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Catch spectacular waves in the best surfing spots in Perth!
I’ve always loved visiting the majestic beaches of Perth, so much so that I’ve finally decided to try surfing! There’s something about the idea of riding the waves and feeling the ocean breeze that’s simply irresistible.
To make sure my surfing experience goes swimmingly well, I did some research on the best surfing spots in the city. I tried some of these to see for myself why they’re the best.
Of course, to help my fellow surfers out, I’ve compiled them here. So grab your board, and let’s hit the waves together!
Trigg Beach
Photo credit: surfing_wa
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/trigg-island-beach/
Address: West Coast Highway, Trigg
One of the most popular surfing spots in Perth is Trigg Beach. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Perth CBD, making it very accessible for a quick beach getaway.
A key reason why this beach is a very popular surfing spot is its consistent waves and great surf breaks. It’s even better in winter, as the west-southwest swells and offshore winds transform the waves here into the ultimate surfer’s playground.
What’s also nice is that Trigg Beach isn’t too difficult, so both beginner and advanced surfers are welcome here.
Pro tip: If you want to avoid the crowds at Trigg Beach, try surfing early in the morning on weekdays. Another good time is during the winter months, as there’ll be fewer people visiting here due to the lower temperatures.
Scarborough Beach
Photo credit: despinapapamichail
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/scarborough-beach/
Address: West Coast Highway, Scarborough
Another popular surfing spot you shouldn’t miss is Scarborough Beach. It’s located just 14 kilometres from the Perth CBD and can easily be reached whether by car or public transport.
This beach is awesome for beginners thanks to its consistent surf breaks and regular swells. It also has a sandy bottom, so the risks of getting injured should you fall off your surfboard are minimal here.
I recommend you check out this beach during autumn, especially in May. That’s when the swells are at their peak, offering consistent waves with minimal winds that can disrupt your balance.
Pro tip: If the surf conditions aren’t ideal or you just want to relax after hitting the waves, head over to the Scarborough Beach Pool. It’s a geothermally heated open-air pool that offers a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the amazing seaside view.
Mullaloo Beach
Photo credit: loretto_ocariz
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/mullaloo-beach/
Address: Oceanside Promenade, Mullaloo
If you’re looking for a quiet place to hone your surfing skills, I definitely recommend Mullaloo Beach. It’s not as popular as Scarborough Beach and Trigg Beach despite being only 25 kilometres away from the Perth CBD.
I think the reason why this beach isn’t that popular is because the waves here tend to be gentler. The good thing about that is beginner surfers will have a great time here!
In my opinion, the perfect time to visit this place is in June. That’s when the west-southwest swells combine with offshore winds to produce waves that hold up well for longer surf rides.
Pro tip: If you’re a complete beginner in surfing, I highly recommend you visit Mullaloo Beach on weekends and public holidays. That’s when the beach, especially its central-northern section, will be patrolled by lifeguards.
Cottesloe Beach
Photo credit: saschassurfexperience
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/cottesloe-beach/
Address: Marine Parade, Cottesloe
Another beach where I love to practice my surfing skills is Cottesloe Beach. It’s one of Perth’s most popular beaches thanks to its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
The waves here tend to be consistent throughout the entire year. What’s even better is that the beach break offers a variety of waves suitable for all skill levels.
Personally, I find autumn, specifically the month of April, to be the best time to surf here. That’s when the surfable waves on this beach are at their best, allowing me to enjoy longer rides.
Pro tip: Once you’ve had your fill of surfing, you can visit one of the nearby cafes and restaurants for a quick recharge. One popular spot is the Indiana Tea House, which offers a great selection of pizzas!
Brighton Beach
Photo credit: rosie_alice11
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/brighton-beach/
Address: Brighton Road, Scarborough
Not to be confused with its namesake in the UK, Perth’s Brighton Beach is a gem among beachgoers and surfers. It’s located south of Scarborough Beach and shares many of the same features and conditions as its more popular neighbour.
It’s considered an excellent spot for beginners thanks to its sandy bottom with a gentle gradient. This makes the waves here gentler and easier to handle compared to some of the other beaches I mentioned.
Since my surfing skills have progressed quite a bit since I first started, I don’t visit this beach as often these days. However, I do find winter to be the best time to check this beach because the waves are more consistent during that season.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to learn how to surf or improve your skills, be sure to visit Brighton Beach during the summer. There’s a local surfing school here where you can enjoy a couple of quick surfing lessons for as low as $55 per person.
North Beach
Photo credit: hollow_surf_shop
Address: West Coast Drive, North Beach
North Beach is an awesome surfing spot that boasts clean white sand and clear waters. While it may not have the same draw as Cottesloe Beach and Trigg Beach, it still has a very active surfing scene.
The beach offers consistent waves, especially during the winter months, making it ideal for surfers of all skill levels. Most parts of the beach also have shallow waters so beginners won’t have a hard time practicing here.
But the real draw of North Beach is the place we call Tom’s surf break. It’s a right and left-hand reef break where the strongest waves in solid swells are typically found, making for an extremely fun and long surf ride.
Pro tip: Aside from catching the awesome waves of North Beach, you can also take a relaxing stroll through the nearby Star Swamp Bushland Reserve. It offers several walking trails that let you unwind and explore the local flora and fauna.
Clayton’s Beach
Photo credit: wndrngvwfndr
Website: https://mindariekeys.com.au/beaches/claytons-beach
Address: 88/42 Alexandria View, Mindarie
Clayton’s Beach, also known as Mindarie Beach, is a hidden gem located south of the Mindarie Keys Marina. This spot has a rich history and is quickly becoming a popular surfing spot thanks to its natural beauty and excellent surfing conditions.
I visited this beach recently with my pals, and let me tell you, it was amazing! It has some of the biggest swells I’ve seen, and the waves bounce off the marina wall, forming big right-hand A-frames that are perfect for surfing.
The scenery here is lovely with clean white sand, clear waters, and intertidal rock formations. The only thing I hate is the commute since it usually takes an hour to drive here from the city centre.
Pro tip: If you don’t own a car, the fastest way to get to Clayton’s Beach is by taking the Joondalup Line train from Perth Station to Clarkson Station. From there, catch the 480 bus towards Mindarie and get off at the stop on Anchorage Drive near Long Beach Promenade. It’s a short walk from the bus stop to the beach.
Sorrento Beach
Photo credit: simplymattb
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/sorrento-beach/
Address: West Coast Highway, Sorrento
Another great surfing spot in the north is Sorrento Beach. It’s a 20-minute drive from the Perth CBD.
While this beach may not be as well-known for surfing as some other Perth beaches, it still offers good conditions for novice surfers. You’ll primarily find gentle rolling waves here that are extremely easy to ride on.
The waves around here tend to get a bit higher during the winter season, which is perfect for rookie surfers looking to test their skills. However, if you’re an advanced surfer, I’d recommend you visit other beaches on this list instead.
Pro tip: Aside from being an awesome beach for surfing, Sorrento Beach also has some amazing attractions nearby where you can relax! The most popular one is the Aquarium of Western Australia (AQWA), a huge aquarium where you can observe the rich marine life that inhabits the waters around the state.
Secret Harbour Beach
Photo credit: cindygielinghjones
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/places/secret-harbour/
Address: Palermo Cove, Secret Harbour
Despite its name, Secret Harbour Beach is actually a popular surfing spot in Perth. Located about 62 kilometres south of the city centre, you’ll need to make a lengthy drive to get there.
What makes this beach so popular is that it’s one of the few beaches in the state where you can find surfable waves every day of the year. And the waves here are varied, so both amateur and pro surfers will have fun here.
During winter, the swells here tend to be really high, giving me some of the wildest surfing experiences I’ve ever had!
Pro tip: Since this is pretty far from the Perth CBD, I highly recommend you check out the nearby Secret Harbour Square before your drive home. It has plenty of restaurants and stores you can check out after your surfing sessions.
Leighton Beach
Photo credit: gosurfperth
Website: https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/attraction/leighton-beach/
Address: Port Beach Road, North Fremantle
Leighton Beach, a popular pet-friendly beach, is also an amazing surf spot! It’s only 14 kilometres away from the Perth CBD and is a great choice if you don’t want to travel further for your surfing session.
The best thing about this beach is that it features gentle waves and a long, sandy coastline. These two combined create a great environment for beginner surfers.
I love visiting this beach during autumn when the swells are more consistent. The best part is that it’s less crowded than other popular surf spots. This gives me a more relaxed surfing experience.
Pro tip: Like Brighton Beach, Leighton Beach also has a surfing school where you can learn more about surfing no matter your skill level. You don’t even need to bring your own surfing board because they provide rental boards to their students!
