The best beaches in and around Perth

Coogee is one of Perth’s best beaches with Western Australia’s white sand and vibrant sapphire Indian Ocean. Omeo Wreck is a historical landmark that lies 25 meters offshore, ready for all to explore. The ship came adrift from Fremantle port in 1905, was bogged in the sand and has been gradually falling apart since. Make sure you check the wind before you go – an Easterly is always best. Be sure to bring a friend and your snorkelling gear.

With its crystal-clear water and creamy dunes sprinkled with sea oats, this beach is a little glimpse of paradise. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic with friends. You can watch the sun on its descent as you indulge in a spread of cheese and crackers. The beach is also a great spot to frolic in the waves as you watch a storm roll in. The bruised and swollen clouds, grumbling as the sky opens up over a motionless turquoise ocean is truly a sight to behold.

Whether you love Cott for its delectable fish and chippies, as a place to race your mates to the pylon and back, or for a sneaky skinny dip after a Sunday session at the Ocean Beach Hotel, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly Perth beach. It's truly a postcard-perfect symbol of WA's endless summer.

Home to colourful reefs and marine life, stunning sheltered coves and the famous WA icon, the quokka, this little island lies just 19km from the mainland shore. If you’re lucky enough to snatch up accommodation, Pinkies Beach is one of the rare Perth destinations where you can watch the sunrise over the ocean. Then simply spend the rest of the day exploring the island on your bike, beach hopping or surfing – you can't go wrong.

City Beach is another of Perth’s most beautiful beaches. Home to an abundance of shady grassed areas, it's ideally sheltered if you prefer not to have sand engulf your food on a windy day. The beautiful water and beach, coupled with restaurants and cafés nearby, the boardwalk and the beach's easily surfable waves make City a destination you can easily spend all day enjoying.

Scarborough is a place of vibrancy and life, perfect for the whole family, with bustling restaurants and cafes, sunset markets, live music, a skate park and an adventure playground. Sunset Hill is a breathtaking spot on a balmy afternoon to watch the colours of dusk transform the sky after you’ve had a dip. Or if you’re an early bird partial to a sunrise. Get up to watch the pastels over the ocean, as surfers navigate the tides, before the rest of the world wakes up.

If you’re a keen surfer or a WAGS - Wives and Girlfriends of Surfers - you’ve most definitely risen early to beat the crowds and enjoy the swell at Trigg. The sweeping coastline has something for everyone with spots to surf, swim and snorkel (if you pick a day with a brilliant Easterly). Trigg isn’t a stranger to a rip or two, so be sure to swim inside the flags, especially if you’ve got little ones to keep an eye on. And if you love a little ocean-inspired creativity and sustainability, make your way to Clarko Reserve to support local creatives and artisans. The Summer X Salt markets run from October and stretch into the summer months and are definitely worth a look!

Mettam’s is a great spot for a day spent basking in the glorious sunshine. The naturally formed lagoon is coloured with a collection of marine plant and animal species that you can spot close to shore. Bring your underwater camera and keep an eye out for starfish, anemones, red-lip morwong, wrasse, banded sweep, buffalo bream and much more!

Mullaloo Beach is home to pristine waters and bright white sand. It’s a safe and popular spot for children of all ages. You can also enjoy some time in the “green room” snatching up a few barrels if you know the tools of the trade!