Perth/The Coast

The Coast is the area of beach on the west coast of Perth. The area is bounded to the north by Hillarys Boat Harbour and beyond are Perth's outer suburbs. To the south is North Fremantle and to the east, Perth's Northern Suburbs. Notable beaches along this coastal strip include Cottesloe Beach, Swanbourne Beach, City Beach, Scarborough Beach, Trigg Beach and Sorrento Beach. Many of Perth's most affluent suburbs are situated along this coastal strip and there aren't many areas dedicated for tourists except for the Scarborough Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour areas where there are shops, restaurants and accommodation.

By train
Beaches like Cottesloe and Swanbourne beach are a 15- to 20-minute walk from Cottesloe Train Station which is on the Fremantle line. Leighton Beach can be accessed straight from the North Fremantle train station: it's a 500-m stroll to the beach.

The northern beaches are less accessible by train. Trains heading north along the Joondalup line follow the Mitchell Freeway, which means the train stations aren't within walking distance of the beaches, although many of the stations have public buses that can take you there.

By car
The best way to experience Perth's coastline and beaches is to hire a car (especially beautiful at sunset).

If coming from Fremantle, take Curtin Avenue north and then turn left onto Marine Parade. This will give you access to Cottesloe and Swanbourne Beaches.

If coming from the Northern Suburbs:
 * Take West Coast Highway to visit City Beach or Scarborough Beach
 * Take West Coast Drive to visit Sorrento Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Buy

 * Art stores with local scenic photos, surfwear, women's fashion and shoes, Margaret River Produce including olive oil, dukkah and jams.

Eat
Cottesloe, Scarborough, and Hillarys Boat Harbour offer the greatest variety of restaurants.



Drink

 * Observation Beach Hotel (a.k.a. OBH) Cottesloe Beach. Linked with a local hostel it's a great place to watch the sunset over the West Coast whilst enjoying a drink.
 * Bar 120 at Hillarys Boat Harbour