Beautiful Beaches in Perth for Fun Days in the Sun

We may not have hustle culture, or snowy mountains, or proximity to Europe, but beaches? Beaches we have, and in abundance.

Perth’s beaches are actually some of the best in the world, so whether you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping surfing adventure, amazing snorkelling, or a day of fun and relaxation with family or friends, these quiet bays and winning waves truly have it all.

Here are our picks of the best beaches in Perth, for everything from a quick dip, to a fun-filled day in the sun. 

Burns Beach 

Burns Beach is a family favourite on Perth’s Sunset Coast, offering white sands, coastal trails, wildlife spotting, and ocean-side dining, all just 30 minutes from the city. It's the kind of place you stumble upon and can’t believe you didn’t know about sooner. The limestone cliffs edge the shoreline, their rugged beauty giving way to soft sand and the kind of blue water that makes you stop and stare. A coastal path winds above it all, perfect for a sunset walk or quiet morning wander. It truly is one of the loveliest beaches in Perth. 

South Beach

South Beach in Fremantle is one of those places where everything just feels easy. The water is calm, the sand is soft like talcum, and there’s plenty of shade under the pines or grassy spots for a picnic. Mornings are quiet, with dog walkers and swimmers enjoying the stillness, while afternoons bring families and friends sprawled out in the sun. After a swim, wander up to one of the nearby cafes or fish-and-chip shops for something simple and satisfying—classic Freo vibes at their best. There's also South Beach Hotel right nearby, so you're even set for a post-beach spritz. 

Yanchep Lagoon

Yanchep Lagoon has that effortless magic—a calm, shallow swimming spot where the water is clear as glass and the reef keeps the waves in check. Just under an hour outside of the city, this is one of those pristine spots where families spread out on the sand while kids wade in the shallows, chasing tiny fish darting between their legs. It’s low-key and perfect for a lazy day with a picnic.

If you’re up for more, the nearby Yanchep National Park offers kangaroo sightings and cool shade under eucalyptus trees—nature at its most relaxed.

Leighton Beach

Leighton Beach is deemed one of the best beaches in Perth for many reasons. North of Fremantle, this beach is suitable for families thanks to its entertaining waves, pristine white sand and all around good vibes. Be sure to bring a snorkel so you have a clear chance of spotting the many types of fish and marine life that flourishes under the surface of the crystal water.

While you lay down a towel and chill out on the sand, enjoy watching people pass by or the talented wind surfers out on the ocean. Feel like a workout? Stroll up to the north end to the exercise area.

City Beach

Just a 20-minute drive out from the city, City Beach is an accessible stretch of sand that makes for the perfect beach day. City Beach is pristine, complete with sandy white shores and turquoise waters that will make your jaw drop. While it may be smaller than some of the other best beaches in Perth, that doesn't make it any less worthy of the title. Equipped with a boardwalk, a grassy area right above the beach and a nearby kiosk to satisfy your peckish snack cravings, you'll be satisfied for hours on end.

Cottesloe Beach 

A true icon of Perth, Cottesloe Beach offers a blend of natural beauty and vibrant energy. Soak up the sun on its golden sands, swim in the postcard-perfect water. After building up an appetite, stroll along Marine Parade and take your pick of some delicious lunch options. Enjoy gnocchi and a cocktail at Il Lido or enjoy the beach-club vibes of the Cottesloe Hotel. Don't miss the annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition, which transforms the beach into an open-air art gallery.

The Basin

A bucket-list beach thanks to its naturally hollowed out reef, it’s easy to see why The Basin is one of the most popular beaches on Wadjemup (Rottnest Island). Only a 10-minute walk from the main settlement, it’s the dreamiest place to relax and reconnect, to feel the soft sand between your toes and the warm sun on your face. Take a languid dip in the safe, turquoise waters or put on your mask and snorkel to discover another world below the surface. The beach itself has been recently refurbished, so make the most of the new BBQs, outdoor showers and toilet facilities. The perfect day out. 

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough is famous for its great surf and buzzing atmosphere and is up there as one of the best beaches in Perth for these reasons alone. Go surfing or take a dip in the ocean, then refuel at Scarborough Beach Bar, with front row seats to that epic Indian Ocean sunset. The foreshore has had a recent glow-up, and now features a swimming pool, skate park, huge nature-based kid’s playground and plenty of bars and cafés along the strip. Scarborough Beach is also famous for its weekly sunset markets, where you can shop for unique crafts and indulge in delicious street food.

Coogee Beach

You have access to an underwater wonderland at Coogee Beach, recently named one of Australia’s best 15 beaches. This sweeping stretch of sand is half an hour from Perth and just a few minutes south of Fremantle.

With almost almost four kilometres of stunning, turquoise-fringed coastline, it provides the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the walking trails and historic jetty of Woodman Point, then grab a pair of flippers and soak up the unforgettable sights below the water’s surface, including the atmospheric remains of the shipwrecked Omeo, and a wealth of inquisitive stingrays, seals and dolphins. 

Rockingham Beach

Renowned for its its safe, calm, shallow-water swimming and sandy shoreline, Rockingham Beach is perfect for a family day out. There's even an award-winning revitalised foreshore precinct included in the package deal, making Rockingham an iconic destination - and one of the best beaches in Perth. Be sure to also stick around for some gorgeous sunset views. 

Trigg Beach

Loved for its powerful waves and prime surfing conditions, Trigg Beach is a playground for experienced and novice surfers and bodyboarders. If you're new to surfing, don't worry; there are surf schools nearby that offer lessons, so you can confidently ride the waves under the guidance of expert instructors. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, find a spot on the sand to bask in the sun, search for crabs and starfish in the rockpools, or soak up the sunshine and beautiful views over lunch at Canteen or Island Market. It's a turquoise-hued coast with the most and one of the best beaches in Perth. 

Bathers Beach

This stunning Fremantle beach offers a unique urban beach experience. Have a swim, take a walk, explore the historic Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbor, and hit up Bathers Beach House, a chic beachfront eatery that is also home to Australia’s first licensed beach bar, so you can indulge in some tasty post-swim fare and refreshing cocktails with your toes in the sand.

Mettams Pool 

A true suburban oasis, Mettam’s Pool is a tiny bay nestled between Trigg Beach and North Beach. It's a truly beautiful Perth beach. Its calm water makes the secluded rock pool area the ultimate spot for a dip. If you’re planning to hang out all day, pack your snorkel (there’s tons of colourful fish, coral and underwater life to explore) and a picnic, to make the most of the serene surroundings post-swim. 

Floreat Beach

Surrounded by dunes and lush greenery, Floreat Beach is a haven for both surfers and beachgoers. Catch a wave or enjoy a leisurely swim, then head to The Kiosk Floreat Beach for lunch; grab a table outside to really soak up that relaxed beach ambience. There’s also a great playground for the kids and sheltered picnic huts with free barbecues; making this one of the best beaches in Perth to throw down a rug and enjoy the sunset. 

From the first rays of the day, to the magical sunsets, see for yourself why these beautiful Perth beaches are truly some of the best in the world. For more adventuring, check out our guides to the 15 most unmissable experiences in WA, and most romantic accommodation in Margaret River.