The best day trips from Perth
Perth’s buzzy boutiques and sunny beaches will draw you in, but eerie rock formations and furry island animals will have you exploring beyond the city.
By Katrina Lobley
Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, covering well over 2.5 million square kilometres (1.5 million square miles). Within this vast expanse lies unbelievable natural wonder, friendly wildlife and rolling hills blanketed in vines. Many of these beautiful destinations lie just hours from the capital of Perth.
The Pinnacles
Where: 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Perth.
The stunning limestone formations known as the Pinnacles are near Cervantes. A crayfishing town, Cervantes is the gateway to Nambung National Park, which contains the Pinnacles Loop – a four-kilometre (2.5-mile) road that can be driven or walked in about an hour. The Pinnacles Desert contains thousands of striking limestone pillars set against shifting golden sands. You might also see wild emus stalking among the spires. The park, with its otherworldly landscape, can be visited all year round, but there's a bonus in spring, when the wildflowers and wattles are in bloom. Visit at dawn to see the shadows cast by the unusual formations, or experience the eerie landscape at sunset, when the colours change with the moving sun.
Avon Valley
PUBLIC Silo Trail, Merredin, Western Australia © Bewley Shaylor
Where: a one- to two-hour drive from Perth.
The vast Avon Valley covers seven localities, from Beverley in the south to New Norcia in the north. Potter around quaint townships such as York, roam around in spring to see pretty wildflowers, delve into pioneer history and drive among rolling hills. To see the picturesque valley from above, take a ride with Windward Balloon Adventures, based in Northam. Arrive hungry in the benedictine community of New Norcia and sample artisan treats such as nut cake and breads baked in the monastery's century-old wood-fired oven. Quench your thirst with Abbey Ale, aged in the cellars beneath the monastery. If you have extra time, consider driving the PUBLIC Silo Trail to see intricate large-scale murals painted on towering grain silos.
Busselton
Where: just over 200 kilometres (138 miles) south of Perth.
You don't have to look hard to find the focal point at Busselton. Everything here revolves around the 1.8-kilometre (1.1-mile) long jetty. It's the world's longest wooden pier. Stroll along the jetty or take the cute, red, 50-seat train to the end, where there's an underwater observatory, accessed via a spiral stairway. You’ll even find an Australian first here: a dining experience eight metres (26 feet) below the ocean’s surface. As you wander along the jetty, keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in Geographe Bay. From September to early December, migrating whales also use the bay to rest and nurse their young.
Fremantle
Little Creatures Brewery, Fremantle, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Where: a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Fremantle (known to locals as ‘Freo’), on Perth’s southern fringes, is a vibrant waterfront city with great beers, al fresco food and intriguing history. Try the craft brews on tap at the landmark heritage pub-brewery, The Sail & Anchor, located along a section of South Terrace known as the Cappuccino Strip, or stop into Fremantle’s local brewery, Little Creatures. Nearby you’ll also find the Fremantle Markets, open Friday to Sunday.
Mandurah
Seba's Song Giant, Giants of Mandurah by Thomas Dambo, Mandurah, Western Australia © Visit Mandurah
A trail of real-life giants, buzzing waterfront haunts and natural landscapes teeming with wildlife – it's safe to say that Mandurah is well worth the cruisy one-hour drive from Perth. Embark on a Giants and Dolphins sightseeing cruise to spot the region's iconic sculptures and cheeky marine life, or join a cultural tour with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming to delve into the region's unique ecology and rich Bindjareb Noongar culture.
Rockingham and Penguin Island
Dolphin swim experience with Rockingham Wild Encounters, Rockingham, Western Australia © Rockingham Wild Encounters
Where: less than a one-hour drive south of Perth.
Rockingham is known not only for its raw beauty but it’s incredible wild dolphin encounters. Every year from early September to early June, pods of dolphins come to play in the ocean bordering Rockingham, and you can join them in the water with Perth Wildlife Encounters. Board the boat in Rockingham before setting out into the clear waters in search of dolphins. After a group of dolphins is found, slip on your wetsuit and climb into the water in small groups. You’ll be led by an experienced crew member to swim along as the dolphins frolic around you. Perth Wildlife Encounters will also bring you to the nearby Penguin Island for a chance to spot wild penguins.
Swan Valley
Lancaster Wines, Swan Valley, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
Where: a 25-minute drive north-east from the centre.
The Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest winemaking region. Explore the valley's wineries, renowned for world-class chenin blanc, verdelho, shiraz and petit verdot varieties that grow in a reliably warm and dry climate. Lancaster and Sandalford Wines are Swan Valley institutions, while boutique wineries like Ugly Duckling are also worth a taste. The valley is also home to microbreweries that produce beer, cider and ginger beer, and distilleries bottling everything from rum to pavlova-flavoured vodka. Take an all-day tour to experience not only the impeccable wine and spirits, but also chocolate, cheese and beer. Before you head back to Perth, visit Caversham Wildlife Park to meet some of Australia’s most adorable animals including kangaroos, wombats, koalas and echidnas.
Rottnest Island
Quokka, Rottnest Island, Western Australia © Tourism WA
Where: a 90-minute ferry ride from Perth.
Rottnest Island is famous for its population of quokkas - small, furry macropods known for their adorable smiles. Head over on a day-trip and cycle around the island, or spend the night there for the best chance of seeing the quokkas emerge mid- to late-afternoon to forage (there are free guided walks); don’t forget to snap a few photos. You’ll also find stunning beaches and bays on this island; bring along a snorkel to explore straight from the sand.
