Cottesloe Beach is one of Perth’s most iconic beaches, famous for its Norfolk pines, turquoise waters, and historic Indiana Tea House. With its long white-sand stretch and vibrant sunsets, it’s a favourite for both casual beach days and professional photography sessions.
Drone flights are permitted but should be done early in the morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. Avoid flying directly over the Indiana building or flagged swimming areas. Ideal for shoreline flyovers and golden light shots of the surf zone and beach curve.
Shoot wide (16–35mm) to capture the beach, the Indian Ocean, and sunset hues. The Indiana building makes a strong architectural focal point. A tripod and ND filter are useful for long exposures during low light. Sunset silhouettes and reflections on wet sand are perfect compositions.
Best during sunset for warm colours and silhouettes. Late summer and autumn often have the clearest skies. Morning visits are quieter and also offer soft light.
Cottesloe is popular — be mindful of beachgoers, especially around the swim zones. Respect signage and avoid crowd-heavy weekends when flying a drone or setting up large equipment.
-31.9949, 115.7514
