Cotttesloe Beach
Due to the nearby rocks and reefs Cottesloe along with its beach draws snorkellers to its shores. It gets very busy in the summer months. If you feel like relaxing, lie on the beach for the afternoon or settle in at one of the bustling cafés that have uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea then this is for you. If you’re feeling more energetic, walk, jog or rollerblade along the cycle path that extends all the way to Port Beach, north of Fremantle.
Think of a typical Australian image and ‘beach' would have to be near the top of your list. At Cottesloe beach, its fortunate to boast white sandy beaches and clear blue water. The coastline offers the beach-lover a range of water activities.
Both Cottesloe and North Cottesloe Beaches offer excellent swimming, with the added safety of surf lifesaving patrols. Surfing, kite surfing and sea kayaks are also popular.
Check out the current beach conditions using the following live camera links kindly provided by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and mybeach.com.au
Fishing is a popular pastime and can be undertaken from the beach, the groyne or Mudurap Rocks (which means "the place to catch Whiting").
Cottesloe Reef is a very popular snorkelling site. The ecosystem extends intermittently approximately 4.5km along the coast, and approximately 1.5km off-shore from Cottesloe. The reef is composed of limestone pinnacles, elevated limestone platforms and watereroded outcrops, with patches of seagrass, kelp beds and sponge gardens. A vast range of aquatic life, including fish, shellfish, crustaceans, weedy seadragons and the rare leafy seadragon, lives in the reef. The reef has become a Fish Habitat Protection Area and the local community assist in its promotion, protection and management.
Whatever your idea of a day at the beach means, Cottesloe has it all!
Attractions
Easily accessed by car, train or bus, Cottesloe is one of Perth's most popular coastal suburbs and tourist destinations. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the attractions that Cottesloe has to offer.
See clear blue water, white sandy beaches and stunning sunsets across the ocean. Talk a walk around the area and soak up the history in the historical residences and buildings.
Hear the sounds of nature: birds welcoming the new morning, the breeze in the trees and enjoy the peace and quiet leaving behind the busy city life.
Feel the power of a wave propel your surfboard towards the shore, or the warmth of the summer sun as you relax on the beach. If you're into fishing, there's a good chance you'll feel the sudden tug on your line as one of the region's many species of fish takes the bait. Feel the solid trunks of the landmark heritage listed pine trees and appreciate their age.
Look out over the beach and watch the the world go by, from one of the seaside cafes as you enjoy a coffee, lunch or dinner.
Taste the top quality local produce available, including an abundant supply of freshly caught seafood.
Smell the fresh sea breeze in your face as you stroll along the beach or cylce along the beachfront pathway. Close your eyes and the tantalising aroma of freshly brewed coffee will waft your way.
Shopping
Cottesloe offers a varied shopping experience. Along with the larger Grove shopping complex , the village character of Napoleon Street, Station Street and the beachfront shops gives Cottesloe a flavour that others seek to emulate.
This unique village character compliments the variety of speciality shops that offer a relaxed, stress free and personalised shopping experience.
Several other boutique shopping centres are located close by and the Perth and Fremantle shopping precincts are only less than 15 minutes away by car or train.
History
The district was named Cottesloe on 21st September, 1886 by Sir Frederick Napier Broome (Western Australia's governor from 1883 to 1890). The name Cottesloe was chosen in honour of the brother of Captain C.H. Fremantle who became Baron Cottesloe in 1874.
The first recorded visit by Europeans to the Cottesloe district occurred much earlier with the arrival in January 1697 of three Dutch ships under the command of Captain Willem de Vlamingh.
It was a further 132 years before any settlement was made. The first of a group of British settlers (under the command of Captain James Stirling) to settle in Cottesloe was John Butler on 250 acres with river frontage (now Peppermint Grove). Butler built a house for his family beside the rough track between Perth and Fremantle. The house soon gained a reputation for the excellent hospitality provided to travellers of the track and became known as the 'Bush Inn' or 'Halfway House'.
Convicts, transported from the United Kingdom, were put to work on the Perth to Fremantle track and in 1858 the road was completed. In 1872 the road was declared a public highway. The Perth to Fremantle railway line was completed in 1881 and a siding was constructed, which became known as 'Bullen's Siding'.
Cottesloe was declared a suburban area at the time it was officially named, but it was nearly two years later before the first 4-acre lots were sold. In the mid 1890s there was a rush to take up land and a number of houses were erected. The first permanent residence to be built near Cottesloe Beach was 'The Summit' in Avonmore Terrace for Mr and Mrs J.C.G. Foulkes. By 1898 the population of Cottesloe was 1,000.
The beginning of local government in Cottesloe dates back to the first meeting of the Cottesloe Roads Board held in December 1895. Rates were levied for the first time in 1896.
With sea breezes being considered good for one's personal constitution, Cottesloe beach began to attract residents and day visitors and also led to the establishment of the Ministering Children's League Convalescent Home.
In 1896 the first school opened in St Columba's Presbyterian hall, with an initial enrolment of 30 students. With a increase in numbers a larger premises was constructed in 1898 to house the 208 students. A private school was also operated by Miss Annie Nisbet.
The first decade of the 1900s saw a change in the status and further development of Cottesloe. With the intention of attracting new residents, the Roads Board developed and promoted the beach front. However issues soon arose over beach attire and behaviour including the contentious issue of mixed bathing. Safety then became the dominant concern, leading to the formation of volunteer life saving patrols in 1908, which in turn led to the formation of the Cottesloe Life Saving and Athletic Club and the erection of a clubhouse.
After a referendum of residents, government approval was sought for the conversion of the Cottesloe Roads Board to a municipality. The Cottesloe Municipality was approved and gazetted on 20 September 1907. John Stuart was elected as the first mayor and the first Council was formed. In 1908 Lord Cottesloe gave permission for the municipality to use his coat of arms.
As the community grew, churches and places of workship were constructed, several new charitable institutions opened (including a school for deaf and dumb children and the Lady Lawley Cottage) and another primary school opened. The Ocean Beach Hotel opened in January 1908 and the Hotel Cottesloe was built in 1905. Both establishments have maintained their positions and popularity to the present day.
Sport and leisure activities became popular in the area, and the Cottesloe Golf Club was formed in 1908.
It was also during this period that Cottesloes renowned Norfolk Island pines were first planted in Cottesloe in John Street.
During the years of 1910 to 1920 Cottesloe continued to grow and despite competition from other beachside areas Cottesloe beach continued to draw crowds of people on the weekends. New guest houses and tea-rooms were built, particularly arond the John Street area.
In 1911 Mr Claude de Bernales purchased Judge Pennefather's property and renamed it Overton Lodge. Mr de Bernales transformed the Lodge into a Spanish style mansion that has become the principal building of of Cottesloe - better known nowadays as the Cottesloe Civic Centre.
Amongst the famous people to reside in Cottesloe were John Curtin (Australia's Prime minister from 1941-45), Dr Roberta Jull (Western Australia's first woman doctor) and Elizabeth Clapham (Western Australia's first woman elected to local government).
With 1930 came the depression, unemployment was rising, businesses closing and families suffering. The Council raised loans to provide work for some of the unemployed and those who fell behind in paying their rates bills.
Following the depression was another building boom. In 1930 the Perth-Fremantle Road became Stirling Highway and in 1932 Swanbourne Terrace was renamed Marine Parade.
During World War II Cottesloe became a centre of the war effort. Defence positions were erected, the golf course was taken over by the Americans for an army camp and the Ocean Beach Hotel was used by the US Navy as a recreational leave base. Post-war refugees were billeted in many of the larger homes in Cottesloe. The Lady Lawley Cottage was used from 1944 to 1946 as a convalescent home for women members of the armed services.
Mr de Bernales was forced to dispose of his assets following the collapse of his companies in 1949 and the Municipality of Cottesloe purchased Overton Lodge in 1950. After some structural alterations, it was renamed the Cottesloe Memorial Town Hall and Civic Centre and officially opened by WA's Governor, Sir James Mitchell on 30 September 1950.
The 1960's bought a new affluence into the area and further businesses were developed in Napoleon Street and along Stirling Highway.
The early 1970s bought further road extensions and improvements. In 1979 the Perth-Fremantle railway closed. Beach erosion became a major concern and much effort was expended in sand control and beachfront improvements.
The 1980's were a vibrant time in Cottesloe, with the America's Cup and a series of yacht races in 1986. More houses, particularly those with an ocean frontage, were built or renovated. In the 1980's people became increasingly aware of the environment, with new programs starting for reafforestation around the streets, beachfront and reserves. In January 1988 Australia's bicentenary was celebrated at the Civic Centre and a large sundial was erected above Mudarup Rocks. The Perth to Fremantle railway line was reopened on 29 July 1983.
Lifestyle
Many people choose to settle in the Town of Cottesloe for the enviable lifestyle, like having a beach right by. Here, there is a blend of historical and modern residences and a rich natural environment together with excellent recreational and educational facilities. All of which provide a popular area in which to live and play.
The safe and friendly suburb showcases a blend of historical residences and modern architecture. A wide range of community services is close at hand with long-established libraries, medical and hospital services, educational facilities, social and sporting clubs. This is a fantastic environment in which to live and raise a family.
With the Perth CBD only 15 minutes drive away, Cottesloe is well situated when combining work and business in the City with a relaxed lifestyle. For those who prefer to leave the car at home, Cottesloe is very well serviced by train and bus services.
The area offers a varied shopping experience. Along with the larger Grove shopping complex , the village character of Napoleon Street, Station Street and the beachfront shops gives Cottesloe a flavour that others seek to emulate. There are a number of cafes, restaurants and hotels all within walking distance of residences, parking and public transport.
You will find sports grounds, tennis courts, a golf course, cycle and walking paths, parks and BBQ areas. Our moderate climate means that outdoor recreation is possible all year round, with the most popular recreation site being our coast.
Cottesloe Beach is very popular for swimming and relaxing and is particularly safe for small children. North Cottesloe Beach is located within walking distance from Cottesloe Beach and is popular for swimming and snorkelling.
Festivals and events feature frequently on our social calendar – from the friendly local Sea Dragon Festival to the popular Annual North Cottesloe Ocean Swim competition
Eating Out
One of the great delights in Cottesloe is discovering the abundance and variety of local seafood and produce. Once in the hands of enthusiastic and talented chefs it is transformed into exciting and wonderfully delicious creations that complement Western Australian wines perfectly.
You can indulge in dinners at award winning restaurants along Marine Parade or enjoy a long lunch at a number of alfresco cafés overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean and Rottnest Island.
For a cosmoplitan experience, the village centered on Napoleon Street (just off Stirling Highway) offers a wonderful range of cafés and eating establishments.
The Cottesloe Beach Hotel, Ocean Beach Hotel and Albion Hotel also offer excellent value for money in fine surroundings!
For a change of pace you can enjoy that much loved tradition of takeaway fish and chips on the beach!
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