Beaches · Perth · Australia
The best beaches in and near Perth
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Gnan garra, CC BY 2.5 au
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Cottesloe Beach (About 20 minutes from the CBD by train or car). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in December–May.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- December–May
- Warmest sea
- 23°C (73°F)
The beaches
About 20 minutes from the CBD by train or car · Swimming and sunsets
1.Cottesloe Beach
Perth's iconic beach with calm morning water, Norfolk pines and sunset views.
About 25 minutes from the CBD by car or bus · Surf and families
2.Scarborough Beach
Surf beach with a redeveloped foreshore, pool, playgrounds and bars.
About 15 minutes from the CBD by car · Families and picnics
3.City Beach
Wide, patrolled beach with grassy parkland and beachfront restaurants.
About 25 minutes north of the CBD · Toddlers
4.Hillarys Boat Harbour beach
Small protected beach inside the harbour with calm water.
In Fremantle · Sunset drinks
5.Bathers Beach, Fremantle
Small beach beside the Round House with bars along the shore.
About 30 minutes by ferry from Fremantle plus a short ride · Snorkelling and children
6.The Basin, Rottnest Island
A sheltered natural pool of turquoise water inside a reef.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| March | 23°C (73°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| April | 22°C (72°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| June | 20°C (68°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| July | 19°C (66°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 19°C (66°F) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| October | 19°C (66°F) | 23°C (73°F) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| December | 21°C (70°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for beach, couples, families and luxury
Cottesloe
Cottesloe is Perth's best-known beach, with calm swimming in summer, grassy terraces under Norfolk Island pines and the Indiana beachfront pavilion. Hotels and apartments along Marine Parade overlook the sand, and the Fremantle train line stops a 10-minute walk inland.
- Good
- Swimming beach and sunsets on the doorstep; Calm, polished atmosphere; Train to the city and Fremantle
- Watch out
- Expensive and limited accommodation; Few evening options
- Nearby
- Cottesloe Beach, North Cottesloe, Fremantle
Getting to the beaches
- Train — Transperth trains run from Perth station to Fremantle (via Subiaco and Cottesloe), Joondalup, Mandurah, Midland, Armadale and the airport.
- Bus — Free CAT buses circle the Perth CBD and Fremantle, and regular buses serve the beaches and suburbs.
- Ferry — Transperth ferries cross the Swan River from Elizabeth Quay to Mends Street in South Perth in about ten minutes; separate private ferries run to Rottnest Island.
- Car — A car is useful for the Swan Valley, the Pinnacles, Yanchep and Margaret River.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in November–April. None of them is peak season, so beaches stay manageable.
Beach safety
Perth is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are extreme summer heat, strong UV, rips at surf beaches and sharks; swim at patrolled beaches and check SharkSmart alerts. Northbridge can be rowdy late on weekend nights. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Perth have beaches?
Yes: Cottesloe Beach, Scarborough Beach, City Beach, Hillarys Boat Harbour beach, Bathers Beach, Fremantle and The Basin, Rottnest Island.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Perth?
Usually December–May, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Perth?
Cottesloe Beach: Perth's iconic beach with calm morning water, Norfolk pines and sunset views.