10 of the best beaches in Perth

Kirsty Petrides 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)

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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.

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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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The ultimate Margaret River road trip itinerary for food & wine lovers

    Monique Ceccato Monique Ceccato
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    Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

    Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

    In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

    Day 1

    the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay
    Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

    There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

    Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

    Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

    Day 2

    After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

    Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

    Day 3

    Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

    With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

    Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

    Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay. Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

    For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up, courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

    Day 4

    Pair'd Beach Club
    Elevate your dining experiences at Pair’d X Range Rover Beach Club.

    Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

    Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines. Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

    If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering, where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

    Day 5

    pair'd Grand Tasting
    Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

    Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

    Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines. Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

    Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

    Day 6

    Ngilgi Cave western australia
    Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

    After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

    Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

    Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

    Day 7

    Burnt Ends event at Pair'd
    Farewell the Margaret River.

    Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

    Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

    Pair’d Margaret River Region is proudly owned by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism WA.