Cottesloe Beach (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Cottesloe Beach?
What makes it 89% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can surf, snorkel, photograph sunsets, and walk to cafés with ease; patrolled flags, free showers, and toilets make an independent visit safe and convenient.
Positives:
- Easy Transport: Catch the Fremantle line train to Cottesloe Station for a 5-minute walk to the beach.
- Free Facilities: Use public toilets, coin-free outdoor showers, and drinking fountains at no cost.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: Bring a sun umbrella or hat; shaded spots are mainly on grassy terraces.
- Weekend Crowds: Arrive early on weekends to find parking and a quiet spot on the sand.
What is Cottesloe Beach?
- A 600-metre stretch of white-sand shoreline on the Indian Ocean coast in Perth’s western suburbs
- A patrolled public beach defined by limestone groynes and the historic Indiana Tea House
- A foreshore framed by Norfolk pine trees and Marine Parade boulevards housing cafés and restaurants
What is so special about Cottesloe Beach for solo trip?
- Join small-group surf lessons to catch your first wave.
- Stroll the esplanade for prime solo photography opportunities.
- Paddleboard along quiet stretches at your own pace.
- Toss a line off the northern groyne for local fish.
- Relax in Civic Centre gardens away from the crowd.
- Easily reachable by train with free showers and toilets.
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 day
Why 0.5-1 day visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to try a surf lesson, explore the esplanade, and relax by the gardens
Solo-Friendly Activities in Cottesloe Beach
Surf Lesson:
Join a small-group lesson to learn to paddle and catch waves at the main groyne.
Tip: Book with a certified school early to secure a calm morning slot.
Esplanade Photography Walk:
Stroll the paved esplanade for framed shots of palm trees, surf action, and sunsets.
Tip: Bring a telephoto lens to capture distant surfers and birdlife.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding:
Rent a SUP near the northern groyne and explore the shoreline at your pace.
Tip: Start in calm morning conditions and wear sunscreen.
Rock Fishing:
Fish off the northern groyne for whiting, herring, and flathead with a WA licence.
Tip: Check tide charts and fish at dawn for best catches.
Civic Centre Gardens:
Wander heritage gardens behind the beach for a peaceful break away from sand.
Tip: Enter via Napier Street and admire the fountain under shaded Norfolk pines.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cottesloe Beach
- Time Your Visit: Visit before 9am for calm water, soft light, and fewer people.
- Lock Your Bike: Cycle and use sturdy locks; bike racks fill up quickly at popular times.
- Check Surf Reports: Use local surf-report apps to pick the best swell conditions for lessons or free surf.
Reviews of Cottesloe Beach
Kenji Kitahara
A beautiful beach although for whatever reason it’s sometimes very smelly with seaweed. The exercise park is great although the 5G tower from the OBH emits some seriously high levels of EMFs, which point directly at it. Overall I do like it very much
Vin Chenzo
Cottesloe Beach was a beautiful clean and well maintained beach. It has to be one of the best beaches in Western Australia. Well worth a visit. A easy journey on the train from Perth to here.
Rhetestp Siptyer
Clean ocean, well maintained foreshore paths, the beach itself however has too many submerged rocks which combined with the waves can be dangerous at times.
Colin J Williams
As a visitor from the UK, I have normally been here in the summer when it is rammed with people. I went back last month via Transperth Trains. Was able to Explore the area with very few people ! , far better than the Summer Months, and the light was Superb !
Jed
One of Perths best beaches! Best to get here early for prime parking. Swimming beach and surfing beach, separated by wharf. There's a few free shaded beach bungalows on the beach and plenty of shade area on the grass.
When is the best time to visit Cottesloe Beach (Perth, Australia)?
Every March, Sculpture by the Sea turns the sand and surf into an open-air gallery. Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Surf lesson | AUD 50 |
| SUP rental (1 hr) | AUD 25 |
| Coffee at Marine Parade café | AUD 4 |
| Lunch at beachfront eatery | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 99 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Cottesloe Beach
Address: Cottesloe Beach, Western Australia, Australia
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