TOP THINGS TO DO IN COTTESLOE BEACH
SWIM AND SURF
The beach is famous for swimming and water sports thanks to its clear water and surrounding reef.
*Swim between the lifeguard flags
*Snorkel along the reef (great marine life)
*Surf at the southern end
*Try stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing when the wind picks up
💡Local tip: snorkel at Peter’s Pool near North Cottesloe — a calm spot with lots of fish.
Cottesloe is one of the best sunset spots in Western Australia.
People often sit on the grassy terraces with takeaway food and
watch the sun drop into the Indian Ocean.
Best spots:
*The grass terraces above the beach
* Near the groyne jetty
* Along Marine Parade
WALK THE COASTAL PATH
Take a scenic walk along the coast starting at Cottesloe.
Nice routes:
• Walk north to North Cottesloe Beach
• Continue to Grant Street Beach
• Or cycle along the beachfront path toward Swanbourne
The views along the coastline are some of the best in Perth.
SIMPLE ONE DAY PLAN
EXPLORE THE CIVIC CENTRE GARDENS
A short walk uphill from the beach is Cottesloe Civic Centre.
Why visit:
• Beautiful historic building
• Quiet gardens and ocean views
• Often hosts weddings, markets, and events
It’s a surprisingly peaceful place away from the busy beach
If you only have a few hours:
*Swim at Cottesloe Beach
* Walk to North Cottesloe
* Grab fish & chips or gelato
* Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean
That’s the classic Cottesloe experience locals love.
THINGS TO DO IN PERTH (IN THE CITY)
Kings Park & city views
Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden — one of
the largest inner-city parks in the world with
views over the Swan River and skyline.
Walk the Lotterywest Federation Walkway
(treetop bridge).
Great spot for sunset or picnics.
Elizabeth Quay & the waterfront
Walk along Elizabeth Quay for restaurants, river views, and public art.
Nearby is Swan Bells, a glass bell tower holding historic bells from London.
Beaches
Perth has some of Australia’s best beaches:
• Cottesloe Beach – iconic sunsets and swimming.
• Scarborough Beach – surf, bars, and nightlife.
• City Beach – quieter and scenic.
COOL NEIGHBOURHOODS TO EXPLORE
Fremantle (20 min from Perth)
Fremantle is a historic port town with cafes, markets, and breweries.
Highlights:
o Fremantle Markets – food stalls and crafts.
o Fremantle Prison – UNESCO-listed convict prison tours.
o Fishing Boat Harbour for seafood.
Swan Valley (25 min from Perth)
Famous for:
o wineries
o chocolate factories
o breweries
o farm restaurants
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM PERTH
Rottnest Island (33kms from Perth)
Famous for the adorable quokkas and
turquoise beaches.
Things to do:
o cycle around the island
o snorkel at The Basin
o beach hop
Ferries leave from Perth or Fremantle
Wildlife & Nature
Marmion Marine Park (18 kms from Perth)
Snorkelling reefs and marine life along Perth’s coast
Yanchep National Park (51kms from Perth)
See koalas and kangaroos
Explore caves like Crystal Cave
The Pinnacles Desert
Is in the Nambung National Park (200kms from Perth)
Thousands of limestone pillars rising out of sand dunes.
Best visited at sunset or for stargazing
BIGGER TRIPS (WORTH IT IF YOU HAVE A FEW DAYS)
WAVE ROCK
Giant natural rock shaped like a breaking wave
About 340 km from Perth
Margaret River (3 hrs south)
Famous wine region
Surf beaches and caves
Food, breweries, and forests
If you only had 3–4 days in the Perth area, a great itinerary would be:
Day 1 – Kings Park, Elizabeth Quay, Cottesloe sunset
Day 2 – Fremantle + markets + prison tour
Day 3 – Rottnest Island
Day 4 – Pinnacles or Swan Valley wine region
