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
- 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
Access: Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach is a beach break in Perth, Australia, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.4m and handles up to about 1.8m, with the sweet spot around 1 to 1.4m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Cottesloe Beach?
An ESE wind is dead offshore at Cottesloe Beach, and anything from the ENE round to the SSE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Cottesloe Beach?
Cottesloe Beach works year-round. Year-round. Small but consistent. Protected from bigger swells.
How cold is the water at Cottesloe Beach?
The water at Cottesloe Beach averages around 21°C, so you'll want a springsuit or 2mm. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Cottesloe Beach good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 2/10 for difficulty. It gets busy (crowd 8/10), so mind the pecking order. Crowded. Watch for rips near groynes.
How do I get to Cottesloe Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is PER, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive. Iconic Perth beach. Easy access from Marine Parade.
What other surf spots are near Cottesloe Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Scarborough Beach (11 km), Trigg Point (13 km) and Strickland Bay (25 km), handy when Cottesloe Beach isn't working.
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