Perth And Fremantle’s Best Beaches

Perth is the world’s most remote capital city and a destination where an outdoorsy laid-back vibe fuses with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Throw in great weather, beautiful beaches, pretty parkland, a buzzing bar and cafe scene, world class wineries, and you end up with one of the most liveable places in the world. Just 19 kilometres south of Perth is Fremantle, and despite its close proximity, “Freo” as the locals call it, has a completely different personality. This is where artists, musicians and writers like to hang out; it is even more chilled out than Perth, if that’s possible, with a fun and friendly atmosphere set amongst historic buildings, good museums, interesting art galleries and easy-going pubs and cafés. Enjoying a location on the Indian Ocean, both Perth and Fremantle are blessed with a lineup of glorious beaches, some popular and some hidden gems. Here’s our A-Z of ones to put on your list to check out next time you’re in town.

Bathers Beach

Bathers Beach is located in the heart of Fremantle and only around 300 metres long, yet it has retained a secluded feel and is largely frequented by locals. The sand is soft and the waves are small, making it a nice spot for a picnic and a swim, and there’s a bonus; Bathers Beach sits in between the Fishing Boat Harbour and The Round House jail, which dates back to the 1800s, so there’s an opportunity to sightsee in one of Fremantle’s top historic and cultural areas too.

Bennion Beach

This is dog-friendly bay located in Trigg, just north of Perth,stretches for around 300 metres and is backed by irregular vegetated bluffs, and sheltered between limestone cliffs, and if you visit mid-week or early in the morning, you might have the place all to yourself. This beach is protected from the afternoon breeze, while the reef keeps the water calm for most of the time if you’re keen for an easy swim or a snorkel. 

Chidley Reserve

Tucked away on the banks of the Swan River at Mosman Park, this is a lovely spot for an outdoor lunch or sunset supper, boasting everything you need to spend an entire day there. There are plenty of shaded areas, lots of soft, green grass, picnic tables, public BBQs and bathrooms.    

City Beach

This is the closest beach to the Perth CBD, with a lineup of restaurants from casual to chic enjoying expansive coastal views, powerful waves at times, and it can be windy later in the day. Eating out is an attraction here, so if you fancy a casual lunch, the iconic Clancy’s Fish Pub is perched on the northern end of the beach serving mainstream, pub-style cuisine.

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is Perth’s most famous beach, blessed with soft blonde sand, grassed terraces and towering Norfolk pines. It’s a 20 minute drive from the CBD and is best in the early morning, before the wind kicks, later in the day. Another plus; while the surf is generally gentle here, surf lifesavers are regularly on duty. Sydney Street Beach is on the corner of Sydney Street and Marine Parade at Cottesloe, accessed by a set of stairs down the steep drop of cliffs. Although unnamed, this beach is a bit of a local hideaway and it's usually quiet, especially on weekdays.

Leighton Beach

This beach will have you thinking you’re in the Caribbean instead of Western Australia. Stretching for 1.5 kilometres, the powdery sand is almost white and the ocean brilliant blue, making it a perfect spot paddling and wallowing. Although Leighton Beach is patrolled, the waves are small and it’s shallow without many rips; on windy days you’ll spot kite surfers and windsurfers, and it’s always popular with dog owners and walkers. 

Mettams Pool

This is arguably the most popular of Perth's northern beaches, with the bonus of interesting snorkelling among sea grasses to spot patterned fish, starfish and octopuses. After a swim or snorkel - the beach is patrolled - you can relax on the soft sand and become part of the local scene. Just south of Mettam's Pool is Bailey Beach, one of Perth's best kept secrets, which is also great for snorkelling if the conditions are calm, and small stretches of sand tucked away among the cliffs so you can find a spot all to yourself.

Sandtrax

North Fremantle is home to this hidden gem, which is located just past Port Beach towards Victoria Quay. It’s popular with surfers, but you’ll find far fewer people there compared to the other beaches in the area.