12 Best Things to Do in Cottesloe, Western Australia
Cottesloe Beach is a family favourite of ours. We’ve visited countless times, and pre-kids, I was visiting by myself. Although the pace of travel has changed, the magic of Cottesloe has remained the same. Late nights in fancy restaurants have changed to early mornings with coffee on the go, and relaxing under the shade of trees has changed to sandcastles and adventure!
We’ve been to beaches all around Australia, but Cottesloe is one we keep coming back to. You’ll find Cottesloe all over Instagram; the sunsets are magical and the scenery is easy for photos! It’s been rated the top beach in Perth many times over the years. While a weekend away is the sweet spot, a day outing from Perth is also a nice way to enjoy the area.
Our Fav Cottesloe Resources
– Book your day tours here: Viator.com
– Book your camper hire here: StarRV.com.au
– Best accommodation site: Booking.com
Where to Stay in Cottesloe
While you can stay in Perth and spend the day at Cottesloe, why not make a true adventure of it and stay a night or two?
Check the rates for Cottesloe Beach accommodation here
- For a Touch of Luxury: Cottesloe Beach Hotel – If you want to be right in the heart of the action with stunning ocean views, this is the place. We love the classic vibe and having everything on our doorstep.
- Boutique: The Local hotel, a few minutes south of Cottesloe Beach offers a nice stay at great value. It is located in the heart of Fremantle at The Local Hotel, a trendy boutique stay with stylish rooms and a laid-back vibe.
- Strange and Different!: Experience a stay like no other at Fremantle Prison YHA, a heritage-listed hostel inside a historic prison! Sleep in original cells (with modern comforts), enjoy time in the games room or say hi to other travellers in the TV lounge room.
Planning Your Cottesloe Visit
Getting to Cottesloe from Perth
Cottesloe is super easy to get to, located about halfway between the Perth CBD and Fremantle.
Making a day of it in Perth? Cottesloe is one of our favourite stops on any list of day trips from Perth.
- By Hire Car: The drive from the city is a straightforward 15-20 minutes. If you need to rent a car, we always recommend checking out Discover Cars to find the best deals.
- By Train: This is a fantastic and stress-free option. Just hop on the Fremantle Line from Perth Station and get off at Cottesloe Station. From there, it’s a lovely 10-15 minute walk straight down to the beach.
- By Bus: Several bus routes service the area, connecting it to Perth and the surrounding suburbs.
Parking
We won’t lie, parking can be tricky on a hot summer’s day! Our advice is to either get there early or be prepared for a bit of a walk.
When to Visit
Summer (December-February) is peak season and has an amazing buzz. The major Perth school holidays are December and January, so it will be busier during this time. However, all the cafes and restaurants are open in full swing.
But we also love the shoulder seasons in Spring and Autumn, when it’s a little quieter but the weather is still beautiful. Winter is also nice, but a bit too cold for me to swim!
Tour Options
If you would prefer the option of a tour or have limited time to visit the main highlights of Perth, check out this Explore Perth Beaches at Sunset by Minibus tour, which takes you around the best Perth beaches for sunset!
Check out tours from Perth and the rates here
Our 12 Favourite Things to Do in Cottesloe
Now for the fun part! Here are our favourite things to do in Cottesloe.
Beach & Nature Fun
1. Have the Perfect Beach Day on Cottesloe Beach
You just have to start here. The sand is impossibly white, the water is a stunning turquoise, and those magnificent, shady Norfolk Pines frame the whole place. There is something nice about being able to sit on grass under the shade of trees, looking at the ocean!
Bring a picnic, or grab some fish and chips and sit under the shade enjoying the surroundings.
2. Watch a World-Famous Sunset
There’s a reason Cottesloe is a very Instagrammed place! Watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean is a daily ritual here, and it never gets old.
It’s pure magic and the best free show in town. Our top tip? Find a spot on the grass terraces just before dusk and just soak it all in. In the summer months, get there early as it can be busy.
3. Go for a Swim & Snorkel at Peter’s Pool
The main swimming area at Cottesloe is fantastic, especially in summer when the shark net is in. But our little secret is to head just north to Peter’s Pool.
It’s a calmer, more protected little spot that’s just perfect for snorkelling. On a clear day, the variety of fish you can see is amazing!
4. Enjoy a Coastal Walk or Bike Ride
The path that winds along the coast from Cottesloe is one of the best walks in Perth. The views are just breathtaking. You can rent bikes and cycle north towards Swanbourne, and if you get tired, stop at one of the many cafes for a coffee along the way!
It’s a beautiful way to see the coastline and get some exercise in. For those on Strava, there’s plenty of runs! (You might even see mine!)
5. Discover the Hidden Gardens of the Civic Centre
Just a short walk up the hill from the beach is the stunning Cottesloe Civic Centre. The gardens here are absolutely beautiful and surprisingly peaceful. It’s a gorgeous spot for a quiet stroll or a picnic away from the buzz of the beach.
Unforgettable Cottesloe Experiences
6. Wander Through Sculpture by the Sea
If you’re lucky enough to be in Perth during March, you absolutely cannot miss this. The entire beachfront is transformed into a spectacular outdoor art gallery.
We love wandering among the incredible, and sometimes downright quirky sculptures. Definitely recommended!
For the latest news and open times, check out Sculpture by the Sea
7. Catch a Wave
If you’re a keen surfer, the break off the main groyne at Cottesloe is a classic. It can get busy, but it’s a really fun wave when it’s working. I really don’t know what I’m doing when it comes to catching waves, but it’s a heap of fun!
There’s something really nice about the waves here, and if you ask anyone who actually knows what they’re doing, these are apparently some of the best!
8. Play a Round of Golf with an Ocean View
With 2 young kids, we didn’t get out onto the Golf Course, but you don’t have to play every hole to appreciate the location of the Seaview Golf Club. The views from the course, looking right out over the ocean, are simply incredible and well worth seeing.
Our Favourite Cottesloe Eats
9. Grab a Coffee from a Local Favourite
You’re spoiled for choice in Cottesloe. You don’t have to go far from the main beach before you’ll come across some of the top eats. We haven’t come across a bad place to eat or drink here, so anything along the foreshore is a great spot!
- Il Lido Italian Canteen – for a great coffee
- Verandah Bar at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel – for a great coffee or wine
- Indigo Oscar – great food at a great location!
10. Enjoy Lunch with an Unbeatable View
- Amberjacks – for some first-class fish and chips
11. Indulge in an Iconic Dinner
- Indigo Oscar is a place you can’t go past. Just book so you don’t miss out on a table.
12. Eat Fish and Chips on the Beach
You just have to do it! Grabbing a parcel of fish and chips and eating it on the grass as the sun goes down is the quintessential Cottesloe experience. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect.
Cottesloe for Families
When you’re looking for things to do in Cottesloe with the family, you’re in luck! It’s an incredibly family-friendly place. There are great playgrounds right near the beach, plenty of grass for picnics and running around, and the swimming is very safe for little ones.
And of course, no family beach day is complete without a trip for gelato afterwards!
Cottesloe Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cottesloe worth visiting?
Absolutely, 100%! For us, it’s the perfect mix of stunning natural beauty and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s the place where you can sit and relax, swim, snorkel, or grab a coffee
What is there to do at Cottesloe?
There are so many fantastic things to do in Cottesloe! The main attraction is, of course, the incredible beach for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling. But as you’ll see in our guide, the list goes on – you can also enjoy coastal walks, explore beautiful gardens, indulge in amazing food (from casual cafes to fine dining), and in March, see the fantastic Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.
What is the prettiest town in Western Australia?
That’s a tough one, as WA has so many beautiful spots! If you’re after a beach seaside town, Cottesloe is right up the top.
Our Thoughts
If you have a spare day on a Perth holiday, Cottesloe would be a perfect day out. Or, it’s the great weekend getaway for a totally relaxed feel.
Either way, if you’re around the area, we highly recommend stopping into Cottesloe and enjoying the beach and surrounding cafes.
