Cottesloe Beach, WA

Perth's most beloved beach — sunset over the Indian Ocean from the grassy terraces is a Western Australian rite of passage.

Live AI Coastal Briefing

Monday 12 October is shaping up to be a beautiful day here on our stunning coastline, with clear blue skies and a temperature of 11C to start the day. The humidity is sitting at 65% and the wind is blowing gently from the ESE at 11 km/h, with gusts of up to 22 km/h. As the sun rises, the conditions are perfect for a day outdoors, with plenty of sunshine expected.



Out in the ocean, the wave height is currently at 2.06m, which is well overhead and suitable for expert surfers only. The water temperature is a comfortable 18.1C, making it ideal for a spring suit. With high tide at 12:33 pm and low tide at 05:33 am, there's plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the water. Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, or just looking to cool off, the conditions are looking great.



For all you sports and fitness enthusiasts out there, today is a great day to get out and enjoy your favourite activities. Surfers will love the challenging waves, while runners and cyclists will appreciate the gentle morning breeze. Anglers can look forward to a great day of fishing, and paddleboarders will enjoy the calm conditions. With the sun shining and the temperature expected to rise to 39C, it's a perfect day to get out and be active.



As we head into the afternoon, the famous Fremantle Doctor is expected to kick in, bringing a refreshing sea breeze to cool things down. With a maximum temperature of 39C expected, it's going to be a hot one, so don't forget to slip, slop, slap and seek some shade. As the day comes to a close, grab a spot on the grassy terraces and enjoy the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean – it's the perfect way to end a beautiful day on our beloved coastline.

About This Coastline

Cottesloe Beach is Perth’s classic urban beach, a graceful arc of pale sand backed by lawns, mature trees and a compact strip of cafés and hotels.

The setting is not simply decorative; the water has shaped transport, work, recreation and the way the surrounding community has developed.

The Vibe

The atmosphere is relaxed but polished.

Morning swimmers, families and sunset visitors share the foreshore, while the beach’s proximity to the city gives it a strong local rather than purely holiday character. There is enough activity to give the place energy, yet the coast still offers quieter moments away from the principal access points.

The Local Anchor

The Indiana building at the water’s edge is Cottesloe’s most recognisable landmark, and the annual outdoor sculpture exhibition has strengthened the beach’s cultural identity.

Norfolk Island pines and terraced lawns frame the public space above the sand. Together, these features connect present-day visitors with the industries, communities and environmental systems that established the area.

The Landscape

Reef and rock formations influence the shoreline and create pockets of shelter, though ocean swell and sea breezes still shape daily conditions.

The west-facing beach is especially known for clear evening light and broad Indian Ocean sunsets. From elevated viewpoints to water level, the landscape reveals different forms as light, tide and weather move across it.

The enduring appeal lies in the balance between open scenery, local tradition and the practical rhythms of coastal life.