Cottesloe Beach
Perth's postcard-perfect beach with sparkling blue waters, iconic Indiana Teahouse, and relaxing tiered lawns.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters & gentle breezes
Cottesloe Beach
Best Time
Calm waters & gentle breezes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Perth's postcard-perfect beach with sparkling blue waters, iconic Indiana Teahouse, and relaxing tiered lawns.
"Arguably the most postcard-worthy beach in Perth, with sparkling blue water and calm swimming conditions."
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Best Spot
Arrive before 11 am for calm waters and to secure a prime spot on the lawns or sand.
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is generally easier here than at Scarborough Beach, making it a convenient choice.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indiana Teahouse
Beachfront
Iconic beachfront building with a distinctive red roof, offering stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tiered Lawns
Above the beach
Spacious, tiered grassy areas perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Calm Swimming Conditions
Main beach area
Sparkling blue waters with gentle waves, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Calm Waters
Beat the Crowds & Enjoy the Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Best Spot
Arrive before 11 am for calm waters and to secure a prime spot on the lawns or sand.
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is generally easier here than at Scarborough Beach, making it a convenient choice.
🌊 Shark Safety Nets
Enjoy peace of mind with the presence of shark safety nets during swimming seasons.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants are just across the street for convenient dining options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Early Bird Gets the Best Spot
Arrive before 11 am for calm waters and to secure a prime spot on the lawns or sand.
🚗 Parking Perks
Parking is generally easier here than at Scarborough Beach, making it a convenient choice.
🌊 Shark Safety Nets
Enjoy peace of mind with the presence of shark safety nets during swimming seasons.
🍽️ Dine with a View
Numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants are just across the street for convenient dining options.
🚶♀️ Scenic Strolls
Explore the walking paths and grassed areas for beautiful coastal views and a refreshing walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cottesloe Beach is widely praised for its stunning beauty, calm waters, and iconic Indiana Teahouse. Visitors appreciate the convenient amenities, ample parking, and family-friendly atmosphere, often calling it one of Perth's most picturesque spots. Some reviews mention seaweed on the shore and occasional windiness, but overall, it's considered a top-tier beach destination.
"Through the window stretched an endless view of the ocean, its shimmering waves so calm it felt as if even time had slowed down. The only flaw in this perfect scene was the swarm of flies dancing in the air — so many that they almost seemed to swallow you whole, breaking the peace of this tranquil seascape."
Mary
"Cottesloe Beach is another great spot that offers public showers, scenic views, and plenty of space for sunbathing. The water is beautiful, making it perfect for a family picnic or a relaxing day out. Parking is also easier here compared to Scarborough Beach, and it’s generally less crowded. If you’re looking for a stunning beach with good facilities and fewer people, Cottesloe Beach is an excellent choice."
punnaya lertsrisunthad
"Famous beach for the iconic building in front of the sea.
Restaurants and public toilets are present inside.
The sea was full of seaweeds on shore."
Cristian Falgari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cottesloe Beach is easily accessible from Perth. The most popular method is by train to Cottesloe Station, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, buses run regularly, or you can drive and utilize the available parking.
Yes, there is parking available near Cottesloe Beach. While it can get busy, it's generally considered easier to find parking here compared to other Perth beaches.
Absolutely! There are dedicated cycle paths that lead to Cottesloe Beach, making it a great option for active travelers.
Cottesloe Beach offers good accessibility with paved pathways and ramps leading to some areas. Public toilets are also available.
For sunset, consider driving or taking a bus to enjoy the views. The train is also an option, but check the last train times if you plan to stay late.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cottesloe Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and lawns for free.
Cottesloe Beach is open 24/7, but facilities like cafes and public toilets have their own operating hours. Lifeguard services are available during specific times.
No booking is required to visit Cottesloe Beach. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Occasionally, the beach may be temporarily closed due to shark sightings or other safety concerns. Always check local advisories.
Dogs are generally not permitted on the main Cottesloe Beach area, especially during peak times. Check local council regulations for specific rules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, picnic on the lawns, walk along the coast, fish, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The Indiana Teahouse is a popular spot for photos.
Yes, Cottesloe Beach is known for its calm swimming conditions and clear waters, making it excellent for families and casual swimmers.
Yes, public toilets and showers are available at Cottesloe Beach, providing essential amenities for visitors.
The Indiana Teahouse is an iconic beachfront building with a distinctive red roof, offering a popular spot for photos and a vibrant atmosphere.
Cottesloe Beach is generally safe for children due to its calm waters and the presence of shark safety nets. Always supervise children closely.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are many cafes, pubs, and restaurants located just across the street from Cottesloe Beach, offering a variety of dining options.
Absolutely! The tiered lawns are perfect for picnics, and many visitors bring their own food to enjoy with the ocean views.
The Indiana Teahouse offers a range of dining options, from casual meals to drinks, with a focus on enjoying the beachfront location.
While there are upscale options, you can find more casual cafes and takeaway spots nearby. Bringing your own picnic is also a budget-friendly choice.
Yes, the Ocean Beach Hotel (OBH Cottesloe) is located right on the beachfront and offers bar facilities with great views.
📸 📸 Photography
The Indiana Teahouse is a must-capture landmark. The tiered lawns offer great vantage points, and the jetty provides unique perspectives.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Early mornings also provide calmer seas and fewer people for unobstructed shots.
Capture the iconic Indiana Teahouse against the ocean, the surfers, or the local life enjoying the beach. The sculptures during the 'Sculpture by the Sea' event are also a highlight.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean. A polarizing filter can enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in Western Australia. Always check with local authorities and CASA guidelines before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing beach toys, a picnic blanket, and plenty of sunscreen. Arriving early on weekdays can help you secure a good spot away from the main crowds. The Indiana Teahouse area offers a lively atmosphere, but the wider beach and lawns provide more relaxed zones for younger children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The tiered lawns provide excellent vantage points for panoramic shots of the coastline. For the best results, aim for early mornings to catch the soft light and fewer people, or late afternoons for sunset hues. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive beach and ocean. Don't forget to experiment with different angles, including shots from the jetty or capturing the surfers if they're out.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Walkers
For a more vigorous activity, consider swimming in the calm waters or trying out paddleboarding. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, so bring your gear if that's your preference.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Indiana Teahouse
Many visitors flock to the Indiana Teahouse not just for its food and drinks, but for the photographic opportunities it presents. The contrast of its vibrant red against the blue sea and sky is a classic Cottesloe image. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a sunset drink, or just a picturesque backdrop, the Indiana Teahouse delivers.
It's worth noting that the area around the Indiana Teahouse can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons and weekends. For the best photos without too many people, consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
Cottesloe Beach: A Local's Perspective
The tiered lawns above the beach are a significant draw, providing ample space for families and groups to picnic, relax, and soak up the sun. This feature sets Cottesloe apart, offering a more relaxed vibe than some other bustling city beaches. The presence of amenities like public toilets and showers further enhances its appeal for a full day out.
While generally a peaceful spot, Cottesloe Beach can experience occasional closures due to shark sightings, a reminder of its wild coastal setting. However, the presence of shark safety nets provides an added layer of security for swimmers.
Best Times for Photography
For those seeking a more tranquil photographic experience, weekdays and early mornings are your best bet. This is when you can capture the iconic Indiana Teahouse and the expansive beach without the hustle and bustle of weekend crowds. The calm waters often seen in the morning also lend themselves to beautiful reflections and smooth seascapes.
Consider the wind conditions as well. While a gentle breeze can add texture to the water, strong winds can create choppy seas and blow sand, which might not be ideal for all types of photography. Easterly winds, often present in the morning, tend to be calmer and more conducive to photography.
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