Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe is Perth's most iconic beach—a protected stretch of coast between two granite headlands that catches smaller swells and offers mellow waves for beginners and longboarders. The groyne creates a sandbar that can produce fun little walls on the right swell. Less exposed than Scarborough, it works when bigger spots are closing out, making it a reliable small-wave option for Perth surfers.
Cottesloe Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 210° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1m - 1.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (110°)
- Offshore range
- 70° - 150°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
21°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
2/10
Crowd level
8/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cottesloe Beach?
The Cottesloe Beach profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Cottesloe Beach?
The Cottesloe Beach profile uses wind from ESE (110°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 70° to 150°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Cottesloe Beach?
The Cottesloe Beach scoring profile favors swell from SW (210° to 270°), a swell-height range of 0.4m to 1.8m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Cottesloe Beach?
The main season at Cottesloe Beach is Jan-Dec. Year-round. Small but consistent. Protected from bigger swells.
How do I get to Cottesloe Beach?
The spot profile lists PER as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes. Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
What kind of wave is Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 2/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Small but consistent. Protected from bigger swells.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Scarborough Beach
🏖️ Perth's surf hub • Consistent beach break • Always crowded
Trigg Point
🏙️ Perth's best break • Sand-dependent right • Urban lineup
Strickland Bay
🦘 Island escape • Quokka paradise • Ferry to perfection
Mandurah Wedge
Perth-side wedge | Breakwater ramps | Bodyboard focus
Three Bears
🐻 Yallingup left • Barrel reef • Consistent
Yallingup
🏖️ Protected Cape Naturaliste • Friendly reef right • Noongar country