Who says you have to leave the city to find beach paradise? There are some amazing urban beaches in the world like Waikiki in Honolulu, Ipanema in Rio di Janiero and Sydney’s Bondi. Perth’s got a handful of its own urban beaches that I reckon are even better: they’re clean, rarely crowded, gorgeous and regularly patrolled by shark-spotting helicopters (as if that’s supposed to comfort anyone!). Best of all, these beaches – when compared with other urban beaches – are refreshingly underdeveloped, so views are rarely marred with the sight of high rises or fast food restaurants. In fact, you might forget you’re in Western Australia’s capital at all.
Leighton Beach
1. Leighton Beach
Twelve kilometres south west of Perth and just north of Fremantle is gorgeous Leighton Beach. It boasts of superfine white sand, turquoise water and is an excellent spot to watch kite surfers and the sunset over pre-dinner drinks. Just behind the beach are the excellent Salt on the Beach or the more casual Beach Bar.
2. Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is the best known of Perth’s beaches for good reason. It attracts hoards of boogie boarders, runners, swimmers, kayakers and families. You’ll find volleyball games on the southern end and lifeguards-in-training sprinting to the north. Heaps of restaurants like Indiana and Blue Duck Cafe, ice cream parlours, cafes and pubs line the street above.
3. City Beach
City Beach, located just 8 kilometres west of Perth, won Keep Australia Beautiful Council’s Best Beach Award in 1999. Why? The swimming is safe (almost always), there’s a great restaurant, ample parking and loads of bbq facilities. Surf life saving carnivals happen regularly. Thinking about taking up a new sport? Join the ultimate frisbee group that plays Sunday mornings from 9-11.
4. Scarborough Beach
Another of Perth’s best beaches is Scarborough, beloved for it’s chilled-out atmosphere and proximity to shops, restaurants like Hippo Creek and Zander’s and dozens of ice cream joints (for awesome iced coffee – but surprisingly disappointing ice cream - go to Gelatino on the Esplanade).
5. Swanbourne Beach
The first time I visited Swanbourne Beach I was struck by its beauty, but wondered why everyone was staring at me… until I noticed that nobody was wearing any clothes. Ah. Guess I was overdressed. So visit Swanbourne beach if you’re looking for an even tan or to compete in the Swanbourne Olympics. Clothing optional.
These are my top 5 favourite Perth beaches… what are yours?
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Great list! As for myself, I absolutely love Floreat Beach (seen in all it’s glory here) for its fine sand and tendency towards warm water.
Nice picture! I’ve never been to Floreat Beach before (even though I live nearby!) so I’ll definitely have to check it out
Nice list! My favs are City Beach and Floreat. But I don’t really get to the more south beaches.
Great blog. I’m learning a lot about Perth from here, since I’ve only been here for 3 months. Cottesloe is my favorite, probably because it’s the nearest beach from our house.
Thanks for visiting and linking my blog, by the way, I’d do the same with yours.
Cheers!
[...] me, Fremantle is a great big playground. People flock to beaches like Leighton or dog-friendly South Fremantle, they get sloshed in local breweries like Little [...]