The best part about living in Perth is getting to discover a new stunning beach every weekend. Perth has so many incredible beaches, it can be hard to choose where to spend the day. If you’re new to the city or just visiting on holiday, this ultimate list of the 17 best beaches in Perth will take out the guesswork and help you decide.
From epic snorkelling spots to sheltered turquoise lagoons, Perth is truly blessed with a beautiful coastline. The bonus about all of these Perth beaches is that you can stay a little longer to watch an amazing Indian Ocean sunset.
Whether you’re seeking the best surfing spots or simply looking for the perfect beach to spend a lazy day, these beaches in Perth have something to suit everyone!
This calm, sheltered lagoon with brilliant turquoise water is the perfect place to go swimming and snorkelling. There is a large coral reef near the shore which creates a safe swimming environment for the whole family. There are plenty of fish to be seen here so if you’re into snorkelling, this is definitely the place for it.
Located in the outskirts of Perth, Yanchep Lagoon is a 50 minute drive north of the city. In my opinion it’s not only the best in Perth, but one of the best beaches in Western Australia!
A visit to Yanchep makes a great day trip from Perth. Spend a few hours exploring the national park before cooling off in the lagoon afterwards.
Yanchep National Park has several great features such as the koala boardwalk, seeing wild kangaroos up close, plenty of native birds, and even a beautiful limestone cave which is open for daily tours!
While you’re there, make sure to stop for lunch in the heritage listed Yanchep Inn. Enjoy your meal surrounded by birds and kangaroos in their picturesque beer garden.
Quinns Rocks Beach
Located in the northern suburbs, only a short drive south of Yanchep Lagoon is the lovely Quinns Rocks Beach. With white sand and clear calm water, this is the perfect spot for a chilled out beach day. This is one of the lesser known beaches of Perth making it less busy and crowded than some of the others on this list!
There are lifeguards on duty and a recently installed shark net giving you peace of mind while swimming. Quinns Rocks Beach also has a dog friendly section so no need to leave your furry friend at home. There’s a playground nearby to keep the kids busy as well as toilets and showers.
If you need a coffee on the way in, stop at the popular Quinns Shack which serves great coffee and food near the beach.
Mulalloo Beach is another hidden gem of Perth’s northern suburbs. This pristine stretch of white sand is perfect for a long stroll on the beach, a chilled day of swimming and lounging in the sun, and enjoying a sunset over the ocean.
It’s only a 20 minute drive from the city yet still not nearly as popular as some of the more well known Perth beaches. If you’re seeking a lovely beach without the crowds, this is another great choice!
There are a number of cafes and shops nearby if you need a food break. Otherwise it’s a great place to have a picnic under the shady trees. Grab some friends and make use of the public BBQs and picnic tables at sunset. Lifeguards are on duty here 7 days per week, including public holidays.
Mullaloo Beach, Perth
Sorrento Beach
Drive for 20 minutes north of the city and you’ll arrive at the gorgeous white sands of Sorrento Beach. Perfectly located next to the bustling Hillary’s Boat Harbour, there is no shortage of fun things to do here.
Sorrento Beach is a safe and beautiful place to spend the day swimming, having a picnic and enjoying the sun. Once you’ve finished up at the beach, make your way over to the nearby Hillary’s Boat Harbour to choose from the many popular restaurants and cafes.
Hillary’s is also home to AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia. Showcasing the diverse marine life along WA’s coast, a visit to AQWA is a must if you’re in the area! One of the highlights is walking along the underwater tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by sharks, turtles, stingrays and many different fish.
One of the best beaches in Perth for snorkelling, Mettams Pool is a natural rock pool where you can spot an abundance of fish, crabs, and starfish only steps from the beach. The calm water and minimal waves make it an ideal spot for families or those who are new to snorkelling.
This is a very popular beach on weekends, plan to go in the morning to avoid the crowds and the wind. Free parking is available but it is limited, which another reason to get there early in the day. There are also toilets, outdoor showers and a few picnic tables here.
Mettams Pool is ideal for snorkelling, casual swimming and relaxing is more suitable at other beaches nearby. Don’t forget to bring water shoes to avoid the sharp rocks!
Trigg is known as one of the most popular beaches in Perth for experienced surfers. With some of the larger waves in Perth, this spot is perfect for those with intermediate to advanced surfing skills. If you’re looking to improve, surfing lessons are offered through the WA surfing school.
Swimming is also popular here but only recommended for confident swimmers due to the waves and strong rips. If you wish to swim, stay between the flags to remain visible to lifeguards. Want to bring your dog? Head a little further to the north and you’ll find Trigg Dog Beach.
Looking for a nice place to eat? A popular restaurant right on the beach is Island Market Trigg. Serving great food with a chilled atmosphere and lovely views, it’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends for a drink. If you’re in need of a good coffee, Yelo Trigg is a local favourite cafe not far from the beach.
Interesting rock formations at Trigg Beach
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough is easily one of the most well-known and popular beaches in Perth. With a long stretch of white sand, an exciting nightlife scene and great surf breaks, there is something for everyone at Scarborough Beach.
Round off your day at the beach with a cocktail at one of the bars overlooking the ocean. Stay a little longer and watch the foreshore come to life with plenty of busy bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from.
Check out the latest addition to Scarborough Beach, the geothermally heated pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, which happens to be the only beachside pool in WA.
Throughout the year, there is always something exciting happening at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre. View dates for upcoming gigs and events here.
If you’re visiting on holiday, Scarborough has some of the best accommodation options in Perth. With many beautiful beachfront properties, you can’t go wrong with staying in Scarborough! Browse all Scarborough hotels here.
Lovely view of Scarborough Beach from one of the hotels
Brighton Beach
Just south of Scarborough is a lesser known gem but just as lovely. Brighton Beach has many of the same features as Scarborough with less of the crowds. The waves are a decent size for surfing but it’s also a popular spot for swimming, kite surfing and wind surfing.
If you want a similar vibe to Scarborough with less of the bustle, this is your best bet. Get the best of both worlds with only a short walk away from the bars and restaurants of Scarborough.
There’s a cafe nearby and a shaded green space behind the beach which is perfect for picnics. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round and there are public toilets, showers and free parking available.
If I had to choose a personal favourite beach in Perth, it would have to be City Beach! Ever since I first moved to Perth back in 2012, this has always been my go-to for a chilled weekend beach day.
Only 15 minutes from the city centre, this stunning white sand beach is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in Perth! City Beach has everything you need for the ultimate beach day. There are plenty of BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, showers, changerooms and a playground.
The two man-made groynes at both ends of the beach control the larger waves making the swimming conditions ideal. The large greenspace between the beach and the carpark is a great spot to set up a picnic mat with some cheese and wine at sunset.
My favourite feature of City Beach is Clancy’s Fish Bar. Offering stunning ocean views, this laid-back beach bar is the perfect place to sip a cold drink and grab some food after a lazy day in the sun.
The gorgeous City Beach
Floreat Beach
Located in the Western Suburbs of Perth, not far from the neighbouring City Beach, this clean and quiet beach definitely deserves a spot on this list. For those who prefer a more laid-back beach experience with less crowds but still great facilities, you can’t go wrong with Floreat Beach!
Floreat is always patrolled by life guards, has toilets and showers, a playground, and plenty of parking space. There’s a shaded area in the grass which is perfect for relaxing and taking a nap under the trees. If you have a dog, you’ll be glad to know that just north of the main Floreat Beach is one of the best dog friendly beaches in Perth!
Make sure to stop at the popular Kiosk Floreat Beach to grab some lunch or a coffee. This open-air cafe has a relaxed atmosphere and epic beach views!
Floreat Beach
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach hardly needs an introduction, it’s one of those iconic Perth beaches that everyone knows about before even arriving to Perth! Cottesloe really is beautiful and certainly lives up to its name as one of Perth’s most famous beaches.
Cottesloe Beach is no stranger to a crowd. It’s been a local’s favourite hang out for many decades and it can get extremely busy, especially on weekends.
It’s a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and picnics on the beach. If you get hungry, you can’t go wrong with any of the bars, restaurants and cafes that line the foreshore.
The Ocean Beach Hotel is a classic bar to sip your drink and watch the sunset from. Cottesloe is also known for its fresh fish and chip restaurants, get yourself some takeaway and enjoy a sunset picnic in the grass.
Every year in March, Cottesloe Beach hosts the Sculptures By the Sea exhibition. This is where you’ll find unique and eye catching art installations lining the beachfront attracting thousands of visitors.
The picturesque Cottesloe Beach
The Basin Rottnest
An easy 30 minute ferry ride will bring you to a paradise island, full of spectacular beaches and adorable wildlife. Taking a day trip from Perth to Rottnest Island is something everyone should do when visiting Perth!
There are over 60 beautiful beaches to choose from here, so I’ll make it easy for you and narrow it down to a few of the best! The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Rottnest. It’s not far from the main settlement, the scenery is stunning and the snorkelling is amazing.
The naturally formed pool provides safe and easy swimming conditions while the colourful reef is the perfect underwater playground for snorkellers.
Taking in the incredible view looking over The Basin
Little Salmon Bay
This idyllic little bay is located on the south end of Rottnest Island, an easy cycling distance from the Thompson Bay settlement. Little Salmon Bay is home to clear, calm water and a beautiful reef which makes for excellent snorkelling conditions.
Families and beginners will love this spot as you can easily follow the snorkel trail taking you through the vibrant reef to see an abundance of fish. If you’re not into snorkelling, it’s also a fantastic spot to relax on the beach and enjoy a swim in the sheltered bay.
If you don’t feel like cycling, no worries! This bay is also a stop on the Rottnest Island bus route.
Little Salmon Bay, Rottnest Island
Pinky Beach
Another gorgeous beach on Rottnest, Pinky Beach is right next to the Basin. You’ll find a beautiful view of the historic Bathurst Lighthouse and the perfect spot to watch sunset on the island.
Pinky’s Beach Club is one of the best spots on Rottnest Island to enjoy cocktails at sunset. This is also a popular restaurant serving delicious food with live music on weekends.
Stay a while longer on Rottnest and book your glamping stay at Discovery Rottnest. Located at Pinky Beach, this eco-resort offers the unique experience to camp in luxury on the beach. Discovery Rottnest has all the comforts of a hotel with the chance to be close to nature.
Located south of the river near the port city of Fremantle, Leighton Beach offers a stunning 1.5km of soft white sand and beautiful water. This is a popular beach for both wind and kite surfing. It’s known to be quite windy so if you’re hoping to swim, it’s best to get there in the morning.
There are BBQs, picnic tables and toilets available which is great for enjoying a sunny picnic with friends and family. If you didn’t bring food with you, you’ll find restaurants and cafes a short walk from the beach.
It’s easy to get there via public transport as the North Fremantle train station is located 800m from the beach. If you’re driving, the carpark always has plenty of spaces available.
Leighton Beach, Fremantle
Bathers Beach
One of the best things to do in Fremantle is stopping for a meal or a few drinks at the popular Bathers Beach House. This is the only place in Perth where you can order a drink while lounging right on the white sands of a beautiful beach.
A day at Bathers Beach will have you feeling as though you’re on a tropical holiday somewhere far away. Spend the day swimming in the ocean and soaking up the sun while sipping cocktails and enjoying appetizers from your sun lounger on the beach.
If you’re new to Perth, Fremantle is an awesome place to spend the day with many attractions and history to be discovered. Check out our post on the top 12 things to do in Fremantle so you don’t miss any highlights!
Bathers Beach House in Fremantle
Coogee Beach
Just south of Fremantle, Coogee Beach has become one of Perth’s most popular photography spots in recent years. If you’re looking for a unique spot to fly your drone, this is it. It’s also the perfect place to spend a nice summer’s day swimming and sunbathing.
The Omeo Shipwreck is only 25m from the shore and provides an awesome opportunity for drone photos as well as a prime location for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Follow the Coogee Maritime Trail which leads you from the shallow waters near the beach to the Omeo Shipwreck. Spot many types of fish and learn all about the wreck’s history from a number of fascinating underwater plaques.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, we may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links. By making any purchase, you are directly supporting The Road Is Life Travel Blog which allows us to continue providing you with free high-quality travel guides. We only recommend products/services we have tried/love!
