Elizabeth Reef, also known as South Cottesloe Reef, is a nearshore limestone reef system off the southern end of Cottesloe Beach, one of Perth's most iconic white-sand beaches. A Fish Habitat Protection Area, this shallow reef is dotted with limestone ledges, gutters, and coral-covered bomboras that shelter an abundance of marine life. Best snorkelled in calm, low-swell summer conditions, the reef offers clear gin-blue water over sandstone platforms teeming with colourful reef fish, making it a favourite pre-work dip for local snorkellers.
Elizabeth Reef / South Cottesloe
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 1.1 mSwell Period 11 sWind Speed 1.9 knPrecipitation 0.4 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Swell and surge
Swell and surge can cause strong water movement over the shallow reef, especially in winter or during southerly winds. Snorkellers can be pushed onto sharp limestone.
Low risk: Outgoing tide current
Outgoing tides can create currents between reef gutters that may carry swimmers seaward. Check tide times before entering.
Low risk: Sharp limestone reef
Exposed limestone reef is jagged and can cause cuts and abrasions. Reef shoes strongly recommended.
Low risk: Variable visibility
Limited visibility can occur after storms or in choppy conditions. Best on calm, low-wind mornings.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
Be the first to share a photo
No photos yet — yours could be the first.
Photos are reviewed by moderators before they appear.
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
South Cottesloe is located at the southern end of Marine Parade, Cottesloe. From Perth, follow Stirling Highway west to the coast and turn onto Marine Parade. The reef is accessible directly from the beach at the south end of the main Cottesloe Beach strip.
Parking & facilities
Parking available along Marine Parade and in car parks near the main Cottesloe Beach strip; 3-hour time limits apply. Free.
parkingtoiletsshowerspicnic_tables
Free entry
Spot Map
Community
Trust
Is this spot real, accurate, still loved?
Spots near Western Australia
No nearby spots yet.
Needs verification
Quick verify
One tap helps the community keep this spot honest.
About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports