Guide to Coogee Beach, Perth: Snorkelling trail, safety & wildlife

Coogee Beach overview?

Coogee Beach is a sweeping stretch of white sand and turquoise water located in the coastal suburb of Coogee, approximately 30 minutes south of Perth and just a few minutes south of Fremantle. With almost 4 kilometres of stunning coastline, it’s been named as one of Australia’s best 15 beaches — and for good reason.

The beach is part of Woodman Point Regional Park and offers something genuinely special: the Coogee Maritime Trail. This award-winning circular snorkelling and diving route features the atmospheric remains of the shipwrecked Omeo (which sank in 1905), underwater art installations, purpose-built artificial reefs, and abundant marine life including inquisitive stingrays, seals, and dolphins.

Coogee Beach faces west across Cockburn Sound with excellent views of Garden Island, Carnac Island, and Rottnest Island. The area has undergone an extraordinary transformation since the 1990s — from power stations, railway yards, and meat works to pristine recreational reserves and modern marina developments. The Traditional Owners of this land are the Noongar people, who have lived on this coast for thousands of years.

What to see at Coogee Beach

The Coogee Maritime Trail and Omeo shipwreck

The Coogee Maritime Trail is the centrepiece attraction — Australia’s first underwater trail combining a historic shipwreck, underwater artwork, and artificial reef components. Located just 25 metres from shore at the northern end of the beach, the trail was officially opened in February 2017 and is accessible to snorkellers and divers of all experience levels, including kids. I took my eldest daughter on her first snorkelling trip here.

The Omeo was an iron steamship built in Newcastle, England in 1858, later converted to a sailing ship. It was used to lay the Bass Strait Telegraph cable and the Overland Telegraph linking Australia to Britain via Singapore. After several near misses, the Omeo came adrift from Fremantle port during a storm in 1905 and became wrecked at Coogee Beach. Over 120 years later, the sternpost and section of collapsed bow remain visible.

The underwater trail includes over 55 structures guiding divers along their aquatic voyage, 33 modules of purpose-built reef designed by marine engineers and scientists, and underwater art sculptures including a giant starfish you can swim through. Most of the trail is 2.5 to 5 metres deep, with the westernmost extent reaching maximum 7 metres. Underwater educational plaques provide information about the Omeo, maritime history, and local aquatic life.

Land-based trail: If you’re not getting in the water, a limestone walking path connects to the dual-use coastal path with four interpretive signage panels about the Omeo. The walk includes maritime artefacts such as two restored anchors from the Omeo and viewing areas overlooking the shipwreck.

Important: The Omeo is a protected heritage site. Do not climb on the wreck, touch artefacts, or remove anything. Climbing causes significant damage to the deteriorating structure.

Eco shark barrier and swimming pontoons

During summer months (approximately October to April), Coogee Beach features an eco shark barrier (300m long by 75m wide) and two floating pontoons — one inside the barrier, one outside. The barrier provides peace of mind for swimmers whilst the pontoons offer platforms for diving, floating, and sunbathing. The beach is patrolled by Coogee Beach Surf Life Saving Club (founded 2003) on weekends and public holidays during patrol season.

Woodman Point and historic jetty

Woodman Point lies at the southern end of Coogee Beach within Woodman Point Regional Park. This A-Grade reserve features several kilometres of beach frontage, a large historic jetty (built during World War II for transporting munitions), numerous preserved but disused munitions stores, large picnic areas, and walking trails. It’s a popular fishing location and offers spectacular coastal views.

Jervoise Bay Sailing Club

Located at the very southern end of the beach, Jervoise Bay Sailing Club celebrates Coogee’s seafaring traditions with regular races throughout the sailing season (October to end of May).

Wildlife at Coogee Beach

Keep your eyes open for dolphins, occasional sea lions, stingrays, Western Smooth Boxfish, Weeping Toadfish, and diverse fish species. The artificial reefs support a range of marine flora and fauna designed to improve marine diversity and biodiversity in these warm Indian Ocean waters.

Visiting Coogee Beach: practical information

Coogee Beach opening hours and admission

Beach access: 24/7 — it’s a public beach.

Admission: FREE.

Life saving patrols: Weekends and public holidays, October to April. Check beachsafe.org.au for specific patrol dates and times.

Important: Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty.

Getting to Coogee Beach

Address: Coogee Beach Reserve, Coogee, Western Australia

From Perth CBD: Approximately 30 minutes’ drive (25km) via Kwinana Freeway/State Route 2.

From Fremantle: Approximately 7 kilometres south (10 to 15 minutes).

By public transport:

• Transperth bus routes 548, 532, and 512 pass through Coogee.
• Route 512: Fremantle Station to Murdoch Station (serves Ocean Road and Hamilton Road).
• Route 532: Fremantle Station to Cockburn Central Station (serves Hamilton Road).
• Journey from Elizabeth Quay Bus Station takes approximately 52 minutes.

By car:

• Main beach parking at Coogee Beach Reserve.
• Omeo shipwreck parking on Socrates Parade, North Coogee (arrive early on weekends as it fills quickly).
• Additional parking at Port Coogee Marina.

Coogee Beach facilities

At the main beach reserve:

• Shaded picnic areas.
• Public barbecues.
• Playgrounds.
• Public toilets.
• Outdoor showers.

At the Omeo shipwreck area (northern end):

• Outdoor shower for rinsing off.
• Stairs for beach access (avoiding the rock breakwater).
• No bathrooms at this end — nearest toilets at Maraboo Loop (near Ngarkal Beach Water Park) or Port Coogee Shopping Centre.

Nearby:

• Discovery Parks — Coogee Beach Caravan Park (camping, cabins, powered sites).
• Woolworths (10-minute walk).
• Multiple cafés and restaurants.

Coogee Beach accessibility

The beach reserve and viewing platforms have been designed with accessibility in mind. Facilities for mobility-impaired visitors are available. Contact City of Cockburn for specific accessibility information.

Best time to visit Coogee Beach

Summer (December to February): Warmest weather perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Eco shark barrier and pontoons are in place. More crowded, but parking usually available if you arrive reasonably early. Water temperature warmest.

Autumn (March to May): Ocean temperature remains warm through autumn. Comfortable weather with fewer crowds. Excellent for snorkelling.

Winter (June to August): Cold for swimming but beautiful for walks and peaceful beachscapes. Wetsuits or insulated diving clothing recommended but not essential for hardy souls.

Spring (September to November): Warming temperatures, good blend of comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

For snorkelling: Early morning is best for calm conditions before wind picks up. Visibility varies between 1 to 7 metres depending on weather and time of year. Low tide offers better wreck visibility with less water depth.

Stinger warning: Certain summers are affected by stingers, usually in months leading up to Christmas. Consider wearing a wetsuit or long-sleeved stinger protection during this period.

Safety information for Coogee Beach

Ocean safety: Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. The beach is relatively sheltered by offshore reefs (Carnac Island and others are 5 to 6km offshore), keeping waves generally under 1 metre.

Snorkelling safety:

• Don’t overestimate your abilities — swim within your limits and take a buddy.
• Avoid snorkelling when wind or swell is up — visibility drops significantly.
• Check beach warning signs and weather conditions before entering water.
• Take a flotation device (pool noodle, bodyboard, or kickboard) to avoid accidentally resting on the wreck.
• Do not climb on the Omeo wreck — it’s a protected heritage site and climbing causes damage plus risk of injury from sharp rusted metal.

Marine life: The trail is home to generally harmless marine life, but don’t touch anything. Watch for blowfish (pufferfish), which inflate when threatened.

Nearby attractions to Coogee Beach

Coogee Beach is ideally positioned near Fremantle and Perth with excellent access to south coast attractions:

• Fremantle: 7km north (10 minutes) — historic port city with Fremantle Prison (World Heritage Site), Fremantle Markets, WA Shipwrecks Museum, Little Creatures brewery, cafés, and vibrant arts scene.
• Port Coogee Marina: Adjacent — modern marina development with restaurants, cafés (including Dome Café), shops, and Coogee Village shopping centre.
• Rottnest Island: Short ferry ride from Fremantle — home to friendly quokkas, pristine beaches, cycling trails, and snorkelling spots.
• South Beach: 5km north — another excellent Perth beach with surf, cafés, and foreshore facilities.
• Woodman Point Regional Park: Immediately south — historic jetty, munitions stores, walking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots.
• Garden Island: Visible offshore — Australian naval base (restricted access).
• Cockburn Wetlands: Nearby — bird watching and nature walks.
• Adventure World: Western Australia’s largest theme park (approximately 15 minutes’ drive).

Tip: The area has decent dining options, though they cater to the tourist/local beach crowd. For more adventurous dining, head to Fremantle.

Tips for visiting Coogee Beach

• Arrive early on weekends, especially in summer — parking at the Omeo end fills quickly.
• Bring your own snorkelling gear — hire options are limited nearby.
• Download the dive and snorkel trail map from City of Cockburn website before visiting.
• Check tide times if snorkelling the Omeo — low tide offers better visibility and beach access.
• Pack sunscreen, umbrellas, and plenty of water — Western Australian sun is intense.
• Take pool noodles if snorkelling with kids — helps them explore longer without tiring.
• Don’t climb on the Omeo wreck — it’s illegal, damages the heritage site, and risks injury.
• Combine your visit with Woodman Point walking trails for a full day outdoors.
• Visit Fremantle afterwards for lunch, markets, or brewery tours.
• The beach regularly hosts community events including Australia Day Coogee Beach Fest, Coogee Live, and the Jetty-to-Jetty Swim — check City of Cockburn events calendar.
• Stay for sunset — the views over Garden Island and Rottnest Island are spectacular.
• If camping, book Discovery Parks — Coogee Beach well in advance during school holidays.

More Perth travel articles

Other Perth travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• Practical guide to visiting Scarborough Beach.
• Visitor guide to Cottesloe Beach.
• Quokkas by the beach on Rottnest Island.
• Practical tips for visiting the Caversham Wildlife Park.
• Why the Swan Valley is a perfect stopover.