Perth is well-known for its great surfing locations, but to find the best ones you’ll need to know where to look and what to look for. Across both Perth and Fremantle, there are a range of beaches that suit varying experience levels for surfers. Read on to learn about some of the best spots to ride the waves.
What to look for in a surfing location
When you’re trying to find the ideal spot to go surfing, you need to take into account a variety of factors. Some of these include distance, how crowded it is, the surf conditions, your personal experience level, and nearby amenities. To know which beach suits you best, you need to learn about the different locations available.
When is the best time of year to go surfing?
Typically, the best time to go surfing in Perth and Fremantle is in winter. It’s generally less windy than it is in summer. Additionally, you can expect the beaches to be less crowded during this time, meaning you’ll have more space to yourself in the water.
Leighton Beach
Leighton beach is a popular surf spot in North Fremantle and an excellent choice for beginner-level surfers. The long coastline provides a lot of space and the gentle waves allow beginners to learn in a comfortable environment. By consistently catching southwest swells, this beach creates a reliable environment for surfing throughout winter.
Leighton Beach strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and adventure, making it a must-visit for any avid surfers in Perth. Additionally, you can feel extra secure with all of the lifeguards keeping watch in the area. Among Fremantle beaches, this is one you should definitely check out.
Clayton’s Beach
North of Perth’s CBD, located in Mindarie, is Clayton’s Beach. Sitting between some limestone cliffs, Clayton’s beach is a great beach for honing your surf skills. It’s typically not too crowded, so you’ll have all the space you need to roam around the water and practice.
With minimal outer reefs to break up the swell, Claytons Beach is a popular choice for local surfers. The high dunes in the bush area behind the beach also provide a fantastic view of the surrounding scenery, providing people with a great place to unwind after a surf session.
Sorrento Beach
Sorrento Beach is considered to be a real treasure among the many main beaches in Perth, particularly for surfers. It features rolling turquoise waves and gorgeous white sands, creating the perfect backdrop for when you’re on your board. And nearby, there’s a surf life-saving club, grassed areas to enjoy a picnic, a kiosk, a car park and change rooms for everyone’s convenience.
North Beach
North Beach’s waves break in shallow water, allowing surfers to take a stress-free approach to riding the waves. It’s easy to reach from Pier 21 and there is plenty of parking in the area. Additionally, there are plenty of local cafes where you can grab some coffee before or after hitting the waves. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins playing in the surf.
Cottesloe Beach
Cottesloe Beach is iconic in Perth, bringing you crystal clear waters and relaxed vibes. Cruisy, consistent waves along with natural protection from southerly and southwest winds make it a particularly appealing spot for beginners who aren’t quite ready to brave challenging waters yet. Its gentle waves, combined with its stunning natural beauty, make it a popular destination for those learning to surf.
Additionally, Cottesloe beach is a very popular spot to enjoy food and drinks at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel or Tigerfish. If you’re there at the right time of year, you can check out the exciting art installations of the Sculptures By The Sea event. Whether you’re hitting the water for the first time or simply soaking in the scenery, this pretty beach break offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is a smaller beach located north of Cottesloe. It has a sandy bottom with a gentle gradient, meaning gentle waves that beginners should have no trouble with. It’s not quite as crowded as Scarborough and Trigg, giving you a slightly less busy spot to enjoy the beach. And when you’ve had your fill of waves and sun, you can head to Scarborough and treat yourself to a smoothie.
Scarborough Beach
Scarborough Beach is well known for its consistent, manageable waves and lovely sands. The shifting sandbanks help to create great waves, providing an environment that’s perfect for working on the basics of surfing while you build up your skills. And if you want a break from the water, you can go take a dip in the Scarborough Beach Pool instead.
Falcon Bay Beach
South of Perth in Mandurah, Falcon Bay Beach is a hidden gem for anyone trying to pick up surfing. It’s a sheltered bay with waves that are small and manageable enough for learners to handle. Additionally, once you’re done enjoying the spacious sandy shore and soothing waves, you can head to the grassy area nearby and enjoy a picnic.
Trigg Beach
Trigg Beach is an absolutely iconic surf spot north of the Perth CBD and for good reason. It catches a good amount of swell, making it uniquely excellent for surfers of all different skill levels. The calm waves flowing near the pristine white sand makes it a great area for beginners. But for those trying to find more of a challenge, the water near the northern rocky outcrops gives you much heavier swells to worth with.
Port Beach
Port Beach can be found right near Fremantle Harbour’s North Quay wharf, nestled between the mouth of the Swan River and continuing up to Leighton Beach at the Vlamingh Parkland. It’s mainly made up of lapping shorebreaks that drip away in the summer months, but in winter it’s a great option.
With the location of the breach, it can get some different swell angles that really enhance the surf. The soft white sands and small waves make it a great area for relaxed surfing as well as other aquatic activities like swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing, or stand-up paddle boarding. Once you’re done surfing, you can check out attractions near Freo and see what excites you.
Stay near the best surf spots in Fremantle
If you want to be conveniently located near all the best surf spots in Fremantle, Pier 21 is a great place to stay. Staying there gives you access to many of the gorgeous Freo beaches where you can surf as well as enjoy a variety of other local attractions. Whether you’re looking to spend time with your family or find some fun activities for yourself, Pier 21 has the perfect location. So book your stay at Pier 21 and begin enjoying what Fremantle has to offer.
