Cottesloe, Perth (west)

Vibe: Surf's up!

Rent: expensive

Location: Beach, 5-10km from city centre

Surfs Up! Cottesloe, or Cott as the locals call it, is home to Perth’s most famous and best beach with stunning views over the Indian Ocean. The suburb has a laid back beach-bum feel and offers a happy family environment. Cott is one of the most sought after areas in Perth, it has everything – a huge beach with pristine white sand, parks, cafes, restaurants, shopping, good public transport, and a social conscience.

The people of Cott are a proud bunch. This is a tight knit community and people here tend to be very environmentally aware. They have managed to ward off beachfront developments more than once, to keep Cott the way it always has been - low density living. The houses here are well kept, large and oh so expensive.

They may be laid back in Cott, but they are certainly not idle! This is an active suburb where every few metres you will see a surfer, dog walker, cyclist or runner. There is a constant buzz through Cott during summer as backpackers, tourists and sandgropers flock to the beach. The Cottesloe Pines provide great shade on the grassy parts. The Indiana (originally known as Indiana Tea House) is the iconic building on Cott Beach, and is featured on countless postcards and calendars from Perth.  Ocean Beach Hotel and Cottesloe Hotel are also popular drinking holes.

The Boat Shed Market on Jarrad Street offers the best in quality produce from, meats, cheeses to a bakery and florist. Cottesloe Train Station is on the Fremantle Line, and the Circle Line bus also stops in Cott. This beach suburb is steeped in history. It was home to former  Prime Minister John Curtin, and the Surf Life Saving Club, which is an icon, and has been in operation for over 100 years.

> COTTESLOE ON THE PERTH MAP