Cottesloe is a western suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the Town of Cottesloe.

Geography

Cottesloe is bounded by the Vlamingh Memorial to the south, Stirling Highway, Congdon and Servetus Streets to the east; North Street to the north and the Indian Ocean to the west. A large part of Cottesloe is residential, although a significant shopping area is located along Stirling Highway, and a 9-hole golf course at Jarrad Street.^[2]

At the ABS 2006 census, Cottesloe had a population of 7,066 people living in 3,310 dwellings, 69.7% of which are detached houses on separate lots. The ABS identified property and business services and health as the two main occupations.

Present day

Historically the beach and its panorama are reflections of the changes in the last 110 years of Perth's history. The photos and paintings of Cottesloe Beach that are either in collections or published, give tangible evidence of the importance of beach-oriented activities in the Perth community.

In early 2008, Heath Ledger's parents held a sunset wake on Cottesloe Beach. This was Heath's favourite beach and somewhere he felt he could relax and just be himself.

The beachfront, and the structures built along the beachfront, have been subject to controversy and competing claims as to what is the most suitable development along the primary dune.^{[citation needed]} Some observers maintain that without adequate wave control, large structures are not suitable.^{[citation needed]} But some developers, including Multiplex, seek to construct larger beachfront structures.^{[citation needed]}

Cottesloe Beach

Transport

Cottesloe is served by the Grant Street, Cottesloe, Mosman Park and Victoria Street and Swanbourne train stations. Various buses, including the CircleRoute, travel along Stirling Highway and through the suburb's western and eastern sections. All services are operated by the Public Transport Authority. During the summer months, the council provides a free shuttle bus every hour during the day, called the Cott Cat, between Cottesloe train station and the Cottesloe beachfront. In 2004 the service carried over 30,000 passengers, at a cost of $15,000 ^[3] Cottesloe Beach is a popular place for beach cricket.

Example of beach cricket being played at Cottesloe Beach in Perth. The bowler bowls to batsman, while the rest field.

An oceanway allows pedestrians and cyclists to move along the beaches in a sustainable manner.

Politics

Cottesloe is part of the federal division of Curtin. The federal seat is held by the conservative Liberal Party. It is regarded as a safe seat as it has been continually retained by the Liberal Party with the exception of former Liberal member Allan Rocher as an Independent politician between 1996 and 1998. For the parliament of Western Australia, the state electoral district of Cottesloe is also held by the Liberal Party.

Famous Residents

• John Curtin, Prime Minister of Australia for much of World War II, lived in Cottesloe from 1918 until 1935 when he became Leader of the Opposition and returned for short periods thereafter until his death in 1945.^[4]
• Claude de Bernales was a mining entrepreneur who built Overton Lodge, which was bought by the Town of Cottesloe in 1950 and renamed the Cottesloe Memorial Town Hall and Civic Centre.
• Former West Coast Eagles premiership player Chris Mainwaring lived here before his death on 1 October 2007.
• Cottesloe was the favourite place of actor Heath Ledger who grew up in nearby Perth. A memorial service was held there after his death in January 2008.

See also

• Town of Cottesloe
• Rottnest Channel Swim

References

External links

• Town of Cottesloe Website