Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth, where soft-sand beaches and scenic parks meet a thriving metropolis of small bars, creative restaurants and a great collection of street art.
Australia’s sunniest capital city, Perth effortlessly blends urban cool with raw natural beauty. Its heart is bustling with new bars, restaurants, shopping and cultural spaces, and is also home to Kings Park – one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Just a short drive away are the beautiful wineries of the Swan Valley and a string of stunning beaches where you can watch amazing sunsets and even swim with wild dolphins. Little wonder The New York Times declared Perth a ‘hipster haven’. For a list of all the great Perth beaches, you can go here.
Weather – When to Visit Perth
Western Australia’s capital city of Perth is bathed in sunshine for an average of nine hours a day, with a total of 131 perfect blue-sky days every year. That officially makes it the sunniest capital city in Australia, with one of the most enviable outdoor lifestyles in the world. The average maximum summer (December through February) temperature is 84°F , and February is generally the hottest month. Temperatures hover around 54°F in winter (June to August).
The best time to visit Perth is in September, October or November when the city is aglow with the colors and sunny days are uninterrupted by rain. The season that stretches from March to May is probably the second-best time to visit – its warm days are perfect for the beach and other outdoor activities. June through August is low season here with chilly weather and lots of rain.
What Should You Pack?
When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:
- Sunglasses and hats offer much-needed sunscreen and flip flops are perfect for navigating hot, sandy beaches. Go pack them now so you’re not kicking yourself later.
- What about those little items that make beach visits so much more enjoyable? For a little extra comfort on your trip, make sure you pack: Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray.
- Beach toys and goggles are a must for kids. Building sandcastles and viewing the underwater wonders are perennial favorites.
- Take a first-aid kit with you. Hopefully you’ll only have to worry about a few minor scrapes from seashells, but having your own kit handy is a good precaution.
- Beach Bag – Your beach bag will likely contain a few of the items mentioned above. For a well-rounded bag, consider tossing in sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, first-aid kit and water-proof baggies.
- Beach Gear – No matter who’s supplying the gear, look to have the following items on hand: beach bag, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, beach cart and a cooler.
- Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.
Perth’s Best Beaches
Cottesloe Beach
Located less than 10 miles southwest of central Perth, Cottesloe Beach – with its lifeguards, clean sands and clear waters – is one of the area’s most popular shorelines, especially among families. But kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy Cottesloe. Breathtaking sunsets and a collection of neighboring pubs make it a prime spot for adult travelers too.
Leighton Beach
For a distinctly tropical feel, head to Leighton Beach. Bring your sunglasses, because the straight stretch of powdery sand is blindingly white, turning the shallow sea a light shade of azure. Perfect for little swimmers, the beach is patrolled and waves tend to stay small. Locals tend to set up for the day here, bringing sun shades, umbrellas, sunscreen and towels. Others will shake the sand from their feet and stop for lunch at nearby Bib & Tucker for an excellent meal facing the coast.
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Mettams Pool
The most popular of Perth’s northern beaches is Mettams Pool. It offers interesting snorkeling, with shallow access to leafy sea grasses and intricately patterned fish, starfish and octopuses. Go on a calm day to make sure you avoid rough seas and riptides, and be sure to always swim between the flags. After a swim, flop down on the finely ground sand and feel a part of the happy local scene.
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Bathers Beach
Bathers Beach is the first stretch of urban sand in Australia to be granted a liquor license, so expect a convivial scene in front of Bathers Beach House. The restaurant, with a café-style deck and sun umbrellas, puts deckchairs on the sand and drinks are allowed, too. Despite being in the heart of Fremantle, the petite, 300m (984ft) long beach has a secluded feel. Given that Bathers Beach is between the Fishing Boat Harbour and an 1830s jail called the Round House, you could spend all day exploring this historic area.
City Beach
City Beach is the closest beach to Perth’s city center (about 15 minutes by car) and is framed by eateries Odyssea, which has a chic but casual feel, Hamptons, which attracts a fancier crowd, and Rise, a pizzeria. All enjoy fantastic coastal views. Clancy’s Fish Pub, which has long enjoyed its perch at the northern end of the beach, serves more mainstream, pub-style fare and is great for families. The beach itself is a lovely stretch, though waves can be powerful at times, and the wind often blows strong at the end of the day.
Hi Leahrae,
I really love your work always and I am also a book writer so, that why I enjoying your style of writing
Thank you so much for the complement
Your article is impressive and informative. You continue to share your experience with us.
Thanks so much!
Hi, Wow,that’s the place is Embrace the best of both worlds in Perth Australia.This is a wonderful article. A Charming Place for Travel Lovers. Friend of my school life are living in Australia for a long time. I’ve heard a lot about Perth’s words.
You have some great information here. some of those tours you mention look really interesting and some of those hotels look great. This is a natural beauty place.
I am personally interested in seeing kings park and botanic garden, because I’m a nature like person.
Thank you very much for this great article.
You are very welcome, glad you enjoyed. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Australia is on my Must See list of things to do. I am even more determined now to get there. I love learning about other cultures and immersing myself in new experiences. I am from Texas, US, so hot summers are easy for me to handle.
I do enjoy crisp, fall weather though, so maybe I”ll aim for autumn.
I don’t actually care for the beach much, but that could be because of the American beaches I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the sand. I need more data
Either way, this is just what I needed to motivate me to make my world tour a reality. Perth is definitely on the list.
Thank you for this peek at Perth,
Gwendolyn J
You are very welcome. I think if you visit the right beaches, you will fall in love with them…the atmosphere…and everything around. Just a personal thought
Thanks for stopping by!
Australia is on my Must See list of things to do. I am even more determined now to get there. I love learning about other cultures and immersing myself in new experiences. I am from Texas, US, so hot summers are easy for me to handle.
I do enjoy crisp, fall weather though, so maybe I”ll aim for autumn.
I don’t actually care for the beach much, but that could be because of the American beaches I’ve visited. Maybe it’s the sand. I need more data
Either way, this is just what I needed to motivate me to make my world tour a reality. Perth is definitely on the list.
Thank you for this peek at Perth,
Gwendolyn J
Great Gwendolyn! I am from Texas too and I know about Texas beaches. I live in Florida now and we have some amazing beaches. I think you will find that you will find a love for a beach, just need to head to the right one
I hope you can visit Perth Australia one day soon 
What a beautiful scene. I wish where I live have something like this. Anyways, my friend is visiting Perth soon around october and I will be sure to share your site so she can visit all the itinerary. I have to say that your packing on the beach is immaculate. I have never thought of the first aid kit, from now on I will be sure to put it in my bag. What is the best suggestion for transportation as a tourist? Do you suggesting renting a car or the public transportation will reach to all the places you suggested?
I don’t generally rent a car. I prefer to take a taxi or public transportation. I think in Perth that would be a great way to go over renting a car. You friend will have a wonderful time. Please let her know that I would be glad to answer any questions she might have.
Great post! This is well-written and makes me want to travel to Perth right now. I like that there is the best of both worlds with scenic beaches and a bustling metropolis. Street art also is something that interests me. That drone footage is amazing! I often forget the Perth is the capital of Australia. Great list of things to pack too I would surely forget something like bug spray. I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts, well done!
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave me comments.
Australia is one of my dream destinations. I have friends in Brisbane, how far is it from Perth?
And if I’m on a budget trip are there bed and breakfast in there?
Swimming with dolphins would be exciting, as well as seeing koalas.
Oh well, I have to start saving for this amazing vacay.
Thanks for all those amazing information about Perth and what to bring for the trip.
Marita
Hi Marita, Perth and Brisbane are on complete opposite ends of Australia, so by air is going to be the quickest way. The drive would take about 45 hours! Of course there are B&Bs; in Perth
If you visit Airbnb, you will find some options to choose from 
Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
You have a very nice website that I was very impressed with. it was very well written and you have some really beautiful pictures to go along with your content. You really have a great way of making this place come to life and want a person to book a trip to this beautiful place and just relax.
Thank you so much Pam
What a beautiful display of photographs Leahrae. I am so stoked to see this post, as it proves serendipitous to my experience. A dear friend of mine from college is originally from Perth and I only had a peripheral knowledge about it. Your post is captivating and certainly makes me feel like I can know what to expect should I decide to go and visit her. Microbrewies and beach fish n chips sounds exactly like what this lady needs! Great post, as per the usual! Great value in the content I receive from you! Thank you!
Thanks so much Bex! I am glad you enjoyed. Yes, what is not to like about a micro brew and fish and chips….along with great beaches?
The scenic cruise on Swan River would be a treat for me. I’m originally from the Pittsburgh area, so river trips are nothing new, but to do a scenic cruise somewhere else is something familiar, yet new to me. Speaking of Swan River, I would love to see views of it and the Canning River from King’s Park and Botanic Garden. It’s hard to believe from that screenshot it’s actually in Perth.
Yes, when most people think of Australia they do not thing of Perth. You would enjoy the scenic river cruise! I hope you can get there for a vacation one day soon
This is so cool! I’ve never been to Australia, but I’ve always wanted to book a vacation there. Everything’s different over there, seeing as how Australia is its own continent. Even the wildlife is different, which makes it even more exotic. Perth looks so beautiful in these pics and there seems to be a healthy balance of natural beauty combined with all the necessary amenities of modern city life that we’re all so accustomed to. I just don’t see how you can beat that. Thanks for sharing this!
You can’t beat it Mark
I am glad you enjoyed and hopefully you can visit Perth Australia soon!
Wow, that’s the place I want to travel to for my birthday. I am going to show this article to my husband so he can take a look at it. I hope he will understand I want this trip as a present:) You know men, sometimes they don’t think:). Anyway, you have given all the information need it to plan my trip effectively; this will save me a lot of times and hassles, thank you!
My husband and I have only two weeks for traveling, so I would like to know how long do you think it will take to visit all these places? If two weeks is too short, is there something we can do to see all in a shorter time?
Thank you very much!
Hi Daniella, two weeks is a great amount of time. I always suggest, when you are going on vacation to take at least two weeks to enjoy, relax and discover the area. Sounds like a great way to spend your birthday, and yeah men can be dense sometimes LOL.
Ok, Now I am going to just move there. The mild winters are the best. Except I’d have to go alone. And my kids would kill me if I move away again. Are you a travel guide? You cover the information very well, and it is very informative. Thanks for the info. I am ready to head to Australia now!
Don’t upset the kids, however I have thought about it too! But, I do live close to the beach, so I’m happy
Thanks for stopping by!
Swimming with dolphins has always been a dream of mine! They are such amazing creatures! Perth seems like a very attractive destination. I wish I could pack and leave right away. Thanks for the info Leahrae!!
I love dolphins and I have see them at parks, and in the ocean. But I have not got to swim with the dolphins yet either. It is something I want to do as well! Thanks for stopping by Effie!
Thank you for the article.
I had never considered visiting Perth but this article has made me learn that it is a very big and rich country.
I am specifically interested in seeing Kings Park & Botanic Garden as I am a nature person
Great, and it is a huge park. So you can spend quite a bit of time there
I hope you can visit Perth Australia one day soon. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a must have website for my daughter. She is thinking of going to Australia for a couple of years after college and I think this is just what she needs to keep her busy and happy, aside from working of course. I like that you give such detailed info on yours site it makes traveling a lot easier when you are a newbie. Thanks so much for sharing.
I am glad you enjoyed Jay. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
You have some great information here. Some of those tours you mention look really interesting and some of those hotels look great. I’m going to have to come back when I’m ready to book a trip here – sounds wonderful
It is wonderful Trish! Let me know if you have any questions
Thanks for stopping by!