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.
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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
- 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
Access: Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Cottesloe Beach?
Offshore wind at Cottesloe Beach blows from the ESE (110°). Anything in the 70° to 150° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach wants SW swell (210° to 270°) between 0.4m and 1.8m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into PER, then allow about 15 minutes by road. 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