City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Bodyboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed, Small waves
Spot Type
Crowded
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

City Beach Groyne is an exposed beach/groyne feature on Perth’s foreshore that offers generally consistent surf (with summer often flatter). The typical pattern described is a shallow left-hand wave shaped by sandbars and the groynes, and rides are often short, frequently ending in a heavier, dumpy shore-break finish. For surfing, conditions are described as average overall, with shelter at exposed levels. Sources also note that the shore break can become very dumpy and heavy at higher tide when swell is present, so timing matters. A common recommendation is to surf earlier in the day before the afternoon sea breeze arrives. Wind conditions center on an afternoon sea-breeze regime known locally as the Fremantle Doctor. The best wind direction is consistently stated as east (with North-East also mentioned as favorable). However, access and safety restrictions are significant for kite/wind sports: sources describe kiting/windsurfing as generally restricted within swimming zones between flags and often prohibited directly between groynes, with additional cautions to keep well clear of the groyne itself. Safety considerations include rip currents and shark presence, along with groyne-related obstacles. Crowds can be significant, so keeping distance from beach users during launch and landing is emphasized; rescue coverage is described as limited at the spot level but emergency guidance and the nearby major hospital are noted in the safety information.

  • Consistent urban beach/groyne surf outside flat-summer periods
  • Best wind noted from the east (offshore for some setups)
  • Afternoon sea-breeze window for wind sports
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing longboardSurfing shortboardWindsurfing freerideWingfoil freerideKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • Generally consistent surfing outside of mostly-flat summer periods.
  • East winds are the best wind direction noted for the spot.
  • Urban beach with easy parking and many nearby amenities.
  • Seasonal lifeguard presence.
Heads up
  • Restricted swimming-zone access for wind sports around the groynes and flags.
  • Shore break can be very dumpy and heavy at high tide with a decent swell.
  • Rip currents and shark presence are reported.
  • Crowds can be heavy.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, NNE, SE, SW
Offshore directions
E, NNE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Afternoon sea-breeze regime commonly known locally as the Fremantle Doctor.
Reliability
High during summer months for wind sports; morning easterlies are reliable for surfing.
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
October, November, December, January, February, March
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed, Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small
Launch
Small — Small launch area with obstacles and signs; a source notes surfing launch is typically from a spacious sandy area, while designated wind-sport launch areas are typically north of the groynes.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Spot-level sources range from moderate launch difficulty to easy access for sandy surf launching.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–25 °C
Water Temperature
8–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mm to 4/3mm full suitDec, Jan, Feb: Boardshorts/bikini or 2mm shorty
Crowds by Season

Highest in summer and on weekends during good swells.

Storm/Rain Season

June to August typically sees the most rainfall and winter storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

General restrictions apply around groynes/swimming areas; a source notes the spot is not recommended for kitesurfing due to obstacles, restrictions, and heavy waves. Wind is best from the east and during the afternoon sea-breeze window.

FreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Afternoon sessions can work with bump-and-jump/freeride conditions when SW winds arrive; kitesurfing/windsurfing access is restricted in swim zones between the flags and often prohibited between the groynes.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
4.5–6.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Good for foiling in the afternoon breeze, but riders must clear the shore break and groynes.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Shallow left-hand wave off the City Beach groyne; beach/groyne type with generally consistent surf outside of mostly-flat summer periods.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
W, SW
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Shore break can be heavy at high tide.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Best with offshore East or North-East winds; ruined by the afternoon South-West sea breeze.
Bigger Swell
Closes out when swell exceeds 2 meters.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short — Typical rides are about 30–50 meters.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Typical rides are 30–50 meters, often ending in a dumpy shore break.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) in the full forecast view.

City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–15 ktsGusts 27 kts
Direction
S190°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2415 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
9–25 °C

Over the next 7 days, City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • rips
  • sharks
  • groyne obstacle
  • dumpy shore break
  • crowds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital: Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands. For life-threatening emergencies call 000.

Rules of the spot

Give way to beach users.

Restrictions
  • Kiting forbidden between City Beach and Floreat groynes.
  • Kitesurfing and windsurfing are generally restricted within the swimming zones between the flags and often prohibited directly between the groynes.
  • Respect flagged swimming areas.
  • Stay away from Surf Life Saving Clubs’ flagged area.
Local Tips
  • Keep a safe distance from obstacles and beach goers when launching/landing.
  • Stay away from the groyne: it is an obstacle and can create sketchy waves (especially for kite users).
  • Avoid kitesurfing close to swimmers, beach goers, and other water users.
  • Surfing is best in the early morning before the sea breeze arrives.
  • The shore break can be heavy at high tide.
  • Park at the southern end for easier access to the surfing groyne.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Perth
Nearest Town
Perth
Parking
Free public parking lots are available right at the beach; plenty of parks opposite the beach and groyne.
Public Transport
Well-connected by the Transperth bus network and train services linking the Perth foreshore with the CBD and nearby stations.
Access
Free parking available in plenty of parks right opposite the beach and groyne.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Nearby town — Accommodation options in Scarborough and Cottesloe areas.
Food & Drink
Multiple restaurants and cafes located directly on the foreshore.
Equipment Rental:
Limited on-site rentals; most gear must be brought from shops in Perth or Scarborough.
Gear Storage
Not available.
Gear Repair
Repair shops are located in the nearby northern suburbs.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore)?

The best overall months at City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore)?

City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) works with E, NNE, SE, SW winds. Offshore directions are E, NNE.

What equipment sizes are recommended at City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore)?

Recommended equipment sizes at City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) suitable for?

City Beach Groyne (Perth City Foreshore) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.