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While the Perth metropolitan area of the Western Australia coast doesn't get the same swells as the famed South West or lesser known North, surfing is still a popular pastime. From late autumn to early spring the ocean comes to life and you should be able to find a wave on Trigg Beach, in Cottesloe or even on Leighton Beach. Keep an eye on the swell maps and when the wind is easterly, go for it! For beginners, summertime waves are the go, and best hit in the morning as the afternoon onshore winds quickly make surfing impossible in summer.
AQWA
AQWA features an underwater observatory that takes the shape of a tunnel. You can get up-close with sharks, stingrays and a huge variety of marine life without the slightest chance of getting wet or eaten. Interact with aquatic creatures in the touch pool, and stand amongst one of the largest living coral reef exhibits in the world.
This naturally formed lagoon is a sheltered spot, perfect for snorkelling and swimming, where you can see marine plants and animals close to shore.
A marina area with restaurants, shopping, live entertainment, and a sheltered beach area when you can swim in the ocean (be warned that the water is full of seaweed).
A small water park next to Hillarys Boat Harbour. Includes three water slides, mini golf and trampolines. Also has a cafe and seating area.
One of Perth's most famous beaches, and a favourite among locals and tourists alike. A quiet beach with a pleasant footpath along Marine Parade with panoramic views over the Indian Ocean. Watch the sunset whilst sitting on one of many benches and the scores of surfers who are still there in winter months trying to catch waves. There is a shady grassed area as well as sand, and the beach is patrolled. From Fremantle, head about 10 minutes north by car via the Stirling Highway. Or take the train to Cottesloe and catch the "Cott Cat" free shuttle bus, running every 15 minutes each weekend and public holiday throughout summer. The Cott Cat runs in a loop between Cottesloe Train Station and Cottesloe Beach, stopping at North Cottesloe (outside the Ocean Beach Hotel) and Cottesloe Beach (outside Il Lido Cafe). From Cottesloe station, you can head west down Forrest Street for about ten minutes to reach the beach. Another option is to take bus 102 from Williams street or Esplanade station and it has a stop right by Cottesloe beach.
The only beach in Perth that permits nude bathing. At other beaches, topless females will not usually get a police fine but will get stared at. The atmosphere at Swanbourne Clothing Optional Beach (about 500 m north of Swanbourne Beach) is friendly and relaxing. It is more of a sunbathing beach than a swimming beach, with a steep sandy descent into water which gets deep quickly. There are no lifeguards or red-and-yellow flags at this beach, and so it is essential to keep a close eye on children near the water. The nude beach is frequented by a variety of sun-seekers of all ages; couples, families, and groups. The easiest way to get there is by car, however there is a train station about 1km away. Alternatively, you can catch the bus 102, which is heading to Cottesloe. The bus will go through some residential areas before reaching Cottesloe coast. As soon as you can see the ocean, get off the bus and Swanbourne beach is right cross the road. Heading north down the beach, you can reach the nude beach.