Western Australia · Attraction
Cottesloe Beach
Perth's classic coastal escape
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Cottesloe Beach is Perth's most iconic stretch of coastline, a 1.5-kilometre sweep of white sand and turquoise water flanked by grassed terraces, Norfolk pines and the heritage-listed Indiana Teahouse. Consistently ranked among Australia's finest urban beaches, it draws swimmers, surfers, snorkellers and sunset seekers alike, and is less than 20 minutes from the city by train on the Fremantle Line.
The beach is patrolled by Cottesloe and North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Clubs, making it a safe choice for families and casual swimmers. An offshore reef provides calmer conditions closer to shore and excellent snorkelling in the shallows, where blue groper, western rock lobster and small reef fish are common sightings.
The foreshore cafes, the historic Indiana restaurant and a string of casual bars along Marine Parade give the beach a relaxed social scene that stretches from morning coffee through to sundowner cocktails. The annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition transforms the beach into a free open-air gallery each March, drawing more than 200 artworks from local and international artists.
Free public showers, change rooms and toilets are located beneath the Indiana building. Free car parking with a three-hour limit is available at the Marine Parade carpark and nearby Napier Street.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Cottesloe Beach.
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