This guide to Cottesloe Beach gives you verified information you need: how to get there, parking rules, lifeguard hours and facilities, accessibility, and best times to visit so your beach trip goes smoothly.
A brief overview and features of Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most iconic ocean beaches, known for its long stretch of sand, the groyne, reef edges perfect for snorkeling, turquoise water, and dramatic sunsets. It is backed by foreshore amenities including cafes, shade trees, a grassy promenade, toilets, showers and a surf lifesaving club.
How to get there: public transport, walking, car
- By train: Take the Fremantle Line from Perth or Fremantle to Cottesloe Station. From the station it is about a 1 km (rough walk) to the beach via Forrest Street and Marine Parade.
- By bus: Local Transperth buses run along Stirling Highway and roads near Marine Parade. Check current Transperth timetables for exact stop locations.
- Walking / cycling: Shared paths run along the coast; bike racks are available near main access points. The town is walkable from nearby suburbs.
Opening status, lifeguards and entry cost
Entry cost: Free. There is no admission fee to access Cottesloe Beach or the foreshore.
Lifeguard / patrol hours: Cottesloe SLSC and North Cottesloe SLSC patrols are listed by BeachSafe. Times vary by day and season. Common summer patrol times are 06:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, with patrols starting an hour or two later on weekends. Check BeachSafe for current times.
5 great things to do in Perth
- 🚲 Take the ferry to Rottnest Island – then cycle to the beaches and quokkas.
- 🌌 Dine in the desert and go stargazing – on an evening Pinnacles tour.
- 🐬 Swim with wild dolphins – on a wildlife adventure to Rockingham.
- 🍷 Combine a Swan River cruise with wine-tasting in the Swan Valley.
- 🏟️ Go behind the scenes – on an Optus Stadium tour.
Cottesloe Beach parking and restrictions
Beach parking: There are several free public parking areas along Marine Parade, Napier Street, Forrest Street and other foreshore roads.
- Marine Parade Car Park One: 150 free bays; time-limited to three hours.
- Marine Parade / Napier Street Car Park: 350 free bays; also three-hour limit.
- Western end of Napier Street: 130 free bays and verge parking, with signage.
- Western end of Forrest Street: 130 free bays.
- Marine Parade verge bays: 600 bays along Marine Parade; many are free but subject to parking rules; capacity limited especially on busy days.
Time limits / restrictions: Many bays have a strict three-hour limit; ACROD (disability) parking bays are provided in several locations. Be sure to check local signage.
Cottesloe Beach accessibility and visitor facilities
Accessible facilities: Public toilets (including disabled toilets), showers, change rooms are available under or near the Indiana Tea House building.
Beach wheelchair / walking paths: Pathways on the foreshore are generally paved and suitable for wheelchairs; there is some slope in places. Free beach wheelchairs are bookable online for pick-up from the Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club shed.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Best season: Summer months (December to February) are busiest and best for swimming. Spring and autumn are pleasant with fewer crowds. Winters bring cooler water and larger waves.
Best times of day: Early morning right after sunrise or late afternoon are cooler and less crowded. Weekends and special event times (notably Sculpture by the Sea in March) are very busy. Arrive early if visiting then.
How long to stay: To relax, swim, use café or picnic, allow 1 to 2 hours. If adding snorkeling, a coastal walk or sunset, you can spend most of the day at Cottesloe.
Suggested itinerary and nearby attractions to combine
- Start early with a swim or stroll along the sand, then grab coffee or breakfast at one of the cafes facing the beach.
- Explore the groyne and reef sections for snorkeling or go rock pool walking at low tide.
- Have lunch in Cottesloe – there are plenty of good cafés and restaurants near Marine Parade, incuding Indigo Oscar.
- Stay for sunset and stroll the promenade under the Norfolk Island pine trees. You can also consider visiting nearby Swanbourne Beach or Leighton Beach if time and transport allow.
Cottesloe Beach FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there an entry fee? | No. Access to Cottesloe Beach and its foreshore is free of charge. |
| Are there lifeguards on duty? | Yes. Seasonally patrolled by Cottesloe SLSC and North Cottesloe SLSC. Check BeachSafe WA for current hours and flag-locations. |
| Is parking free? | Yes. Many public car parks and verge bays are free, though many have a 3-hour limit. ACROD bays available. |
| Are there public transport options? | Yes. Fremantle Line train to Cottesloe Station + walk; local Transperth bus routes serve nearby; walking or cycling paths also good options. |
| Are facilities available? | Yes. Public toilets, showers, change rooms, disabled toilets, cafés and shops along the foreshore. |
| Is it wheelchair-friendly? | Partly. Many paved foreshore paths and accessible toilets; steeper sections or stairs in some areas. |
| When is it least crowded? | Weekday mornings and late afternoons; avoid weekends and holidays, especially summer and during events. |
Planning tip: If possible arrive before 9 am or just after lunch to secure parking and enjoy cooler water. Swim between flagged areas, and check BeachSafe WA for surf conditions.
More Perth travel
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