Perth, the vibrant capital of Western Australia, is renowned for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches. With more than 19 beaches stretching along its coastline, Perth offers a wide variety of options for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing by the ocean. From golden sandy shores to perfect waves for surfers, and calm, sheltered spots ideal for families, Perth has something for every beach lover.

In this guide, we will take you through Perth’s best beaches for swimming, surfing, and relaxing—whether you’re looking for a fun day out or a peaceful retreat.

1. Cottesloe Beach

Why Visit?

Cottesloe Beach is perhaps Perth’s most iconic and well-loved beach. Located just 15 minutes from the city center, it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, known for its stunning sunsets and clear turquoise waters.

• Perfect for Swimming: The beach is sheltered by limestone reefs, making the water calm and ideal for swimming.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: With its beautiful surroundings, wide sandy expanse, and nearby cafes, Cottesloe is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
• Surfing: Though it’s generally calm, Cottesloe also offers some surf breaks, especially to the south of the main beach.
• Facilities: There are plenty of amenities nearby, including bathrooms, picnic areas, and cafes, making it a convenient spot for a full day at the beach.

What to Expect:

A vibrant beach atmosphere, great swimming, and a place where you can relax under the shade of trees or enjoy the views from the nearby promenade.

2. Scarborough Beach

Why Visit?

Scarborough Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Perth for a variety of reasons. Located 20 minutes from the city, this bustling beach is perfect for those who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere, great surfing, and plenty of entertainment options.

• Surfing: Scarborough is well-known for its consistent surf breaks, with a variety of waves that cater to both beginners and experienced surfers.
• Swimming: The waters here are perfect for swimming, especially near the designated swimming areas protected by lifeguards.
• Relaxing: The beach offers plenty of open space for picnicking, sunbathing, and beach volleyball, and there’s a great range of cafes, restaurants, and bars along the foreshore.
• New Developments: Recently renovated, Scarborough now boasts a new beachfront promenade and the exciting Scarborough Beach Pool, a great place for families and those looking for a safe swim with spectacular views.

What to Expect:

A lively, energetic atmosphere with plenty of activities, making it ideal for those who enjoy surfing, socializing, or simply watching the waves.

3. Trigg Beach

Why Visit?

Trigg Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline located just 20 minutes north of Perth. Known for its great surf breaks and laid-back vibe, Trigg Beach is perfect for surfing enthusiasts and those who prefer a quieter beach experience.

• Surfing: Trigg Beach is famous for its reliable and challenging surf breaks, especially at the northern end, where surfers often gather.
• Swimming: There are designated swimming zones for those who want to take a dip in calmer waters.
• Relaxing: The beach offers a more peaceful atmosphere compared to Scarborough, with natural dunes and rocky outcrops providing scenic views and great spots to unwind.
• Nature Lovers: The surrounding Trigg Bushland Reserve offers beautiful walking paths and opportunities for nature walks.

What to Expect:

A mix of surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy. It’s a perfect choice if you want to escape the crowds without straying too far from the city.

4. City Beach

Why Visit?

City Beach, just 10 minutes from the Perth CBD, offers the perfect blend of convenience, beauty, and activities. It’s a popular choice for families and those looking to relax in a picturesque setting.

• Swimming: The calm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming, with lifeguards on duty ensuring a safe experience.
• Relaxing: The spacious beach is perfect for sunbathing, with large grassy areas and shady spots under the trees for a more relaxed day out.
• Surfing: While the waves aren’t as strong as those at Trigg or Scarborough, City Beach does offer some surf breaks for beginners.
• Amenities: The beach is well-equipped with cafes, restaurants, and even a children’s playground, making it an excellent family-friendly destination.

What to Expect:

A family-friendly beach with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and spending a leisurely day by the ocean.

5. Mettam’s Pool

Why Visit?

If you’re looking for a more secluded and peaceful spot for swimming and relaxing, Mettam’s Pool is a hidden gem located in Mettam’s Pool Marine Sanctuary, about 20 minutes north of Perth. This calm, protected area is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply enjoying a quieter day at the beach.

• Swimming and Snorkeling: Mettam’s Pool is ideal for swimming thanks to its calm waters, and it’s a great place to explore marine life through snorkeling.
• Relaxing: The beach is less crowded than the more popular beaches in Perth, making it perfect for those who want to relax and unwind in a tranquil environment.
• Nature: The surrounding area is a marine reserve, so you can expect to see diverse marine life, including fish, crabs, and seaweed, as well as some birdlife in the nearby dunes.

What to Expect:

A peaceful, natural setting perfect for a quiet day of swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery.

6. Leighton Beach

Why Visit?

Leighton Beach, located just south of Cottesloe Beach, is known for its clean, wide sand and peaceful environment. While it’s still within reach of Perth’s city center, it’s much less crowded than some of the other popular beaches.

• Swimming: Leighton Beach has calm waters, making it great for swimming, particularly if you want to avoid large crowds.
• Relaxing: The wide sandy stretch allows for plenty of space to spread out, relax, and sunbathe without feeling cramped.
• Surfing: While not as famous for its surf as other beaches like Scarborough, there are still some small waves that attract surfers, particularly when conditions are right.
• Facilities: The beach has nearby cafes, restaurants, and parks, making it an easy choice for a beach day with all the necessary amenities.

What to Expect:

A quieter, more laid-back beach atmosphere with calm waters and plenty of space to relax, swim, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the shore.

7. Burns Beach

Why Visit?

Burns Beach, located just north of Perth, is a more secluded beach that offers stunning natural beauty and a quiet atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while still being close to the action.

• Swimming: The calm waters make Burns Beach an excellent place for a swim, particularly for families with children.
• Relaxing: There’s plenty of room to relax, whether on the beach itself or in the surrounding parkland area.
• Nature: The surrounding dunes and coastal reserves make it a beautiful place to take a peaceful walk and enjoy the natural environment.

What to Expect:

A quiet, peaceful atmosphere with calm waters, perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy a serene day at the beach.

8. South Beach

Why Visit?

South Beach, located in the Fremantle area, is a beautiful beach known for its relaxed vibe, clear water, and excellent facilities. It’s a favorite among locals and is often less crowded than some of Perth’s other famous beaches.

• Swimming: The beach offers calm waters, making it great for a relaxing swim or a gentle paddle in the ocean.
• Relaxing: South Beach has large grassy areas perfect for picnicking, and there’s a lovely park nearby where you can enjoy the sun.
• Facilities: With nearby cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy a coffee or meal with an ocean view.

What to Expect:

A family-friendly, laid-back beach with calm waters, making it an excellent spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Conclusion

Perth’s beaches offer a diverse range of environments for swimming, surfing, and relaxing, making it one of the best coastal destinations in Australia. Whether you’re chasing waves, looking for a peaceful spot to sunbathe, or seeking a place for a family-friendly beach day, Perth has something to suit every beachgoer. So, grab your sunscreen, towel, and beach gear, and head to one of these stunning beaches for a perfect day by the ocean.