Perth's Best-Kept Secret
Ask most Perth locals like @jason about the Cottesloe to Coogee coastal walk and you'll get a blank stare. Despite being one of the most beautiful urban walks in Australia, it remains surprisingly under-the-radar — which is part of its charm.
The trail stretches approximately 9 kilometres along the coast, passing through dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, coastal bushland, and some of the most stunning ocean views you'll find anywhere in Perth.
The Route
Cottesloe to North Fremantle (3km)
Start at the southern end of Cottesloe Beach and follow the coastal path south. You'll pass through Grant Marine Park and along the cliffs above the ocean. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, with occasional stairs down to small rocky beaches.
North Fremantle to South Beach (3km)
The trail passes through Port Beach and Leighton Beach before winding through the old railway corridor that's been transformed into a landscaped walking path. You'll emerge at South Beach, a quiet stretch of sand with views south along the coast.
South Beach to Coogee (3km)
The final section is the most dramatic. The path follows the top of towering limestone cliffs with vertigo-inducing views straight down to the churning ocean. You'll pass through several small coastal reserves before reaching Coogee Beach — a sheltered bay that's the perfect finish line.
Practical Information
Distance: Approximately 9km one way (allow 2.5-3 hours)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Some sections have stairs and uneven surfaces.
Getting back: Catch the bus from Coogee back to Cottesloe, or arrange a pickup
Best time: Early morning for cooler temperatures and fewer people. Avoid midday in summer.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes. There are limited facilities along the route.
Highlights to Watch For
The WWII gun emplacements hidden in the bushland near Leighton
CY O'Connor Beach and the bronze horse and rider statue in the ocean
The whale watching opportunities from the clifftop sections (September-November)
Hidden rock pools accessible at low tide along the base of the cliffs
For more information on coastal walks in the Perth region, visit Trails WA.
Comments (59)
2 9
2 9
Yeah well
Yeah well
So true
So true
I don't see this view very often, but it sure is interesting!
I don't see this view very often, but it sure is interesting!
Can I tag @Jason or @one or @two or @three or @five or @six
Can I tag @Jason or @one or @two or @three or @five or @six
this is from the main article page!.
this is from the main article page!.
tagging @Jason on desktop works ok?
tagging @Jason on desktop works ok?
and a reply? Tagging @Ezra and @ezrasmith in the replies?
and a reply? Tagging @Ezra and @ezrasmith in the replies?
@android
@android
Tagging @jason not rendering well.
Tagging @jason not rendering well.
Is @two tagging working here?
Is @two tagging working here?
Is @tagging working here?
Is @tagging working here?
Did you know the West Coast Eagles won their first AFL premiership in 1992, becoming the first non-Victorian club ever to win the flag.
Did you know the West Coast Eagles won their first AFL premiership in 1992, becoming the first non-Victorian club ever to win the flag.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. — Luke 6:31
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. — Luke 6:31
amazing.
amazing.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. — Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. — Matthew 5:9
The summer Mum disappeared, the jacarandas bled purple all over Fremantle and nobody seemed to notice but me.
The summer Mum disappeared, the jacarandas bled purple all over Fremantle and nobody seemed to notice but me.
I think what we're really seeing here is a conversation that matters to all of us, and I want to be very clear that we are absolutely listening.
I think what we're really seeing here is a conversation that matters to all of us, and I want to be very clear that we are absolutely listening.
At the end of the day, this is exactly the kind of dialogue that brings communities together and makes our state stronger.
At the end of the day, this is exactly the kind of dialogue that brings communities together and makes our state stronger.
Look, I've said it before and I'll say it again — what's important is that we move forward together as one Western Australia.
Look, I've said it before and I'll say it again — what's important is that we move forward together as one Western Australia.
This is precisely the kind of issue that deserves the considered, thoughtful response that hardworking Australians have come to expect.
This is precisely the kind of issue that deserves the considered, thoughtful response that hardworking Australians have come to expect.
Now let me be absolutely clear: nothing is more important than ensuring every voice in this conversation is heard and valued.
Now let me be absolutely clear: nothing is more important than ensuring every voice in this conversation is heard and valued.
Did you know? Tame Impala's Kevin Parker grew up in Perth and the city's coastline has been a long-time creative backdrop for him.
Did you know? Tame Impala's Kevin Parker grew up in Perth and the city's coastline has been a long-time creative backdrop for him.
What I can tell you is that we are committed, we have always been committed, and we will continue to be committed to getting this right.
What I can tell you is that we are committed, we have always been committed, and we will continue to be committed to getting this right.
The reality is that this matter is being looked at very closely by the right people at the right level, and that work is ongoing.
The reality is that this matter is being looked at very closely by the right people at the right level, and that work is ongoing.
Everyday Western Australians deserve nothing less than our full attention on this, and I can assure you that's exactly what they're getting.
Everyday Western Australians deserve nothing less than our full attention on this, and I can assure you that's exactly what they're getting.
I understand the depth of feeling here, and I want you to know that your perspective has been heard loud and clear.
I understand the depth of feeling here, and I want you to know that your perspective has been heard loud and clear.
We will continue to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the people of this great state.
We will continue to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the people of this great state.
Did this walk last spring and the views around Mettams Pool are incredible! The whole stretch is so underrated.
Did this walk last spring and the views around Mettams Pool are incredible! The whole stretch is so underrated.
I think the important thing is that we keep having these conversations openly, honestly, and with the respect every Australian deserves.
I think the important thing is that we keep having these conversations openly, honestly, and with the respect every Australian deserves.
What we are doing, and what we will continue to do, is listen carefully and act on the things that genuinely matter to our community.
What we are doing, and what we will continue to do, is listen carefully and act on the things that genuinely matter to our community.
Now is the time for calm, considered dialogue, and that is exactly what I am committed to delivering each and every day.
Now is the time for calm, considered dialogue, and that is exactly what I am committed to delivering each and every day.
I think most reasonable people would agree that what really matters here is making sure we get the balance right going forward.
I think most reasonable people would agree that what really matters here is making sure we get the balance right going forward.
Let me say this — the people of Perth have spoken, and our job now is to listen carefully and respond in a measured way.
Let me say this — the people of Perth have spoken, and our job now is to listen carefully and respond in a measured way.
Three
Three
I've been very clear about my position on this, and I think the public can see that we're heading in the right direction.
I've been very clear about my position on this, and I think the public can see that we're heading in the right direction.
What's really at the heart of this is the simple proposition that everyone deserves to be heard, and we are absolutely making sure of that.
What's really at the heart of this is the simple proposition that everyone deserves to be heard, and we are absolutely making sure of that.
Let not your heart be troubled. — John 14:1
Let not your heart be troubled. — John 14:1
Two
Two
Amazing
Amazing
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. — Galatians 6:7
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. — Galatians 6:7
One
One
A little better.
A little better.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. — Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. — Proverbs 3:5
Is that better or worse @two
Is that better or worse @two