Swimming, snorkelling, sunsets, coastal walks and Sculpture by the Sea. Here's my guide to enjoying Cottesloe without spending a cent.
Perth’s favourite beach, for free
Cottesloe might be one of Perth’s most famous beaches, but most of the best things to do here don’t cost a thing. Here’s my guide to the best free things to do in Cottesloe.
“just aside the beach there is a very look after grass and pines bush are where you can picnic and relax.”
Chiara, Tripadvisor review
Swim at the main beach
The obvious place to start is the water itself. Offshore reefs help keep Cottesloe one of Perth’s safer swimming beaches, and the southern corner near the groyne is usually the calmest.
Over the warmer months, a shark barrier is anchored to the groyne, creating an enclosed swimming area. Lifesavers patrol on weekends and public holidays from October to April, so swim between the flags.
“there was a shark-netted swimming area, and there are plenty of options for sitting, parking a car”
ross m, Tripadvisor review
Swim out to the pylon
For strong swimmers, swimming out to the old shark net pylon is a Cottesloe rite of passage. Built after a fatal shark attack in 1925, it’s the last of three pylons that once anchored a shark net, and it’s now a popular diving platform.
Only attempt it in calm conditions, and if you’re a confident ocean swimmer.
Snorkel the reef
The Cottesloe Reef is a protected Fish Habitat Protection Area. The long stretch of beach south of the groyne has plenty to see close to the shore on calm days with little wind and swell. Bring your own mask and snorkel.
Picnic on the grassed terraces
The grassed terraces and Norfolk Island pines above the beach are one of the best picnic spots in Perth. Pack lunch, grab a rug and settle in for the afternoon.
Watch the sunset
Few places in Perth do sunsets like Cottesloe. Find a spot on the grass, the groyne or the sand, and watch the sun drop into the ocean. On a clear evening, you might even see Rottnest on the horizon.
Visit the Vlamingh Memorial
At the southern end of Cottesloe, on the border with Mosman Park, the Vlamingh Memorial marks the 1697 landing of Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh’s expedition. Vlamingh also named Rottnest and the Swan River. The area has been restored by the Cottesloe Coastcare Association and includes a Nature Discovery Space for kids.
Walk the coast
A coastal path links Cottesloe with North Cottesloe and Swanbourne to the north and Mosman Park to the south. It’s a lovely walk in the early morning or late afternoon, with ocean views the whole way.
Sculpture by the Sea
Each March, Sculpture by the Sea turns Cottesloe Beach into a free outdoor gallery, with dozens of sculptures along the sand and foreshore. In 2027, the exhibition is expected to run through most of March. Check Sculpture by the Sea for confirmed dates.
Free playgrounds
The foreshore playground on Marine Parade, opposite Napier Street, is a short walk from the sand. For something different, the East Cottesloe Nature Playground on Railway Street has nature play, a bike skills track and an enclosed sandpit. See our Cottesloe with kids guide for more.
A free day by the sea
Swimming, snorkelling, sunsets and sculptures, all for free. Cottesloe proves the best things in Perth really don’t cost a thing. For more ideas, see our guide to Perth’s best free activities.
Featured image: -wuppertaler, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Offshore reefs help keep Cottesloe one of Perth’s safer swimming beaches. A shark barrier is installed over the warmer months, and lifesavers patrol on weekends and public holidays from October to April.
