Cottesloe Beach, on Perth’s Indian Ocean coast, pairs white sand and clear water with grassy terraces and Norfolk pines above the shore. Swim, stroll the beach or snorkel around the rocks, then settle on the grass to watch the sun set over the water. Cafes and restaurants nearby make it easy to stay for a meal, and the beachfront becomes an outdoor art gallery during Sculpture by the Sea in March. Swimming conditions and patrols vary, so check local safety information before entering the water.
The beach and its foreshore
Cottesloe’s shoreline is backed by terraced grass, Norfolk pines and a beachfront promenade, with the Indian Ocean stretching west from the sand. The Indiana Teahouse is a distinctive landmark on the foreshore. The beach is a place to swim, walk, picnic or simply spend time by the water, with cafes and restaurants nearby.
The grassy terraces provide space to sit above the sand, and the trees offer shade. Public facilities include toilets and showers. A playground nearby gives families another option between time on the beach and a meal along the foreshore.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is popular for swimming, surfing and snorkelling. Rocks along the shore are a place to explore underwater, where schools of fish and other marine life can be found. Conditions differ along the beach: a sheltered southern section is described as calm and shallow, while the northern end can have waves for body surfing.
Do not assume that the whole beach is patrolled or that a shark net is always in place. Patrols are not daily, and the net may be seasonal. Check the conditions and local safety information on the day you visit, and swim in designated safe areas.
Sunsets and Sculpture by the Sea
The beach faces west, making late afternoon a natural time to linger. Take a walk along the sand or find a spot on the grass to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. The foreshore is also a practical place for a picnic, with nearby cafes and restaurants if you would rather buy a meal.
Each March, Sculpture by the Sea brings outdoor artworks to the beachfront. The exhibition gives you a reason to walk along the shore and see the sculptures in their coastal setting. If that is part of your plan, check the event dates before travelling.
Getting there and planning your visit
Cottesloe Beach is reachable by train, followed by a walk of about 700 metres from the station. Roadside parking is available, but spaces can be limited and a three-hour maximum applies. Allow time to find a place to park if you are arriving by car.
Bring what you need for a stretch on the sand or grass, including shade if you plan to stay for a while. The beach has cafes, restaurants, toilets and showers, but conditions and services do not replace checking current water-safety advice before swimming.
FAQ
How do you get to Cottesloe Beach by train?
From the train station, the walk to the beach is about 700 metres.
Is Cottesloe Beach patrolled every day?
No. Patrols do not operate every day, so check local safety information before swimming.
When is Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach?
The outdoor sculpture exhibition takes place at the beach in March. Check event dates when planning your visit.
Is there parking at Cottesloe Beach?
Roadside parking is available, but spaces can be limited. A three-hour maximum applies.
