Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight
Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning.
For me the perfect way to end a day involves watching a sunset. In fact, I’ve been known to hop in my car and chase the setting sun just so I can capture its beauty on camera. Whether it’s a blood red hue or a bright burnt orange that lights up the sky as daylight fades, I love the fact that no two sunsets are ever quite the same – each and every one has a certain uniqueness to it.
One of the best places to admire a legendary Western Australia sunset is Cottesloe Beach, quite possibly Perth’s most famous beach. It’s certainly one of the most popular. Loved by locals and tourists alike, people go there to swim, surf, jog, walk their dogs, enjoy a picnic or catch up with friends.
I remember watching my first sunset at Cottesloe. Sitting on the embankment, scoffing some fish and chips, looking out across the beautiful Indian Ocean and just waiting patiently for what my friends assured me would be the best sunset I’ll ever see. And boy were the right. Watching that stunning visual display of nature’s finest, sitting there as the sun began to dip closer and closer towards the horizon, was enough proof for me to conclude that Perth just might be the best place on earth if you’re into sunsets.
Viewed first hand, it’s hard to imagine a better place to watch the sun set into the Indian Ocean. Golds, oranges, reds… The colours were incredible. There I was, gazing upon Mother Nature’s latest masterpiece. It filled me with such wonder.
So the next time you find yourself in Perth, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience a Cottesloe sunset. It’s 30 minutes that will stay with you forever. Certainly long after you’ve polished off the fish and chips, anyway!
How to get to Cottesloe Beach from Perth
It takes about 15 minutes to get to Cottesloe from Perth city by car, although it’s easily accessible by train and bus. Located in Perth’s western suburbs, Cottesloe is one of Western Australia’s most popular beaches. In fact in 2009 Lonely Planet named it the world’s second best family beach.
If you’re taking public transport from the city, the easiest way to get to Cottesloe is by train. Catch the Fremantle train line from Perth Station (Platform 7) to Cottesloe. The train journey takes just under 20 minutes, from then it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach front itself. Alternatively you can take the bus (#102) from Railway Street rather than walk it.
Fun fact
A red sky at night indicates high pressure is moving in from the west. Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of giving us the heads up that dry and pleasant weather is headed our way. Whereas a red sky in the morning means that wet and windy weather is most likely on its way, due to the high pressure weather system having moved east.
