There is more to Cottesloe than the iconic beach view of the Indiana or the magnificent Sculptures by the Sea held each year in early March.
The Cottesloe Coastal Walk Challenge is about finding 30 walking along the coast north or south from the main beach. We chose to walk south following the dual use footpath along Marine Parade. This provided stunning ocean views out to Rottnest Island, south to Fremantle Harbour and even Garden Island heading south and stunning views of Cottesloe Beach and up the coast to Scarborough on the walk back heading north.
It is also possible to walk portions of this section on the beach itself. Or you could walk the path one way and the beach part of the return section. Please be aware a large part of South Cottesloe Beach is a dog beach.
Once again being on foot provides insights into things you just don't see when you are driving or even cycling. We spotted lots of interesting plaques about birds, butterflies, reptiles and plants that call this section of the coast home. There were also plaques showing where the Elizabeth (1939) and the French ship Naturaliste had been wrecked off the coast. As the venue for Sculptures of the Sea each year it appears many Cottesloe residents take this on board and feature sculptures in their homes. The council has also purchased many sculptures over the years and these are featured along the way.
Since writing this blog the Cottesloe Nature Discovery Space nature playground has opened up near the Vlamingh Memorial, providing a great place to stop for a breather or an end or begin point for your coastal walk. The council must have also seen the potential of the coastal shrubbery for cubbies and dens! If you start your walk closer to the Vlamingh Memorial you can park at Mosman Beach which has great views south to Fremantle.
On the return stop off at the new ship themed Dutch Inn Playground (2022) at Dutch Inn Beach.
We started from North Cottesloe, enjoying a coffee from the Blue Duck before heading south until just past the Vlamingh Memorial. The walk south took about 45 minutes with lots of stops for photos. The return walk was about 30 minutes at a good pace and then we spent another 15 minutes exploring north of the Blue Duck up to Grant Marine Park. All up a round trip of around 6km. The Grant Marine Park has its own car park, a small shaded playground and some trails through an area of coastal bush to the rear. Many of the plants were labelled so it was an interesting little sidetrip. The Cottesloe Coastal Walk is part of the Wardun Beelier Bidi (Seahorse) Trail which forms part of the larger Whadjuk Trail Network.
The walk is on a dual use pathway and it is mostly flat and easy to navigate. There are plenty of tracks to take you down to the beach if you prefer to get your toes wet or if you want to stop for a quick dip in the ocean....it certainly looks inviting!
If you are with kids they could easily ride bikes or scooter and there are several playgrounds along the way. Bike racks are available at the Cottesloe Beach playground area if you want to lock them up for a while to get fish and chips or an icecream. There are also lots of benches scattered along the path so you can have a rest and take in the views. There is a water station near the playground at South Cott Groyne. Toilets are located at the Indiana Cottesloe Beach and slightly further north at North Cottesloe Surf Club.
Even if you don't walk all the way to the Vlamingh Memorial make an adventure and walk south of Cottesloe to check out the sundial on the south side of the Cottesloe Groyne. The time was spot on when we were there.
When we walked preparations were in place for the Cottesloe to Rottnest Swim...better them than me - it's a long way! Can you see Rotto on the horizon?...out there with the container ships!
If you enjoy this walk you can also explore the coastal path north of Cottesloe to Swanbourne, stopping at the Secret Gnome Garden on the way or exploring Melon Hill and the Allen Park Heritage Precinct.
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.