Perth Beaches Guide: Where to Swim on the Turquoise Coast

Perth is home to some of the finest urban beaches in the world, stretching along 30 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline from Fremantle in the south to Trigg and Scarborough in the north. Cottesloe Beach is the most iconic, with its art deco Indiana Tea House, consistent surf and a community character that makes it Perth's defining beach. City Beach offers a good balance of surf and a calm netted swimming enclosure for families. Scarborough Beach has undergone significant redevelopment and is now a major entertainment precinct alongside its surf beach. Swanbourne Beach (north of Cottesloe) has a quieter, more local character and designated off-leash dog area. Hillary's Boat Harbour has protected calm water ideal for families. Surfers head to Trigg and Mettams Pool. The strong Fremantle Doctor afternoon sea breeze keeps conditions pleasant through Perth's hot summers, but also makes afternoon beach conditions choppy for swimmers.