Explore Cottesloe Western Australia Australia

One of Perth‘s most popular beaches, Cottesloe is a wonderful spot to visit. Swimming, surfing, snorkelling, fishing and just sitting in the sun are all favourite pastimes at this premier beach location.

Known For

• Its swimming, surfing, and stunning Indian Ocean sunsets
• World-class annual sculpture park exhibition.

Cottesloe is a coastal town perched just 11 kilometers from Perth’s bustling heart. Cottesloe isn’t just a beach destination—it’s a living postcard of Australia’s west coast, a place where time slows and the horizon stretches endlessly, a promise of tranquility.

Cottesloe Beach is the town’s crown jewel, a kilometer of pristine white sand that serves as both playground and sanctuary. From the early risers braving the cool dawn waters to surfers chasing the afternoon swell, the beach hums with activity yet never feels crowded. The Indian Ocean here is an ever-changing masterpiece, shifting from deep sapphire to turquoise, its clarity a revelation for those accustomed to murkier waters elsewhere.

It’s a beach with a personality as dynamic as the sea itself. At high tide, waves roll in with just enough power to excite surfers without intimidating swimmers. At low tide, rock pools appear, inviting barefoot explorers to marvel at tiny sea creatures. Families gather under striped umbrellas while fitness enthusiasts jog along the soft sand, the rhythm of their steps syncing with the waves.

But Cottesloe is more than its shoreline. Venture beyond the dunes, and you’ll find a village that has mastered the art of understatement. The main strip, Marine Parade, is a blend of laid-back charm and understated luxury. Cafes spill out onto the pavement, their tables shaded by Norfolk pines that seem as old as the town itself. Order a flat white—Australia’s unofficial national drink—and settle in to watch the world go by. The locals, tanned and effortlessly stylish, might as well be part of the scenery.

Sun-sational!

As the sun begins its descent, Cottesloe transforms into a stage for one of nature’s grandest performances. The sunset here is an event, a daily ritual that draws people from their homes and hotels to witness the sky’s fiery farewell.

The colors are almost surreal: burnt orange melting into magenta, streaks of lavender brushed across a canvas of fading blue. At the iconic Indiana Tea House, a striking art deco building that gazes out over the ocean, diners toast to the day as the light fades.

Culture

For those seeking more than sun and sea, Cottesloe offers a surprising cultural depth. Every March, the beach becomes an open-air gallery for Sculpture by the Sea, an annual exhibition that transforms the sand into a playground for contemporary art. Visitors weave between monumental installations, some playful, others provocative, all framed by the infinite backdrop of the Indian Ocean.

There’s a history here too, if you know where to look. The Cottesloe Civic Centre, a Spanish Mission-style building from the 1930s, whispers of a time when the town was a quiet retreat for Perth’s elite. Today, it serves as a venue for weddings and community events, its gardens a favorite spot for picnics. The heritage-listed Eric Street Flats, meanwhile, offer a glimpse into mid-century modernist architecture, a reminder of a different vision for Australia’s future.

Yet, for all its sophistication, Cottesloe remains disarmingly approachable. Its beauty lies not just in its physical landscape but in its spirit: unpretentious, welcoming, and quietly confident. It’s a town that doesn’t shout for attention but effortlessly commands it, leaving an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to visit.

Come to Cottesloe, and let the Indian Ocean guide you. Lose track of time under the shade of a pine tree, find joy in the simplest pleasures—a swim, a coffee, a conversation. Here, in this small corner of Western Australia, the world feels vast and infinite, the horizon both a boundary and an invitation.

Cottesloe doesn’t demand anything of you, except perhaps to breathe deeply, look out at the sea, and let the rhythm of the waves remind you what it means to be alive.

The suburb abounds with old, well preserved homes from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Norfolk Pine trees, some more than 70 years old, line the streets. The Civic Centre in Broome Street is a magnificent example of the early history of the area. Its grounds are open to the public and feature large gardens, lawns and free barbecue facilities.

The famous local hotel overlooks the beach and has regular entertainment. It is also home to one of Perth’s most popular ‘Sunday Sessions’. There are many places nearby to eat, with many establishments having spectacular panoramic views of the Cottesloe coastline.

Cottesloe is easily accessible by local bus and rail transport or there is free parking available at Napier Street car park.

Cottesloe boasts a variety of accommodation including hotels, motels and apartments.