Top 9 things to do at Cottesloe beach
Discover the beauties of Cottesloe Beach, a favourite among Perth’s natives for almost 100 years.
By Amy Fraser
Cottesloe Beach, or ‘Cott’, as the locals name it, has long been one of Perth’s beauties. Its beautiful white sand, which spans more than a km (0.6mi) down the shore, meets breathtakingly blue sea that’s treasured for its swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
Relax beneath the shade Norfolk Pines, snorkel among a vibrant coral, and dine overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here are the greatest things to do in Cottesloe Beach.
VISIT SCULPTURE BY THE SEA
March marks the return of the annual Sculpture by the Sea, a free seaside art display that peppers Cottesloe Beach with interesting artworks and huge sculptures.
Wander down the beach towards North Cottesloe and the adjacent grass to discover intriguing artwork by emerging and veteran artists.
DINE WITH INDIAN OCEAN VIEWS
Cottesloe’s exquisite coastal restaurants provide unsurpassed dining vistas with cuisines to match.
Cast your gaze over the turquoise Indian Ocean while savoring delicious Mediterranean tapas at Barchetta, or take up a chair at Longview for beautiful views and modern Australian cuisine from sunrise to twilight.
SWIM AND SNORKEL
Cottesloe’s crystal-clear water and vivid reefs entice ocean enthusiasts all year round.
Head to the protected Peters Pool at North Cottesloe Beach with your snorkel or on a quiet day, go hunting for the endangered leafy sea dragon at South Cottesloe. If swimming is your thing, float in between the red and yellow beach flags.
RIDE THE WAVES
Cottesloe is the cradle of surfing and surf lifesaving in Western Australia, so it’s no wonder that surfers rush to Cottesloe every day for a taste of its waves. If you consider yourself a good surfer, paddle out to the groyne and enjoy lines of left and right-hand waves.
If you’re new to surfing, aim for the mild waves in the center of the beach or take a class at the neighboring Leighton Beach.
RELAX ON THE ESPLANADE
The broad grassy Cottesloe Esplanade, sheltered by enormous Norfolk Pine trees, provides lots of attractive sites for picnics or just watching the water.
Watch a spectacular Cottesloe sunset, relax to the sounds of rainbow lorikeet birds, and if you’re fortunate, witness a live outdoor music event on the lawn.
TAKE PART IN ROTTNEST CHANNEL SWIM – OR JUST WATCH
The Rottnest Channel Swim isn’t for the faint-hearted. Every February, swimmers from across the globe queue up on Cottesloe Beach to swim 20km (12mi) over the open ocean to Rottnest Island.
Athletes might opt to swim single, as a duet, or as part of a team. Spectators may make a day out of it, with family-friendly activities and entertainment offered throughout the day.
CYCLE SCENIC TRAILS
One of the finest ways to get to know Perth is on two wheels. Rent an e-bike in Cottesloe and select your path. Explore Perth’s magnificent coastline along the 25km (16mi) Cottesloe to Hillary’s bicycle track, or experience the city’s culture-rich parklands on the Bush to Beach Trail, a 16ki (10mi) route that’ll take you into the heart of Perth.
SLEEP NEXT TO THE OCEAN
Cottesloe provides many of beachside accommodation alternatives, including lovely hotels and serviced flats. Wake up to the sound of the Indian Ocean at Cottesloe Beach Hotel or take over a whole villa at the self-contained Cottesloe Beach House Stays.
JOIN IN A SUNDAY SESSION
Rumour has it that the Australian ‘Sunday session’ originated in Perth. Either way, there’s no disputing that Cottesloe’s haunts are well-suited to sun-drenched Sunday beverages by the beach.
Let your hair down with the locals at the stylish Cottesloe Beach Hotel or Ocean Beach Hotel.
Topic: things to do at Cottesloe beach
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I am arguably the most popular Australian writer of all time. I am from the town of Karrinyup in rural Western Australia. When I was young, I was fascinated by the unique landscape of Australia, and I decided to support himself by writing books about the Australian landscape.
