Perth, Australia: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

Perth is a city of about 1.7 million people, and it lies on the southwest coast of Australia. The Indian Ocean is about seven miles from the city center. It is the capital of the state of Western Australia, and the beautiful Swan River runs right through it. Perth is a pleasant city that offers culture, the arts and many festivals and events. You may want to consider a car hire for getting around Perth because there are 19 magnificent beaches on its coastline, and the fastest and most convenient way to get to them is by car, especially since parking at the beaches is plentiful and free. You can pick your car up at the Perth Airport or at a dozen different locations in the city.

Cottesloe Beach is one of the best beaches in Perth and it may be the most famous. This beach is a favorite among the local residents and is a great place to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Families like this beach for picnicking, and there are many restaurants along the Marine Parade, the road that runs parallel to the beach. The protected reef at the south end of the beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Scarborough Beach, a wide pristine stretch of white sand, is nearly as popular as Cottesloe. With the Rendezvous Hotel and several large apartment buildings as its backdrop, Scarborough Beach is the most developed part of Perth’s coastline. This is a beach for those who like to surf because the waves here are bigger than you will find at nearly all of the other Perth beaches. Surfing and sunning are just part of the fun at Scarborough. The lush green parks behind the beach have restaurants and paths for walking and biking.

 

An easy 40-minute drive south of Perth is Rockingham Beach, which won Perth’s Best Beach Award in 2010. Families, in particular, will enjoy this beach because it has shady park spaces, and there are shallow areas protected from the strong sea breezes.

About seven miles due west of Perth is Floreat Beach which won the Best Beach Award in 1997 and came in second in the competition in 1999. This beach, with its sugary white sand and crystal clear water, is designed for the comfort of those who visit. There are shower and toilet facilities, a café with a gorgeous view of the beach and ocean and life guards stationed during the summer months. Delightfully shaded grassy spaces and a great children’s playground complete the picture of a fun day at the beach.

Sorrento Beach is not only one of the best of Perth’s beaches but also one of the best in Australia. Sorrento is accessible via a scenic 20-minute drive northwest from Perth along a fantastic strip of shoreline called the Sunset Coast. The surf here is very calm, so even if you are not a very good swimmer, you will feel relatively safe in the water. When it’s time for lunch, you can go to nearby Hillary’s Boat Harbor, and enjoy a tasty meal at one of the fine restaurants you will find there.