Good to know
Good to Know
- Perth has over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually; plan beach visits for early morning to avoid afternoon sea breeze and for best sunset viewing on the western coast.
- Most lifeguards patrol October–March; outside this period, swim with caution and watch for rips, especially near groynes during higher waves.
- Shark nets are in place at several beaches (Cottesloe, Quinns, Coogee) during summer months, providing additional safety assurance.
- Swanbourne Beach has a designated South section (family-friendly) and North section (unofficially clothing-optional); stay south of the car park if traveling with children.
- Strong rip currents can occur at Yanchep Lagoon during high tide; always swim between the safety flags.
- Many beaches have free BBQ facilities; bring your own food or enjoy paid restaurant/café options on the foreshore.
- Coastal paths connect City Beach to nearby Scarborough and Cottesloe, popular for walking and jogging with ocean views.
Beaches
Cottesloe Beach
- Key Features
- Gentle waves, iconic Indiana Teahouse building, Sculpture by the Sea event in March, excellent sunset views
- Distance From City Center
- 20 minutes by car
- Description
- Perth's most iconic beach, featuring soft white sand, clear aquamarine waters, and Norfolk pine trees. Protected swimming area with groynes. Lifeguard patrolled (October–March). Restaurants and cafes nearby including Indigo Oscar.
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- grassed picnic areas
- toilets
- showers
- changing rooms
- restaurants
- cafes
Designations
- family
- quiet
- full-service
City Beach
- Key Features
- Ideal for less experienced swimmers, beach volleyball courts, modern surf club, lessor afternoon winds in morning
- Distance From City Center
- 15 minutes by car / 8 km
- Description
- Closest major beach to Perth CBD. Clean white sand with dual groynes creating calm swimming zone. Lifeguard patrolled (October–March). Well-developed beachfront with modern amenities.
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- toilets
- showers
- changing rooms
- playground
- picnic areas with shade
- boardwalk
- restaurants and cafes
- free BBQs
Designations
- family
- quiet
- full-service
Scarborough Beach
- Key Features
- Great surf breaks, vibrant nightlife and events, modern facilities, family entertainment options
- Distance From City Center
- 15 minutes by car
- Description
- Popular with surfers and kite surfers. Hosts summer night markets and live music. Geothermally heated open-air ocean pool. Lively esplanade with numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, and skate park. Family-friendly Whale Playground.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- skate park
- outdoor amphitheatre
- heated ocean pool
- restaurants
- cafes
- bars
- playground
- shops
Designations
- party
- full-service
Hillarys Beach
- Key Features
- Extremely shallow and protected waters, no waves, AQWA aquarium nearby, marina facilities
- Distance From City Center
- 20 minutes north of CBD
- Description
- Located within Hillarys Boat Harbour marina precinct. Very calm, waveless beach ideal for families with young children. Lifeguard patrolled (October–April weekends/public holidays).
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- playground
- picnic areas
- restaurants
- cafes
- shops
- toilets
- showers
- offshore pontoon
Designations
- family
- full-service
Leighton Beach
- Key Features
- Excellent kite surfing spot, dog-friendly sections, scenic and calm
- Distance From City Center
- 20 minutes north of CBD
- Description
- Popular with kite surfers due to consistent winds. Powdery white sand and light azure shallow waters. Patrolled, small waves ideal for learners. Less crowded than Scarborough.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- facilities for kite surfers
- nearby cafe (Bib & Tucker)
Designations
- quiet
- full-service
Mettams Pool
- Key Features
- Excellent snorkeling with colorful fish, starfish, octopuses; accessible reefs and caves; calm shallow water ideal for beginners
- Distance From City Center
- 25 minutes north, Marmion Marine Park
- Description
- Snorkeling hotspot with shallow reef access. Crystal-clear waters and fine white sand. Part of Marmion Marine Park. Popular for families learning to snorkel.
Amenities
- natural rock pools
- shallow lagoon
Designations
- quiet
Coogee Beach
- Key Features
- Reliable calm waters, maritime history (Omeo Wreck), suitable for all ages
- Distance From City Center
- South of Fremantle, ~35 minutes
- Description
- Sheltered by Carnac Island and offshore reefs. Calm, family-friendly atmosphere with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Shark net protected swimming area. Omeo shipwreck nearby for snorkeling.
Amenities
- shark net
- playground
- BBQ facilities
- grassed picnic areas
- showers
- accessible walking trail
Designations
- family
- quiet
Yanchep Lagoon
- Key Features
- Some of calmest waters in Perth, excellent for learning swimmers, strong rip currents during high tide (use caution)
- Distance From City Center
- 56 km north, ~1 hour
- Description
- Lagoon protected by reef extending from coast. Shallow, calm waters ideal for young children. Lifeguard patrolled (October–April). Popular for snorkeling and fishing.
Amenities
- lifeguards (seasonal)
- playground
- large grassed areas
- picnic tables
- changing facilities
- kiosk
- cafes
- toilets
Designations
- family
- quiet
Quinns Beach
- Key Features
- Quieter alternative to busier beaches, good swimming safety with shark net
- Distance From City Center
- 20 minutes north
- Description
- Uncrowded, peaceful beach with relaxed atmosphere. One of few Perth beaches with shark net protection. Excellent swimming conditions suitable for families.
Amenities
- shark net
- restaurant
- playground
Designations
- quiet
- family
Floreat Beach
- Key Features
- Quieter vibe than City Beach, good for families, natural boardwalk connects to neighboring beaches
- Distance From City Center
- Just north of City Beach, ~15 minutes
- Description
- Extension of City Beach with more peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere. Protected area near groyne. Grassy area with shade, boardwalk to City Beach.
Amenities
- playground
- picnic areas with shade
- boardwalk
- beach volleyball courts
- nearby cafes
Designations
- family
- quiet
General Notes
Perth beaches are patrolled by lifeguards during summer season (October–March, peak being December–February). Most major beaches have facilities including toilets, showers, picnic areas, and cafes. Water temperature ranges from 23.4°C (74°F) in March to 19.4–21.3°C (70°F) in winter. All beaches listed are within ~10 minutes of CBD or noted as genuine day-trip destinations.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.