Cottesloe

Home to one of Western Australia's most iconic beaches, Cottesloe is famous for its swimming, surfing, Indian Ocean sunsets, lively Sunday sessions and coastal eateries. From the city, it's a 15 minute drive, or you can catch a train on the Fremantle Line, hop off at Cottesloe station and walk eastward to Cottesloe's retail hub or cross the tracks and head west to the beach. On weekends during summer, the 'Cott Cat' shuttle bus runs regularly between the railway and the water. Swimmers, kite surfers and body boarders adore Cottesloe Beach for its crystal clear water and consistent swell, while its rocks and reefs are ideal for snorkelling. For a lazy afternoon picnic, find the perfect spot under the stands of majestic Norfolk Pines that cast cool shade across the foreshore's terraced lawns. You'll find plenty of stylish eateries along and around Marine Parade, many with sweeping ocean views. Book a table for dinner and enjoy one of the finest sunsets in the world. Or, for more casual fare, grab some fish and chips, pick your spot along the shore and watch the sun dip into the sea. By day, take a stroll into the shopping heart of Cottesloe and treat yourself to a spree in the 'village' taking in the high end and trendy boutiques along Napoleon and Station Streets. Then enjoy lunch at the fresh food market, an intimate café or fine dining restaurant. By night, the Indian Oceanside pubs and bars are abuzz every evening and host some of the best Sunday sessions in Perth, with live music and DJs. If you're staying overnight, Cottesloe offers plenty of hotels, motels, apartments and house stays as well as hostels for budget-conscious travellers.