Best Coastal Walks Around Perth
WA’s coastline is made for walking, with stretches of sand, limestone cliffs and ocean views that go on for kilometres. From well-known paths to quieter sections you might not have explored yet, there’s no shortage of places to get out and take it all in. These coastal walks are a great place to start.
Cottesloe to Swanbourne Coastal Walk
Where: Cottesloe
Distance: ~5km one way
One of Perth’s most beloved foreshore walks, this path winds north from Cottesloe’s grassy beachfront through to Swanbourne Beach, tracing the edge of the Indian Ocean the whole way. Limestone cliffs frame the view on one side, turquoise water on the other, and there’s enough café action at the Cottesloe end to make a proper morning of it.
West Coast Drive Shared Path (Trigg to Sorrento)
Where: Trigg to Sorrento
Distance: ~12km return
This well-loved path runs along one of Perth’s most scenic stretches of coastline, connecting Trigg Beach to Sorrento with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views the whole way. The shared path passes through Marmion, Watermans Bay and North Beach, with plenty of entry and exit points if you want to do just a section. Best tackled on a weekday morning if you want a bit of space – it gets busy on weekends.
South Beach to Fremantle Port Walk
Where: South Beach, Fremantle
Distance: ~4km one way
Starting at South Beach and heading north into the working heart of Freo, this walk is equal parts peaceful and fascinating. Sandy stretches and grassy picnic spots give way to views of massive container ships sliding in and out of the port – it’s the kind of contrast that makes Fremantle such a great place to wander. Plenty of options for a post-walk coffee or feed along the way.
Wadjemup Bidi, Rottnest Island
Where: Rottnest Island (ferry from Fremantle or Hillarys)
Distance: 45km total (can be done in sections)
Cost: Ferry ticket required
Rotto is usually bike territory, but the Wadjemup Bidi trail offers a very different way to experience the island. The 45km walking track is made up of five sections weaving through coastal scenery and culturally significant sites, with the short stretch between The Basin and Pinky Beach a favourite for those after something easy and stunning. Turquoise bays, wildflowers and the chance to spot quokkas at every turn.
Cape Peron Loop Trail, Rockingham
Where: Point Peron, Rockingham
Distance: 2.2km loop
About 45 minutes south of Perth, the Cape Peron Loop is a compact but impressive coastal walk through limestone headlands and sheltered bays within the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. The trail passes WWII bunker ruins, interpretive signage and a cantilevered skywalk lookout with sweeping views over Penguin Island and the marine sanctuary. On a calm day, keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins in the water below.
Burns Beach to Mindarie Coastal Path
Where: Burns Beach to Mindarie
Distance: ~3.57km one way
A recently completed section of Perth’s northern coastal path network, this dual-use trail connects Burns Beach to Mindarie along one of the quieter stretches of the Sunset Coast. It’s flat and well-kept, making it ideal for an easy morning walk with good ocean views and far fewer people than the busier Trigg-Sorrento stretch. The marina at Mindarie makes a solid excuse for a post-walk breakfast.
Halls Head Coastal Path, Mandurah
Where: Halls Head, Mandurah
Distance: ~6km
An hour south of Perth, Mandurah’s Halls Head Coastal Path follows a stretch of the Peel coastline with open ocean views on one side and the calm inlet waters on the other. The Peel-Harvey Estuary is home to one of WA’s largest resident dolphin populations, so keep an eye out over the water as you walk. A leisurely stroll from here into Mandurah’s café-lined foreshore afterwards rounds the day out nicely.
Wardanup Trail, Yallingup
Where: Yallingup, Margaret River Region
Distance: 6.3km loop
About three hours south of Perth, this local favourite loops through peppermint forest and coastal heathland up to Wardanup Hill before descending back down to Ngilgi Cave and Yallingup Brook. Views along the way take in Sugarloaf Rock, Yallingup reef and the surf breaks below – and if the swell is up, watching surfers from the clifftops is a highlight in itself. Wear sturdy footwear; the trail crosses sand, cliffs and uneven ground.
Bunker Bay Loop, Cape Naturaliste
Where: Cape Naturaliste, near Dunsborough
Distance: ~3.5km loop
Sitting at the northern tip of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Bunker Bay Loop is a short but spectacular walk with cliff-edge views over Geographe Bay and the turquoise waters below. The trail passes three distinct vegetation types – woodland, wind-pruned marri and coastal heath – and a lookout over Shelley Cove that’s worth lingering at. Dunsborough is just a short drive away for a proper lunch afterwards.
City Beach to Floreat Coastal Walk
Where: City Beach to Floreat
Distance: ~3–4km one way
A quieter stretch compared to some of Perth’s busier coastal spots, this walk follows the shoreline between City Beach and Floreat with wide-open views and fewer crowds. Expect sandy paths, low dunes and uninterrupted ocean the whole way. It’s a good option when you’re after something easygoing, with plenty of space to stop, sit and take it all in.
Coogee Maritime Trail (Woodman Point)
Where: Coogee / Woodman Point
Distance: ~3km return (snorkel trail additional)
A little different from your usual coastal walk, the Coogee Maritime Trail combines a shoreline walk with views out to the Omeo shipwreck just offshore. The path itself is flat and easy, running through Woodman Point with calm water and picnic spots along the way. If you’re up for it, you can even jump in and snorkel the wreck.
Hillarys to Mullaloo Coastal Walk
Where: Hillarys Boat Harbour to Mullaloo
Distance: ~6km one way
Starting at Hillarys and heading north, this coastal path follows the Sunset Coast past sandy beaches and grassy foreshore areas, with consistent ocean views the whole way. It’s an easy, well-maintained walk that suits all fitness levels, with plenty of spots to stop along the way. Finishing at Mullaloo gives you a solid excuse for a post-walk coffee or bite.