10 Stunning Perth Beaches You Need to Visit: Local Favorites Revealed

Let me start with Perth's MVP - Cottesloe Beach. This is basically the Yankee Stadium of beaches around here, famous for good reason but still worth the hype. The crystal-clear water gradually deepens, making it perfect for families with kids of all swimming abilities.

What struck me immediately was how clean everything is. After working in corrections for years, you develop an eye for details others miss, and this place is immaculate. The grassy terraces above the beach are perfect for a budget-friendly picnic with million-dollar views of the Indian Ocean.

I set up shop early on a Tuesday morning with my beach chair (best $35 I've spent on gear this year) and watched locals doing their morning swim routines. There's something weirdly mesmerizing about watching Australians in their natural habitat – like a National Geographic special, but with more sunscreen.

Cottesloe also has this iconic pavilion that's basically Instagram bait. I'm not usually one for touristy photos, but even I couldn't resist grabbing a shot as the sun was setting. The golden light here is a photographer's dream.

If Cottesloe is Perth's Yankee Stadium, then Scarborough is its Wrigley Field - a classic with modern upgrades that the whole family can enjoy. After a massive $100 million revamp a few years back, this beach now sports a killer playground, skate park, and swimming pool that'll keep the kids entertained for hours.

What makes Scarborough a budget traveler's dream is all the free amenities. The Sunset Hill area has BBQs that don't cost a dime to use – just bring your own groceries from the nearby Coles supermarket and you've got dinner with a sunset view that would cost you $100+ at a restaurant.

The surf here can get pretty serious (the locals call it 'Scarbs'), so keep an eye on the kids if they're not strong swimmers. I met a lifeguard named Mick who told me the best family swimming spot is at the northern end near the surf club where it's more protected.

I spent a full day here and stayed for the sunset market (Thursday nights in summer). Grabbed some street food and watched fire dancers perform while the sun melted into the ocean. Not a bad way to spend $15 on dinner and entertainment!

City Beach flies under the radar compared to its flashier neighbors, which means fewer tourists and more authentic local vibes. This is where many Perth families head when they want quality beach time without the Instagram crowds.

The setup here is perfect for a low-maintenance beach day. The recently redeveloped surf club area has shaded picnic spots and clean facilities (trust me, after visiting hundreds of public places as part of my job, I've developed a sixth sense for good bathrooms).

I met a local family who brings their beach tent every weekend, and after seeing how it protected their little ones from the intense Australian sun, I immediately ordered one for my next trip. The UV protection here is no joke - even with SPF 50, I ended up looking like a lobster after dozing off for 30 minutes.

For lunch, hit up the fish and chip shop just across from the beach. At $12 for a decent portion, it won't break the bank, and eating fresh fish while watching the waves is one of life's simple pleasures. Just watch out for the seagulls - they're basically feathered ninjas when it comes to stealing food.

As someone who's spent years working in confined spaces with, let's say, challenging people, I appreciate wide-open beaches where you can actually breathe. Leighton Beach delivers exactly that - a massive stretch of white sand that never feels crowded even on peak days.

This is Perth's best dog-friendly beach, which means entertainment in the form of happy pups playing fetch in the waves. Even if you don't have a four-legged friend with you, watching the doggy social hour here is better than Netflix.

The swimming here is top-notch for beginners - gentle slopes, minimal rips, and crystal clear water that stays shallow for a good distance. Perfect for families with little ones who are just getting comfortable with ocean swimming.

I brought my insulated water bottle which was a lifesaver in the Australian heat. With no shops directly on the beach, you'll want to come prepared with drinks and snacks. The nearest cafe is about a 10-minute walk, which feels like a marathon in 90°F heat.

The north end of Leighton is clothing-optional, so unless you want to give the kids an unexpected anatomy lesson, stick to the southern sections with the family.

For families looking to mix beach time with a little education (don't worry, the kids won't even notice they're learning), Coogee Beach is my top pick. The Omeo Shipwreck sits just offshore in shallow water, visible from the beach and accessible for decent snorkelers.

I'm no Jacques Cousteau, but even I managed to swim out to the wreck with my snorkel set that packs down small enough to fit in my carry-on. The water clarity here is ridiculous - you can see straight to the bottom even from the shore.

The Maritime Trail along the beach has these cool interpretive signs about shipwrecks and maritime history that actually kept me entertained (and I have the attention span of a goldfish when it comes to historical markers). For the kids, there's a jetty perfect for fishing and a protected swimming area with almost no waves.

The eco-shark barrier here is a game-changer for parents with shark anxiety (which, let's be honest, is all of us since Jaws). It creates this massive protected swimming zone where you can actually relax without scanning the horizon for fins every 30 seconds.

Budget tip: The Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club has meals under $15 with probably the best ocean views in town. Their Tuesday night special (burger and beer for $15) saved me from another night of hostel cooking.