Perth may be the world’s most isolated capital city, but what it lacks in population, it more than makes up for with some of the world’s most magnificent beaches.

People here live a certain type of laid back lifestyle and this is only more supported by the enormous number of beaches Perth has around it. Beaches are a staple for entertainment, leisure and an escape from the industrial ad technological aspect of the city.

An 80-kilometer stretch of gorgeous beach, with brilliant white sand and turquoise oceans, stretches out from both sides of the city. You won’t be disappointed if you go swimming, snorkeling, or surfing at one of Perth’s 19 metropolitan beaches.

If you need a recommendation, we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites.

Below are some of the best beaches you can visit if you are in Perth, WorkStudy approved!

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is the local favorite , and is always filled by people of all ages. The impressive surf breaks and long stretch of white sand attract swimmers, surfers and body-boarders alike. Scarborough Beach is also popular for kite surfing and wind surfing, especially when the afternoon sea breeze is in.

At night, Scarborough’s foreshore comes alive. There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from, or you can pack a picnic and enjoy the large grassed areas, public barbecues and gazebos. The place is an excellent date spot if you want to bring your significant other here too 😉 .

The Beach also features a Beach Pool, a geo-thermally heated open-air public pool and world-class recreation facility. It’s your go-to fitness center and your new local eatery – the perfect place to visit all year round. Scarborough Beach also features an outdoor amphitheater which in summer hosts all kinds of events including beach cricket.

Here, you can do various fun activities such as Birdwatching, Cycling, Fishing and Scuba Diving. The beautiful ocean view is a perfect opportunity to go for scenic walks in the evening!

Scarborough offers different forms of accommodation, so it is an ideal place for a holiday! Scarborough Beach is about a 20 minute drive north west of Perth and regular buses run from the city, so transportation is not much of an issue.

Hillary’s Boat Harbor

Hillary’s Boar Harbor has a variety of unique experiences that will surely make you addicted to Western Australia’s beaches.

It is home to The Aquarium of Western Australia, a bustling retail shopping precinct, luxury self-contained apartment accommodations and a wide range of beautifully groomed public parklands and ocean swimmers cove. The shops here have local souvenirs, maybe a perfect gift for a special someone!

A fish, dive or whale charter is a fantastic way to escape for a day or catch the ferry to Rottnest and see Perth ‘s coastline from a new, eye-opening perspective.

You can spend your time here enjoying the beach in the day and then in night, you can enjoy the many varieties of cuisine with friends in a casual café setting or just enjoy your take-away meal sitting on a jetty.

Those who prefer to stay on land can go on a motorcycle tour for a bit of escapism and adrenaline, or simply meander about the waterfront complex soaking up the ambiance. Hillary’s Boat Harbor is only 25 minutes from the Perth CBD, so consider going here one day!

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most popular spots for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. All of WA spend summer days diving into the ocean here in the day then watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean while enjoying a glass of wine, a refreshing beer or a relaxed dinner. In March the annual Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition turns the beach into an outdoor art gallery.

With a visit to Sculpture by the Sea, you’ll be encouraged to build castles out of pristine white sand. Every March, this free seaside show transforms Cottesloe Beach into an outdoor art gallery with gigantic sculptures. As you stroll along the shore, you’ll come across stunning artwork by both new and established artists.

You can indulge yourself in a whole lot of good food around Marine Parade, many of which, such as The Blue Duck or the famous Art Deco Indiana restaurant, offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. A table at Barchetta for dinner will greet you with one of the finest sunsets in the world.

Cottesloe Beach is halfway between Perth and Fremantle, less than a 30-minute drive, from Perth city center. Public buses leave frequently from Perth’s Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. Trains run from Perth Station to Cottesloe Station every 15 minutes and get you there in less than 20 minutes on the Fremantle Line.

You can even sign up for a half day tour with AAT Kings visits Cottesloe as well as Perth’s Kings Park and Botanic Gardens, and Fremantle.

City Beach

The beautiful expanses of white sand and excellent facilities at City Beach have earned it the title of Perth’s best beach many times in recent years. Two purpose-built groynes offer excellent fishing and also provide safe swimming for the whole family, while surfers regularly hit the waves just out to sea.

City Beach has earned its title of being one of the best beaches in Perth, mainly due to the excellent view of the ocean and its excellent facilities. The beach offers marvellous fishing experiences and also a swimming spot for families.
During the summer months, you will be greeted with different carnivals and surf competitions, with the recreational areas like barbeque spots, playground buzzing with people.

There’s also a kiosk and fine dining restaurant overlooking the water. Enjoy a glass of award-winning Western Australian wine while the sun sets into the Indian Ocean. Or do like the locals and fire up the barbecue at dusk. City Beach is home to Perth’s wealthy, ultra modern residences and leafy green reserves provide a backdrop that oozes affluence.

There’s plenty of parking at City Beach which is about a 15 minute drive from Perth.

 

Leighton Beach

Leighton Beach is a popular beach just north of Fremantle offering interesting activities such as snorkeling and swimming. Or you can just spend your time enjoying a trip to the beach. With low wave conditions, it is suitable for young children. Laze on the soft white sandy beach and observe the skilled wind and kite surfers tackling the winds off the shore.

You can also cool yourself in the Indian Ocean’s cold waters and try your hand at body surfing. On a quiet day, bring a snorkel to see the marine life beneath the waves. Take advantage of the flat water and join some of the locals who swim along the coast every day. The spectacular Western Australian sunset against the backdrop of Rottnest Island completes a perfect day at the beach.

To the northern end of Leighton is an animal exercise area, so even the family pet can enjoy a day down at the beach. Parking is plentiful at Leighton, or alternatively the North Fremantle train station is an 800 meter walk away. Leighton is a 5 minute drive north of Fremantle and 30 minutes south of Perth. So, if you are looking for a family trip around Perth, why not come down Leighton!

 

What to do in Perth’s Beaches?

  • At one of the numerous spectacular beaches, take a dip or catch a wave.
  • Relax at a charming coastal café or restaurant near the shore.
  • As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, take in the breathtaking scenery.
  • Dive or snorkel among a variety of fish and marine life in the clear waters.
  • For shopping, cafés, and restaurants, head to Hillarys Boat Harbour, The Marina, Mindarie, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, and the Rockingham and Mandurah foreshores.
  • At AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia, you can learn about WA’s unique marine life.
  • Spend a night or two in an oceanfront or waterfront hotel.

 

If you are ever in Perth, make sure to visit the marvelous beaches here! If you are curious about the lifestyle in Perth, why not read another one of our articles here.