Perth's Best Beaches in 2026: The World's Most Underrated Coastline

Perth has a claim to some of the finest urban beaches in the world. The Indian Ocean coastline stretching from Fremantle north to Hillarys and beyond offers white sand, clear turquoise water and consistent surf conditions in a setting that few cities can match. Here is a guide to the main beaches.

Cottesloe

Cottesloe is Perth's most loved beach. The broad beach, the protected northern section ideal for swimming, the Indiana tearoom on the beach and the historic Ocean Beach Hotel are the anchors of a beach that draws people from across the metropolitan area. The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Cottesloe each March transforms the beach into a sculpture park.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a high-energy beach suburb north of the city with a revitalised beachfront precinct. The development has added restaurants, the Sunset Markets, a skate park and an outdoor cinema to a stretch of beach with reliable surf and a young, active atmosphere.

City Beach and Floreat

City Beach is one of Perth's most popular family beaches. The calm southern section is good for swimming. The surf north of the groyne is more challenging. The adjacent Floreat Beach is slightly less crowded and the beach cafe is a favourite. Both are well-served by public transport.

Hillary's Boat Harbour and Sorrento

Hillary's to the north has a marina precinct with restaurants, AQWA aquarium and boat hire for day trips to Rottnest Island. Sorrento Beach adjacent is a long sweep of sand popular with families. The northern beaches corridor — Burns Beach, Ocean Reef, Mullaloo, Trigg — all offer excellent swimming and surfing at lower crowd density than the central beaches.

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