Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Beach · Perth, Austrália Ocidental
Cottesloe Beach
Perth's most famous beach, with white sand and blue Indian Ocean water, featuring the sunset over the sea and the seaside Indiana Pavilion.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is about 11 km west of Perth city centre, halfway to Fremantle, and has been the city's best-known beach since the late 19th century. The white sand stretch is around 1.5 km long, facing the Indian Ocean, with lawns and Norfolk pines behind it.
Because the coastline faces west, the sun sets over the sea, and evenings draw people to the sand and lawns. The Indiana Pavilion, with the look of an old bathing house, is the most photographed building on the beach. In March, the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition places sculptures across the sand and rocks.
Lifesavers mark the swimming area with red and yellow flags. The water is usually calm in the breakwater corner and good for snorkelling near the rocks. In early summer afternoons, the sea breeze known as the Fremantle Doctor typically cools the city.
Cottesloe is also the starting point for the swim crossing to Rottnest, a traditional summer event.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day or as long at the beach as you want.
Best time
From November to April, when the sea is warmer. Late afternoon for the sunset is the busiest time year-round.
How to get there
By train from Perth city centre to Cottesloe station, and about a 15-minute walk to the beach; there are also buses.
Tip
Arrive before sunset to secure a spot on the lawn. Swim between the flags and use sunscreen: the sun is strong.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cottesloe Beach
Is Cottesloe good for swimming?
Yes — swim between the red and yellow flags where the lifeguards are. The corner near the breakwater usually has calmer water.
How do you get to Cottesloe?
By train from Perth CBD to Cottesloe station, then about a 15-minute walk to the beach.
What is the best time to go to Cottesloe?
Late afternoon — to see the sunset over the Indian Ocean.