The Best Surf Spots Near Perth

There are two types of aquatic creatures that stalk the West Australian coast — one is the shark, the other is the surfer. Here are the top 10 places near Perth to catch a wave.

Western Australia is home to more than 12,000 kilometres of sparkling coastline, which covers more than a third of the entire country’s waterfront, as well as a fair share of Australia’s premier surf breaks. From the white sands of Rottnest Island to the rugged waves of the south-west, check out the top surf spots near Perth, Western Australia.



COTTESLOE BEACH

Cottesloe can’t claim Perth’s biggest swell, but its white sand and crystal clear water might make it the city’s most beautiful beach. Bustling with visitors who flock to the area’s cafés and restaurants as much as its surf, Cottesloe gentle waves are popular with less experienced riders who are only beginning to jump up on their boards. Rookies can take lessons with local family-owned surf school Surfing Lessons Cottesloe.

TRIGG BEACH

Cottesloe might have the looks but its northern neighbour Trigg has the waves, with a rocky outcrop at the northern end of the beach forming a consistent break for surfers and bodyboarders during summer. About 15 minutes’ drive up the coast from Cottesloe, Trigg is also a hotspot for fishing and bird watching, and lucky surfers might even spot wild dolphins on the right day.

ROTTNEST ISLAND

There are more than 20 bays dotted around ‘Rotto’, so surfers are normally able to sniff out a quiet break they can enjoy all to themselves. Surfing is just one of a long list of reasons to visit this gorgeous island — don’t miss the chance to dive Rottnest coral reefs and shipwrecks, cycle around the pristine car-free island, and meet the adorable quokkas that hop all over the place. The best bit? Rotto is only a half-hour ferry from Perth or Fremantle.

MARGARET RIVER

This part of the world hosts the World Surfing League each year, so you know that the waves are world-class. When it’s not hosting the planet’s top surfers, Margaret River also attracts plenty of regular riders to swells like Surfers Point, The Box and Main Break, as well as a steady stream of thrill seekers to Cowaramup Bombora (better known as Cow Bombie), a big wave break two kilometres offshore.

SCARBOROUGH BEACH

By night, the Scarborough foreshore hosts some of Perth’s liveliest nightlife. And by day, this long stretch of golden sand is a haven for windsurfing, kite surfing and regular surfing. While crowds congregate on the grassy banks around the Surf Life Saving Club and the outdoor heated Scarborough Beach Pool, surfers should stick to the swell around the Brighton Road car park for the best waves.

LANCELIN

This tiny fishing town delivers big waves — Lancelin Back Beach is suitable for surfers of all abilities, while more experienced riders can find bigger breaks in secluded patches of coastline outside town. Located 90 minutes’ drive north of Perth, Lancelin protected bay also provides gentle waters for swimming, stand-up paddle boarding and scuba-diving the dozen or so shipwrecks peppered along the coast.

FREMANTLE

The historic port city of Fremantle has no trouble attracting visitors to its golden colonial architecture, its famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ and its relatively gentle surf breaks. Leighton Beach — home of the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club — as well as Port Beach and Coogee Beach, are a few of Freo’s top surf spots and lessons are available for first-timers.

YALLINGUP

The hometown of champion professional surfer Taj Burrow also welcomes plenty of budding riders to its world-renowned waves. Sitting just north of Margaret River about three hours’ drive south of Perth, Yallingup is blessed with an array of powerful breaks — Three Bears, Injidup, Smiths Beach, Yallingup itself and the beautiful granite outcrop at Canal Rocks in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, to name a few.

SWANBOURNE BEACH

Perth’s only clothing-optional beach is more popular with people who want to catch an all-over tan rather than a wave, but Swanbourne does deliver a decent break for surfers keen to swap their wetsuit for their birthday suit. While winter might not be the ideal time of year for nude sunbathing, the cold weather supplies the best waves — swells are most consistent in the midyear months.

MANDURAH

Less than an hour’s drive south of Perth, Mandurah is one of WA’s favourite escapes from the city. Surfing is one of the Peel Coast’s strongest draw cards — check out The Pyramids, Avalon Point, Tims Thicket and Falcon Bay in Mandurah, as well as Secret Harbour, Safety Bay, Avalon Point and Palm Beach in nearby Rockingham.

THE COOLEST NEIGHBOURHOODS IN BRISBANE

Unlike many other cities around the world, Brisbane’s inner city can be a bit of a dead zone, particularly evenings and on weekends. This is because in Brisbane, we’re all about the ‘burbs. If you’re a tourist in Brisbane, bypass the inner city (well, most of it) and head straight for some of our inner suburbs for less mod-skyscrapers and more coffee, shopping and some youthful and creative vibes.

Paddington

Set up on a hill just a little north of Brisbane, this beautiful leafy suburb is filled with old workers cottages and stunning character homes. Paddington’s main hubs are Latrobe and Given Terrace. It’s essentially just one long road with countless food and shopping options. This is the suburb you want to be visiting for vintage and pre-loved goods. You can’t miss the Paddington Antique Centre, but keep strolling and you’ll find a bomb of once loved and new gems. Paddington is all about independent boutiques, vintage and a decent breakfast, with some leftover hippy options for those that require an alternative.

Teneriffe and New Farm

If you’re a coffee lover, then this is the area for you. It can be a bit hard to tell sometimes where Teneriffe stops and New Farm starts, but this whole pocket is bustling with options to make your weekend stand out.

Start by having an exhilarating spin class at Inspire Cycle. Pick up some delicious treats from Botanica or Nodo (incredible gluten free donuts), and head to New Farm Park by the river for a lazy afternoon under the trees. James Street has many options for a relaxed afternoon of shopping and a long lunch or dinner.

West End

It doesn’t feel so long ago that West End had a bad reputation. While it has been gentrified over the last couple of decades, it hasn’t lost its extremely rustic charm. West End feels a little bit grungy, shall we say ‘less polished’ and is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find many Uni students, artists and original Brisbane hippies living in this pocket of inner west Brisbane. Some must-visits are Avid Reader for lovers of books, and iconic cafe The Three Monkeys.

Bulimba

Bulimba is full of beautiful renovated Queenslander style homes and has the feel and charm of a bayside village, even though it’s just outside the city. This sweet suburb is home to old cinemas, art galleries, bookshops and cafes to boot. Head to Oxford Street for dining (try the pizza at Sugo Mi) or shopping for some weekend buzz.

Samford & Mt. Glorious

These two country towns are 30-40 minutes drive north-west of Brisbane’s CBD, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped right into the middle of the country. Lush, green rolling hills all around, picturesque rock pools and some quirky cafes, Samford is centred around a quaint village, but with easy access to the luxuries of the city. For a unique country cafe experience, try the long established Elm Haus at Mount Glorious and The Flying Nun at Samford.

THESE ARE SYDNEY'S BEST-KEPT SECRETS

Sydney’s long list of big-ticket attractions — the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour and the like — isn’t exactly a secret, attracting a stream of visitors from every corner of the globe. But beneath the surface of the Harbour City sits a stack of lesser-known hideaways, including these seven secret spots just waiting for your visit.

1. Maccallum Pool

Hidden away on the harbour, this Lower North Shore gem has been rewarding visitors since the 1920s. The turquoise pool, white picket fence and timber deck — always well populated with sunbathers — create one of the city’s most Instagrammable vantage points of the Harbour Bridge, and the tumbling green lawns shaded by huge trees (and some of Sydney’s most exclusive property) provide a serene setting for those keen to escape Sydney’s busier swimming spots.

2. Wendy’s Secret Garden

Any landmark with the word ‘secret’ in its name deserves a place on this list, especially when it’s as beautiful as this leafy oasis on the doorstep of the city centre. Wendy Whiteley, the wife of legendary Australian artist Brett Whiteley, converted a derelict space that was once a rubbish dump into an immaculately curated garden in the 1990s, and those lucky enough to stumble upon it, next door to Luna Park in the salubrious harbourside suburb of Kirribilli, have been treated to a maze of winding walkways, rambling paths, picnic tables and colourful plant life ever since.

3. Paddington Reservoir Gardens

This place is so secret it’s underground — literally. The Paddington Reservoir used to pump Sydney’s water supply in the late 19th Century, but by the early 2000s it had become an unused eyesore, until it was converted into a green public space in 2006. The garden preserves a lot of the original architecture — including towering archways, echoing chambers and many of the reservoir’s historic timber, brick and iron structures — and combines it with verdant hanging gardens and modern water features to produce a lush facility in the heart of one of Sydney’s trendiest neighbourhoods.

4. Pylon Lookout

This secret is hiding in plain view, camouflaged in one of Sydney’s most photographed icons. While Bridge-Climbers are shelling out hundreds of dollars to scale the iconic ‘Coat Hanger’, budget travellers can get just as good a view from the south-eastern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge — the enormous granite structure closest to the Opera House and Circular Quay — which costs just $15 to enter. Accessible from the footpath over the bridge from the Rocks, just ascend the 200 steps to the top of the pylon for panoramic vistas of the Harbour City.

5. Wormhole, Manly

Want to flee the crowds flocking to the uber-popular Manly Beach? Escape into this wormhole, a 50-metre tunnel dug by fishermen a century ago to connect the sand at Queenscliff and Freshwater. Head to the north end of Manly Beach, walk past the children’s pool and spy the pink graffiti heart that marks the start of the dark tunnel that takes you to ‘Freshie’, one of Sydney’s most eye-popping strips of sand. The Fairy Bower Sea Pool, with its enchanting statue, as well as Shelly and Collins Flat Beaches are other well kept hideaways in the Manly area.

6. Clovelly Bowling Club

Thousands of people pound the pavement between Bondi and Coogee along the scenic coastal walk every day, but only a few stop to rehydrate at the Clovelly Bowling Club, perched on the cliff top overlooking the Pacific. The club’s street address — 1 Ocean St — tells you everything you need to know about the stunning ocean outlook, which is best appreciated with a cold drink in hand. The atmosphere is a nice mix of local members, families, visitors and 20-somethings who pop in on the weekend for barefoot bowls, cheap drinks and killer views.

7. Angel Place

A skinny stairwell off Martin Place in the city centre leads to this hidden alleyway, which is filled with the chirps of dozens of birds once found in the Sydney area. Forgotten Songs is an art installation of 50 cages representing the birds that flourished in the region before European colonisation; it also holds the hundreds of native species listed either as extinct or threatened. And just down George St in Chinatown, In Between Two Worlds is another immersive inner-city installation worth discovering.

This is the Perfect Tasmanian Road Trip!

Cradle Mountain

Positioned south of Victoria is the Australian island state of Tasmania. Magically rugged Tassie is blessed with dazzling beaches, astounding mountains, charming hamlets and a rich history. Culture Trip has planned a lap of the map road trip from Devonport all the around to Cradle Mountain. Take your time on Apple Isle, venture off the beaten path and discover the beauty of Tasmania.

Day 1: Spirit of Tasmania

Spirit of Tasmania Port Melbourne

Your journey begins in Port Melbourne as you depart on the Spirit of Tasmania across Bass Strait towards Davenport. Sit back in a recliner, choose from a range of private accommodation options or book a day ticket and roam the ship. On board, you’ll find three bars, a buffet-style eatery, two cinemas, live music, kids’ activities, a tourism hub and more. The voyage takes between 9 and 11 hours with both day and night trips available. Vehicle fares start from AUD $89.00 and human fares start from AUD $79.00. To make the most of your time in Tasmania, we recommend bringing your car or campervan over from the mainland as there are no passenger trains on the island.

Day 2: Disembark in Davenport

Cataract Gorge, Launceston TAS - Bridge

If you’ve opted for the overnight trip, you’ll arrive into Davenport between six am and seven am. Disembark and take the National Highway 1 towards Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city and one of the oldest cities in Australia. The drive is just over an hour, allowing you to spend the rest of the day exploring this charming riverside city. Only a 15 minute walk from the city centre is Cataract Gorge Reserve, which features the world’s longest single span chairlift as well as walking trails, a swimming pool, Victorian gardens, wildlife and panoramic lookouts over the icy South Esk River. For an award winning dining experience visit Stillwater, a restored flour mill on the Tamar River serving contemporary Tasmanian cuisine. Stay the night at The Sebel.

Day 3: Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires

Follow the Tasman Highway/A3 for two and a half hours northeast to Binalong Bay, the gateway to the Bay Of Fires which was named after the Aboriginal fires spotted by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed along Tasmania’s east coast in 1773. Stretching over 50 kilometers from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the striking shoreline is renowned for its string of pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and tangerine granite boulders. We recommend staying at Tidal Waters Resort in St Helens.

Day 4: Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay

Moving south down the Tasman Hwy/A3, Freycinet National Park is a pristine outcrop home to Wineglass Bay which is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Dive into the crescent cove, go sea kayaking, or laze on the luminous white sand. One of the best ways to see Wineglass Bay is to step aboard a four hour cruise where you’ll be treated to spectacular views, wildlife sightings and a Ploughman’s lunch courtesy of the Head Chef at Freycinet Lodge. We recommend staying at the peaceful Freycinet Lodge.

Day 5: Maria Island

Painted Cliffs

Travel further along Tasmania’s East Coast to the fishing village of Triabunna where a 30-minute ferry ride costing AUD $50.00 will bring you to the historic Maria Island. Watch as wombats graze undeterred by visitors, wander through the ghost town that is Darlington, see the convict station and stroll to the breathtaking Painted Cliffs at Hopground Beach. Once back in Triabunna, it’s time to hit the road again on route to Port Arthur via C335 and Arthur Hwy/A9 which will take less than two hours. Upon arrival, check into Stewarts Bay Lodge where you can tuck into dinner at the on-site restaurant Gabriel’s on the Bay.

Day 6: Port Arthur

A ten-minute walk down Church Street will bring you to the World Heritage Listed Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasmania’s top tourist attraction that welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year. Site entry tickets cost AUD $39.00 and include a guided walking tour, access to over 30 historic buildings including the museum which contains artifacts from the Convict era and a harbor cruise on board the MV Marana. Other ticket packages are available, including the must-see lantern-lit ghost tour featuring unsettling paranormal accounts dating back to 1870.

Day 7: Hobart

Hobart

Tasmania’s capital city is only 90 minutes from Port Arthur. We recommend staying at the waterfront Grand Chancellor Hotel which overlooks River Derwent and Constitution Dock. If you happen to be in Hobart on Saturday, don’t miss Salamanca Market which has over 300 stalls selling a variety of goods from fresh produce to arts and crafts. Another popular attraction is David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art. Australia’s largest privately owned art gallery houses a collection of 1,900 works of art from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art. Admission starts at AUD $25.00. For dinner we recommend Da Angelo.

If you have time, visit the Huon Trail, about an hour south-west of Hobart and pick up a bag or two of apples at one of the many farm gates within the area which use an honesty-box system. Just be sure to carry coins with you as paywave isn’t an option.

Day 7: Drive to Lake St Clair

Before setting off to the western side of Apple Isle, mosey through the maritime village of Battery Point and see gorgeous Victorian homes before grabbing breakfast at Jackman & McRoss bakery. Looming over Battery Point is Mount Wellington, located just 27 minutes away. Mount Wellington is 1,271 metres high and the pinnacle observation shelter offers panoramic views of Hobart. Once back down the mountain, make your way onto the Lyell Hwy/A10 for two hours and 45 minutes until you reach The Wall in the Wilderness in Derwent Bridge. Artist Greg Duncan’s sculptural site features carved wooden panels commemorating the history of Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Two minutes away is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake at a depth of 160 meters. There are a number of short and longer walks to choose from as well as overnight walks. National park passes are required. Resting on the water’s edge is Lake St Clair Lodge, which has a range of accommodation options as well as a restaurant and wellness centre.

Day 8: Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

From Lake St Clair, journey three hours via A10 to the picturesque Cradle Mountain. From alpine heaths to chiseled mountain peaks and glacial lakes, the landscape is one of Tasmania’s most awe-inspiring attractions. Hike through the iconic region on a self-guided or ranger led walk, visit the reflective Dove Lake and glistening Enchanted Forest, climb to Marion’s Lookout, go horse-riding, fly fishing and see magnificent waterfalls. While in Cradle Mountain, you may come across native wildlife, but if you’re keen to see the Tasmanian Devil then visit Devils@Cradle. Spend the night nestled by the fireplace at the cosy Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. If you can’t get enough of Cradle Mountain, explore the region further on the renowned 65km Overland Track.

Day 9: Return to Devonport

Devonport Tasmania

After a well-deserved sleep in, enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Highland Restaurant before setting back out into the national park. When you’re ready, pack the car and drive the final leg of your road trip back to Devonport along Cradle Mountain Rd and C132 which will take you less than 80 minutes. The Spirit of Tasmania night cruise typically leaves at 7:30pm, allowing you to see Devonport. From the Mersey River, to Bass Strait Maritime Centre and Devonport Regional Gallery, there is plenty to do before you wave goodbye to Tassie.

MELBOURNE'S HIPSTER SUBURBS

FITZROY

Ranked third on UK Telegraph’s list of the ’15 Most ‘Hipster’ Neighbourhoods in the World’ is Fitzroy. Just two kilometres from the CBD, Fitzroy is not only the hippest but also Melbourne’s oldest suburb, dating back to 1839. Today, Fitzroy has a thriving arts scene where hipsters can be found taking snapshots of street art, ordering cold drip coffee at Industry Beans and enjoying baked camembert and gin at Naked for Satan. Cash-starved uni students can be found lining up for $4 pizza at Bimbo Deluxe, while vegans congregate at The Vegie Bar. There are also a number of art galleries including Strange Neighbour and the Centre for Contemporary Photography.

ST KILDA

St Kilda is home to joggers and paddle boarders, although it’s not the active lifestyle that draws in the hipsters. Rather, it’s intuitions like Vietnamese restaurant Uncle on Carlisle Street and the street art in Monarch Lane off Acland Street. Vegetarian spots like the ‘pay as you feel’ Lentil as Anything and Acland Street’s Sister of Soul are all frequented by the plaid-wearing. Those paying off Art Degrees will enjoy the Red Stitch Actors Theatre, and when it comes time to comb that quiff, look no further than Aidan Joseph’s appointment-only barbershop, complete with post-rock.

COLLINGWOOD

In 2015, reports surfaced of hipsters eating lunch in a converted rubbish skip on Easey Street, complete with wooden stumps and milk cartons. Meanwhile, others from the Nickelodeon generation have been spotted masticating on croque monsieurs and grilled semolina at South of Johnston and deep-fried pop tarts at Easey’s. Those with late-night cravings can enjoy 2am wood-fired pizza washed down with 32 craft beers at Forester’s, and even hipster hounds are catered for at the pooch café DogHouse.

FLEMINGTON

When it comes to fun, Melbourne’s beard brigade seek mind-bending amusement, and in Flemington, they can turn to espionage at the Escape Room. Those who prefer treasure hunting should opt for Hidden by Me and Rusty Rose Vintage Textiles & Homewares in Pin Oak Crescent. Hungry hipsters are often spotted in line at Laksa King, offering Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. Also on Pin Oak, opposite Newmarket station, is café Pepper, where the menu is simplistic and inclusive of vegans.

WINDSOR

Often mistaken for Prahran, Windsor encompasses the bohemian end of Chapel Street and is home to Swinburne University’s arts campus. Hipster uni students can ride their bicycles and tricycles to the study nook Tusk Cafe Bar, located a minute from school, which has a large variety of fresh juices and free Wi-Fi. Further down Chapel Street, there is the Hoo Haa Bar and beer garden, and around the corner on Union Street, there’s a joint called Tyranny of Distance which serves some of Melbourne’s best hangover food, including drunken salmon tacos, Asian pancakes and freshly popped popcorn. Those looking for a new get up should head to Shag on Chapel Street, which has been around since 1996 and sells unique retro fashion and costume jewellery.