Perth Beaches and Surfing

(Perth, Western Australia - WA, Australia)

Little known to many tourists is that Perth is home to some of the best beaches in Australia, lying along the Sunset Coast and fronting the Indian Ocean. The most popular include those of Cottesloe, Scarborough and Trigg, as well as Perth City Beach.

Do bear in mind that if you are here during Australia's summer season, from December to February, temperatures can soar to around 40°C / 104°F on the hottest of days, so be sure to bring plenty of sunblock and perhaps a hat for shade. The temperature of the ocean tends to remain at around 20°C / 68°F and so a quick dip is a refreshing way to cool down.

The Sunset Coast serves as a major magnet for summer holiday makers based in Perth. These huge expanses of sand draw large numbers of sunbathers and families, with many beaches also offering favourable conditions for swimming and surfing, as well as water sports such as body boarding, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing.

To avoid the heat of the day and the greatest likelihood of getting burnt, consider arriving either early in the morning or late afternoon, when it is well worth staying to admire the uninterrupted sunset views of the horizon. Of note, the main beaches often come with volunteer lifesavers during the peak holiday season.


The beaches of Perth are often extremely sheltered and sunny, with clear bathing waters highly suitable for a variety of water sports, such as scuba diving and snorkelling. Travelling along the coastline northwards from Fremantle towards Sorrento, the beaches are in the following order:

• Port Beach
• Leighton
• Cottesloe
• North Cottesloe
• Swanbourne
• North Swanbourne
• City Beach
• Floreat
• Brighton
• Scarborough
• South Trigg
• North Beach
• Watermans
• Marmion
• Sorrento
• Hillarys Beach

Perth City Beach

Address: West Coast Highway, City Beach, Sunset Coast, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9345 8590
City Beach and nearby Floreat offer especially peaceful and relaxing spots, regularly winning the prestigious prizes of 'Best Beach in Perth'. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, jogging and general fun, both reside on the Sunset Coast and come with good amenities, including kiosks and barbecues.

Cottesloe Beach

Address: Marine Parade, Cottesloe, Sunset Coast, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9285 5000
With glorious golden sands and superb snorkelling in the nearby reefs, Cottesloe Beach is one to look out for, being located within the western suburbs of Perth. Cottesloe has become a trendy place to hang out and has fairly calm waters, ideal for swimming. Facilities here are good and Cottesloe is divided into two main beach areas, while nearby are a number of restaurants, cafés, shops and a train station.

Scarborough Beach

Address: Beach Road, Scarborough, Sunset Coast, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
The spectacular Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular in Perth and is located close to Trigg, Doubleview and the Wembley Downs. This busy holiday resort draws groups of surfers, children, families and general sunbathers, being part of the famous Sunset Coast. Nearby there are a number of excellent restaurants, wine bars and the rather imposing Radisson Observation City Hotel, which is located next to the beachfront itself and comes with superb ocean views.

Leighton Beach

Address: Port Beach Road, Sunset Coast, Fremantle, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9431 7878
Leighton Beach is located in the nearby suburb of Fremantle, being roughly 30 minutes to the south-west of the city centre. Attracting experienced surfers throughout the year, Leighton features an artificial reef and is also a popular spot for swimming. Regular buses travel here, while the beach is also conveniently close to the North Fremantle train station.

Swanbourne Beach

Address: Grant Street, Swanbourne, Sunset Coast, Perth, Western Australia (WA), Australia
Swanbourne can be found at the end of Grant Street and is around a 20-minute drive from central Perth. This is the city's official nudist beach and attracts naturists from all around. Sun-seekers can expect to find white sand dunes, free parking, seasonal events and excellent waves for surfing nearby. Regular buses are available, connecting Swanbourne with the city centre.