might be compact, but it packs a punch when it comes to what’s on. Perth Cultural Centre houses the city’s art-scene venues: Western Australian Art Gallery, WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA).

    After exploring the city’s alleyways, hidden corners, and main hub, savour worldclass food in Perth’s vibrant eateries. Award-winning restaurants, rooftop bars, and cafes can be found throughout; the leisurely eat-and-drink scene is literally mouthwatering, so book extra nights.

    Start planing your 2026 trip to Perth Festival at perthfestival.com.au .