The 10 Best Beaches in Perth (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

The best beaches in Perth in 2026 are Cottesloe for swimming and sunsets, Scarborough for its lively foreshore and pool, City Beach for families, Trigg for surfing, Mettams Pool for snorkelling in a sheltered reef pool, and The Basin on Rottnest Island for clear, calm water.

Perth's beaches face west onto the Indian Ocean, so every one of them has a sunset. Mornings are usually calm; from around midday in summer, a strong south-westerly sea breeze (the Fremantle Doctor) picks up, so swim early. Most city beaches are patrolled by volunteer surf lifesavers on weekends and in summer; swim between the red and yellow flags. Shark nets are used at some beaches in summer, and SharkSmart WA posts live alerts.

1. Cottesloe Beach — Cottesloe

Perth's classic beach, with clear water and the best-known sunsets.

Cottesloe has white sand, clear water and a terraced grassy foreshore with Norfolk Island pines. The Indiana building overlooks the beach, and the groyne at the southern end is good for snorkelling on calm days.

It's 15 minutes by train from the city. In March, Sculpture by the Sea fills the beach with large artworks.

Good to know: Swim in the morning, then come back for sunset with fish and chips.

Marine Parade, Cottesloe WA 6011

Google Maps

2. Scarborough Beach — Scarborough

A lively surf beach with a big foreshore, a pool and bars.

Scarborough is a long, open surf beach with a redeveloped foreshore: a heated outdoor pool, skate park, playgrounds, cafés and bars. It is livelier than Cottesloe and a favourite for sunset drinks.

The waves are bigger than at many city beaches, so stick to the patrolled flags.

Good to know: The Scarborough Beach Pool is a good alternative when the surf's up.

The Esplanade, Scarborough WA 6019

Google Maps

3. City Beach — City Beach

A wide, family-friendly beach with grassy picnic areas.

City Beach has a wide stretch of sand, gentle conditions on most mornings, grassy terraces, playgrounds and two beachfront restaurants.

It's a good choice for families, with toilets, showers and plenty of parking.

Good to know: Bring a picnic for the shady lawns behind the beach.

West Coast Hwy, City Beach WA 6015

Google Maps

4. Mettams Pool — Trigg

A sheltered reef pool, Perth's best spot for beginner snorkelling.

Mettams Pool is a natural lagoon protected by a limestone reef, with calm, clear water and fish, rays and seaweed gardens. It's ideal for children and beginner snorkellers.

It is small and gets crowded on summer weekends; arrive early.

Good to know: Go on a calm morning; when the swell is up, the pool gets rough.

Mettams Pool, West Coast Dr, Trigg WA 6029

Google Maps

5. Trigg Beach — Trigg

A popular surf beach with a café-lined foreshore.

Trigg Beach has some of the more consistent surf on the Perth metropolitan coast, with breaks off Trigg Point. The beach is patrolled, and there are cafés and a grassy reserve behind it.

Surfers come for the point; swimmers should stay between the flags.

Good to know: Watch the surf at Trigg Point from the lookout above the reef.

West Coast Dr, Trigg WA 6029

Google Maps

6. The Basin, Rottnest Island — Rottnest Island

A calm, shallow reef pool with turquoise water, a short ride from the ferry.

The Basin is a natural pool surrounded by reef, with clear, shallow water and white sand, about 20 minutes' walk or a short bike ride from Thomson Bay. It's Rottnest's most popular family swimming spot.

Bring snorkel gear to explore the reef edges. Ferries run from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys.

Good to know: Hire a bike and continue to Little Salmon Bay for more snorkelling.

The Basin, Rottnest Island WA 6161

Google Maps

7. Leighton Beach — North Fremantle

A quieter beach between Cottesloe and Fremantle, by the train line.

Leighton Beach is a long, clean beach with a grassy area, a café and a playground, and the train station right behind. It's quieter than Cottesloe and popular with kitesurfers when the breeze is up.

It's a good choice if you're staying in Fremantle.

Good to know: Take the train; the Fremantle line runs right behind the beach.

Leighton Beach Blvd, North Fremantle WA 6159

Google Maps

8. Coogee Beach — Coogee

A calm, family beach south of Fremantle, with a snorkel trail.

Coogee Beach (not to be confused with Sydney's) is sheltered and usually calm, with a jetty, a café and a grassy reserve. The Omeo shipwreck just offshore has an underwater snorkel and dive trail.

It's about 15 minutes south of Fremantle.

Good to know: Snorkel the Omeo wreck trail on a calm morning; it's close to shore.

Powell Rd, Coogee WA 6166

Google Maps

9. Hillarys Boat Harbour beach — Hillarys

A protected beach inside the harbour, ideal for small children.

The beach inside Hillarys Boat Harbour is sheltered by the harbour walls, so the water is flat and safe for toddlers. Around it are restaurants, AQWA aquarium and the Rottnest ferry.

It suits families with very young children who want a full day out.

Good to know: Combine a swim with AQWA next door for a full family day.

Southside Dr, Hillarys WA 6025

Google Maps

10. South Beach — South Fremantle

A relaxed beach a short walk from Fremantle's cafés.

South Beach is a calm, sheltered beach with shady grass, a playground and a café, popular with Fremantle locals and dog-walkers (there's a dog beach next door).

It is an easy walk or bike ride from the centre of Fremantle along the coast path.

Good to know: Walk the coast path from Fremantle's Bathers Beach to get there.

South Beach, South Fremantle WA 6162

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is the best beach in Perth?

Cottesloe is the best known, with calm morning swimming, a grassy foreshore and great sunsets. City Beach is better for families with toddlers, and Mettams Pool is the best for snorkelling.

Which Perth beaches are best for families?

City Beach and Coogee Beach, both with calm water, playgrounds and cafés, and the sheltered beach inside Hillarys Boat Harbour. On Rottnest, The Basin is calm and shallow.

Where can I snorkel in Perth?

Mettams Pool in Trigg is the best spot, a reef-protected pool with fish and coral. Coogee Beach has an underwater trail around a wreck, and Rottnest Island's bays are excellent.

When is the best time to swim at Perth beaches?

December to April for water temperatures, in the morning before the sea breeze arrives. The water is coolest from July to October.

Are there sharks at Perth beaches?

Sharks live off the WA coast, but incidents at city beaches are rare. Swim at patrolled beaches between the flags, avoid dawn and dusk swims in murky water, and check SharkSmart WA for alerts.

1. Cottesloe Beach — Cottesloe

2. Scarborough Beach — Scarborough

3. City Beach — City Beach

4. Mettams Pool — Trigg

5. Trigg Beach — Trigg

6. The Basin, Rottnest Island — Rottnest Island

7. Leighton Beach — North Fremantle

8. Coogee Beach — Coogee

9. Hillarys Boat Harbour beach — Hillarys

10. South Beach — South Fremantle

Frequently asked questions

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