The 10 best beaches in Perth

Coogee is one of Perth’s best beaches with Western Australia’s white sand and vibrant sapphire Indian Ocean. Omeo Wreck is a historical landmark that lies 25 meters offshore, ready for all to explore. The ship came adrift from Fremantle port in 1905, was bogged in the sand and has been gradually falling apart since. Make sure you check the wind before you go – an Easterly is always best. Be sure to bring a friend and your snorkelling gear.

Good for: Swimming (it has a shark-netted area) and snorkelling around the shipwreck.

How far from the city? 23km (30-minute drive) south of the Perth CBD and just 10 minutes from Fremantle.

Is the beach patrolled? On weekends and public holidays between October and April.

Are dogs allowed? No, dogs are prohibited.

With its crystal-clear water and creamy dunes sprinkled with sea oats, Leighton Beach is a little patch of paradise. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic with friends. You can watch the sun on its descent as you indulge in a spread of cheese and crackers. The beach is also a great place to frolic in the waves as you watch a storm roll in. The bruised and swollen clouds, grumbling as the sky opens up over a motionless turquoise ocean, is truly a sight to behold.

Good for: Swimming, snorkelling and body surfing.

How far from the city? 16km from Perth (20-minute drive or 25-minute train ride) or 4.2km from Fremantle.

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, it's patrolled on weekends and public holidays between October and April.

Are dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are allowed in designated "dog exercise areas" on the north side.

Cottesloe Beach is truly a postcard-perfect symbol of WA's endless summer with its Norfolk Island pines, buzzing boulevard and iconic Indiana Tea House that's getting a spruce up. Whether you love "Cott" for its delectable fish and chippies, as a place to race your mates to the pylon and back, or for a sneaky skinny dip after a Sunday sesh at the Ocean Beach Hotel, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly Perth beach. It also hosts the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

Good for: Swimming, snorkelling, relaxing and catching a sunset while you sit on the grassy banks.

How far from the city? 12km from the city (22-minute drive).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes.

Are dogs allowed? Yes.

Yanchep Lagoon is a favourite for families, thanks to its naturally formed lagoon that shelters swimmers from big waves. It's calm, it's kid-friendly and it's perfect for cooling off if you've been to nearby Yanchep National Park. The southern lagoon beach and the south end of the main lagoon are the safest spots, though it’s still best to swim between the flags and watch the current flowing out to deeper water. With crystal-clear sea, great snorkelling and facilities like toilets, showers and picnic areas, it’s got the makings of a great day out. 

Good for: Beach fishing, swimming, snorkelling and birdwatching.

How far from the city? 56km north of the Perth CBD (45-minute drive).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, on weekends and public holidays from October to April.

Are dogs allowed? No, dogs are not allowed.

As its name suggests, City Beach is about ten kilometres from the Perth CBD and is beyond beautiful. Home to an abundance of shady grassed areas, it's sheltered and great if you prefer not to have sand in your food on a windy day. The azure water, restaurants and cafés nearby, the boardwalk and the beach's surfable waves make City a destination you can easily spend all day enjoying.

Good for: Summer barbecues and surfing.

How far from the city? 10km west of the Perth CBD (under 20-minute drive).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, on weekends and public holidays between October and April, and by a roving lifeguard during the week.

Are dogs allowed? No, dogs are not allowed.

Scarborough is a place of vibrancy and life, perfect for the whole family, with bustling restaurants and cafés, sunset markets, live music, a skate park and an adventure playground. Sunset Hill is a breathtaking spot on a balmy afternoon to watch the colours of dusk transform the sky after you’ve had a dip. Or, if you’re an early bird, get up to watch the pastels over the ocean as surfers navigate the tides before the rest of the world wakes up.

Good for: A lively esplanade, sunset markets (every Thursday, November-May) and year-round surfing.

How far from the city? 14km from the Perth CBD (20-minute drive via Scarborough Beach Rd).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, it's patrolled year-round.

Are dogs allowed? No, but there's a designated dog area at the nearby Peasholm Dog Beach.

If you’re a keen surfer or a WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends of Surfers), you’ve most definitely risen early to beat the crowds and enjoy the swell at Trigg. The sweeping coastline has something for everyone with spots to surf, swim and snorkel (if you pick a day with a brilliant easterly). Trigg isn’t a stranger to a rip or two, so be sure to swim between the flags, especially if you’ve got little ones to keep an eye on. And if you love a little ocean-inspired creativity and sustainability, make your way to Clarko Reserve to support local creatives and artisans. The Summer X Salt Markets run from October and stretch into the summer months and are definitely worth a look!

Good for: Surfing due to its consistent waves, plus swimming, fishing and bird watching.

How far from the city? 16km north-west of Perth CBD (20-minute drive via West Coast Hwy).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, on weekends and public holidays between October and April.

Are dogs allowed? Yes.

Mettam’s is a great spot for a day spent basking in the glorious sunshine. The naturally formed lagoon has tons of marine plant and animal species that you can spot close to shore. Bring your underwater camera and keep an eye out for starfish, anemones, red-lip morwong, wrasse, banded sweep, buffalo bream and much more!

Good for: Swimming and snorkelling – it's one of Perth's top snorkelling spots.

How far from the city? 16km from Perth (20-minute drive)

Is the beach patrolled? While the area is listed as patrolled, SLSA does not currently provide services for it, so swimmers should be aware of strong currents.

Are dogs allowed? No.

Mullaloo Beach is home to pristine waters and brilliant white sand. It’s a safe and popular spot for families with kids – and not as crowded as some of the more popular beaches in Perth. A long beach path runs along the coastline, making it perfect for a coastal walk, run or cycle ride. 

Good for: Families who will enjoy its gentle waves, play areas and cafés near the south end.

How far from the city? Under 26km north of Perth (26-minute drive on the Mitchell Fwy).

Is the beach patrolled? Yes, on weekends and public holidays from October to April.

Are dogs allowed? No.

Home to colourful reefs and marine life, stunning sheltered coves and the famous WA icon, the quokka, "Rotto" lies just 19 kilometres from the mainland shore. If you’re lucky enough to snatch up accommodation, Pinkies Beach is one of the rare Perth destinations where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean. Then simply spend the rest of the day exploring the island and its many bays on your bike (no cars allowed), beach hopping or surfing – you can't go wrong.

Good for: Snorkelling, swimming, cycling and taking it easy.

How far from the city? You have to catch a ferry, which takes 20 minutes from Freo, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour or 90 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.

Are the beaches patrolled? No, but The Basin is patrolled on weekends and public holidays between November and January.

Are dogs allowed? No, dogs are not allowed.