16 Best Day Trips From Perth by Car

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Perth is the capital city of Western Australia known for its great weather and beaches. It is more laid back, relaxed and easy going but it is also the most remote city. The lifestyle in Perth is more about rivers and beaches as there isn’t much to do in the city. However, there are a lot of things to do around Perth, just a few km away from the city, you will find places that feature wildlife, wineries, unique natural attraction, and world-class beaches making them some of the Best Day Trips From Perth by car.

Here are 16 self-drive day trips from Perth that you should definitely take as they are all great places that can be easily explored in a day.

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Map of all the places for Day Trips from Perth

Best Day Trips From Perth by Car

1. Rottnest Island

If we are talking about Perth day trips then it would be a crime not to include Rottnest Island on top of the list. A day trip to Rottnest Island is mandatory when in Perth. It is the kind of place that you don’t want to miss.

Rottnest Island is located just 34 km away from Perth and can be reached by ferry ride from Fremantle, Hillarys, and Perth. Reaching Rottnest is easiest from Fremantle but if you want to save the hassle of reaching Fremantle first and then taking a ferry, you can choose to depart from Perth Barrack street jetty.

Rottnest Island is a secluded paradise with picturesque scenery and dazzling marine life. Though the island may look small, there are 63 beaches and 20 pristine bays for you to explore. The island is popular for its native quokkas that are considered the happiest animal on earth.

As the island is a car-free zone, it is best explored on foot, by bikes, or by taking an island explorer bus (hop-on hop-off bus). I recommend booking a combo of ferry rides and bikes to save some bucks. Alternately you can also save money by booking an Island ferry and bus tour that includes round trip ferry transfer and a 1.5-hour discovery bus tour around the island. After the bus tour, you are free to explore at your own pace.

Some of the best things to do in Rottnest Island apart from enjoying the magnificent beaches include climbing the Wadjemup Lighthouse for views, ride the train to view the maze of tunnels beneath the WWII gun emplacement on Oliver Hill, skydiving over the crystal clear water, and visiting Cape Vlamingh at the west end.

You can also join a full-day, all-inclusive day tour from Perth and visit all the must-see locations of Rottnest Island!

• Distance from Perth: 34 km, 90 min from Perth.
• When to visit: Late Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Rottnest Island

2. Fremantle

Located just 23 km south of the capital city of Western Australia, Fremantle is a port city close to Perth yet it’s so different. It is a lively town with colonial architecture and maritime history. What makes Fremantle a great place to visit is its easy access from Perth city and various attractions.

It can be easily reached with a car in 30 mins but if you don’t have one, it is well connected with a direct train line. Take the train from your nearest station and hop on to the Fremantle line.

Fremantle may look like an easy day trip but you can actually spend at least 2 days here as there are a lot of things to do in Fremantle that you can’t get bored with. With the increase in cafe culture for the day and pub hopping for the night, it is one of the best day trips in Perth. You can explore the city on foot or you can take a Fremantle tram tour that provides excellent educational commentary.

Wander through the Fremantle markets, visit the iconic Cappuccino strip for its buzzing cafes, pubs, and shopping, grab a picnic at the Esplanade park or have the famous fish and chips at the Fremantle fishing boat harbor. If you are interested in maritime history then don’t forget to visit the Maritime Museum. One of the most unique things to do in Fremantle is to take a tour of Fremantle Prison.

Fremantle also boasts a coastline with some spectacular beaches like bathers beach, Port beach, and Leighton beach. Book a beach lounge or beach table at Bathers beach and grab a drink at the only beachfront bar in Fremantle.

• Distance from Perth: 23km, approx. a 30min drive.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Fremantle

3. Pinnacles Desert

Located on Australia’s Coral Coast, around 190 km from Perth, along the Indian Ocean Drive, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is one of the major tourist attractions and a fascinating natural wonder. The entry inside Pinnacles desert is through a fully sealed road also known as the Pinnacle loop. This 4km loop is easily accessible by driving or walking.⁣⁣

The entrance fee is 15 AUD per vehicle and the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre is open from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm but the trail/loop is open 24*7 so you can enter the area at night to stargaze or for Astro Photography.⁣⁣ Be sure to stay on the dedicated path and pay at the ticket booth near the discovery center. You can also choose to book a relaxed stargazing tour with dinner or a more professional stargazing tour where you get to see the rings of Saturn through a high-powered Telescope.

The Pinnacles are natural limestone structures, formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago due to erosion. These thousands of limestone pillars rising out of the yellow sand looks eerily unique, captivating, and otherworldly. ⁣The Pinnacles range in height and dimension – some stand as high as 3.5m.⁣ Make sure to allow at least 2-3 hrs to fully enjoy this place and understand the geology.

Photography tip: It is best to visit Pinnacles Desert at golden hour because the shadows on the rocks look incredible. After a while, sunset colors make this place even more unreal. ⁣⁣

• Distance from Perth: 190 km, around 2 hr drive.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Pinnacles Desert

4. Swan Valley

Just 30 mins north of Perth lie a picturesque region of Swan valley that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of city life and into the greenery. The abundance of wineries and vineyards makes it a perfect destination for wine lovers. Book a river cruise to swan valley with premium wine tasting along with delicious lunch & chocolates. Chenin Blanc is grown extensively in the valley so make sure to try it and also the Shiraz of this region.

Besides fine food and wine, there are many other things to do in Swan Valley. From horse riding, cycling, hiking, to wildlife, art, history, and Indigenous culture, there is something for everyone. At the hub of Swan Valley, Guildford is oozing with charm. Follow the heritage trail as it is best explored on foot. The trails start and finish at the Old Guildford Courthouse (Swan Valley Visitor Centre).

If you are more of a fun seeker then a trip to Oasis Supa Golf & Adventure Putt cannot be missed where you can play a modified version of traditional golf in Supa Golf, which involves playing nine holes with larger clubs and balls. You can also enjoy free tastings at Windarra Honey and discover their buzzing world of honey.

• Distance from Perth: 30 km, a 30 min drive.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Swan Valley

5. Perth Hills

Located 45 km from Perth City, Perth Hills is a dose of nature close to the city and a place where you will find bushland trails, wildflowers, waterfalls, orchards, and creeks. Perth Hills is popular for its iconic Zigzag drive which is a 3 km scenic one-way drive that winds down a narrow road on the western side of the Darling Ranges in Gooseberry Hill and part of the Beelu National Park.

Many orchards around Perth Hills offer fruit picking which is a great activity for families with kids. With something in season all around the year, there are various options from apple, mango, lemons, strawberry, and oranges. Some of the orchards also organize spring and autumn festivals like cherry blossom festival and fall festival where you can witness the beauty of seasonal flowers but can also enjoy a wide range of activities.

A stroll through beautiful Araluen Botanic Park will make you go in awe as it features thousands of exotic plants, including more than 100,000 tulips that bloom each spring and put on a spectacular show of color. Hike lovers can walk a section of WA’s renowned Bibbulmun Track that starts from Perth Hills. Perth Hills comes alive with waterfalls during winter so make sure not to miss it as it’s one of the best things to do in Perth hills during winter.

• Distance from Perth: 45 km, a 45 min drive from Perth.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Perth Hills

6. York

Situated on the Avon River, 98 kilometers east of Perth, York is the oldest inland town and one of the most historic cities in Western Australia. It is a fine example of colonial architecture with buildings like Townhall and is really a destination for the history buffs. Much of York’s historic architecture is well preserved.

York is also known for its amazing Canola fields which flower from mid-August to September but also offer a display of wildflowers during spring. One of the best things to do in York WA is to visit the York Motor Museum which houses 200 veteran, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, and horsedrawn vehicles from around Australia and the world.

Take a stroll around and visit Castle Hotel which is the oldest pub in the town. If you want something offbeat to do then go to York Olive Oil co. and get a chance to visit the factory to see how it is processed. For sunset, visit Mount Brown’s lookout for sunset that is located on a hilltop overlooking York. For adrenaline junkies, skydiving in Tork is the best thing to do.

• Distance from Perth: 98 km, 1.5 hr drive from Perth.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: York

7. Collie

Collie is a town nestled on the banks of the Collie River in the South West region of Western Australia. It is located 213 km from Perth and is Western Australia’s most important coal-mining town. What makes collie a great place for one day trip is that it is surrounded by forests, rivers, and lakes. It offers various outdoor activities like swimming, mountain biking, bushwalking, and some water sports.

Collie River Valley is mainly the center of attention rather than the town as that’s where all the fun is. The inland lakes are a highlight, especially Black diamond lake and Stockton lake. You can visit Honeymoon Pool and long Pool for swimming as it is not advised to swim in the mentioned lakes during to presence of algae.

After this, visit the Wellington National Park to see the world’s biggest dam mural on Wellington Dam. You can also take a journey into Collie’s mining history with a visit to the Replica Underground Coal Mine and the Coalfields Museum.

• Distance from Perth: 213 km, just over 2hr’s drive.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Collie

8. Yanchep National Park

Popular for seeing kangaroos in the wild and koalas on the tress, Yanchep National Park is a great destination for a day trip from Perth. Located around 45 mins from Perth, it is easy to get to and the entry to Yanchep National Park is $12 AUD per car. There are plenty of facilities within the national park, including picnic tables, barbeques, toilets, an entry station, and a visitor center.

Bring your walking shoes to get a close-up view of koalas by doing a 240 m koala boardwalk. You can also see lots of western grey kangaroos during your visit, however, they are frequent visitors during dusk and dawn. The nearby Yanchep Lagoon is a perfect place to spend some time swimming and then having a picnic at the beach.

If you are looking for something fun and adventurous then do a walking trail that passes the remains of a ‘Ghost House’ and visit the crystal cave. Crystal cave is one of the 400 caves within the national park and is the only cave in the Perth region that is open to the public. Yanchep also has a beautiful lavender farm that you should not miss visiting.

• Distance from Perth: 50 km, around 45 min drive.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but Spring/Summer months to make the most of your time.
• Google Location: Yanchep National Park

9. Lancelin Sand Dunes

Popular for being Western Australia’s best sandboarding destination, the Lancelin sand dune is a fun place to get to. Lancelin is located on Australia’s Coral Coast, 127 km north of Perth making a day trip to Lancelin easy and not hectic. Though it’s a small fishing town, it’s filled with beaches, inland walking trails, and of course the white sand dunes.

Entry to the dunes is free but in order to do the sandboarding, you need to rent a sandboard. If you have one of yours, you can bring it. Renting a sandboard for 2.5 hours costs 12.50 AUD and a 3 hours rental costs 14.50 AUD. The dunes are huge and stretch a few km so apart from sandboarding you also get an option of quad biking at the dunes. Taking a quad bike tour is a really fun way to explore the dunes with the guide.

After you are done with sandboarding, remove the sand by taking a dip in the ocean at Lancelin’s back beach that has smaller waves making it an ideal beach for kids. Lancelin is also a popular spot for fishing, surfing, and kitesurfing.

• Distance from Perth: 127km, approx. a 1.5 hr drive.
• When to visit: Autum/Spring to make the most of the dunes or early summer.
• Google Location: Lancelin Sand Dunes

10. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is one of Western Australia’s most important protected marine areas, off the coast of Rockingham. Located 52.5 km from Perth city and a short 50 min drive, it is one of the best day trips around Perth that is fun and educational.

The marine park is of cultural significance to the Noongar people of the region and the Gnaarla Karla Booja people are its traditional custodians. It surrounds a chain of limestone islands such as Penguin Island, Seal Island, and Bird Island and is home to Australian sea lions, penguins, bottlenose dolphins.

Just a 5 min ferry ride across Shoalwater Bay, Penguin Island is the most well-known and easily accessed destination in the park. At the Penguin discovery center, you can get up close with a few penguins during their feeding time. These are the rescued penguins and are taken care of. You can also take the 1.5 km Penguin Island Nature Walk to explore some beaches and viewpoints.

Ferries depart from Shoalwater hourly from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm and costs around $14pp. You can also kayak or paddle to Penguin island. However, you cannot land on seal Island. Kayak around or paddle in the water and see them sleeping on the beach or playing in the water but do not disturb them.

It is best to take a tour of Shoalwater Island to watch all the wildlife along with dolphins being playful in the water. I did a tour with Rockingham wildlife encounters and found it the best. They also take you around to see various birds.

• Distance from Perth: 53 km, a 50 min drive.
• When to visit: Summer is the best time to visit or mid to late spring.
• Google Location: Shoalwater Island Marine Park

11. Wave Rock

Located in Hyden in the Wheatbelt region, around 336 km east of Perth, Wave Rock is a natural landmark of Western Australia. A road trip from Perth to Wave Rock takes approx. 4 hrs and though 4 hrs is a long drive to be counted as a day trip, its striking shape makes it unique and worth it.

Wave Rock is a 15-meter high and 100m long rock in the shape of a wave that is formed by erosion over the years.⁣⁣ The curve shape is highlighted by the black color which is actually algae that runs along the surface and during the dry season the color turns brown.⁣⁣ At different times of the day, you can see the Wave Rock changing color with light.

You can hike up the rock and see the view from above but please be careful and do not cross the fence. The entrance (parking) fee to visit Wave Rock is $12 AUD per vehicle.⁣⁣ After this, you can walk up to Hippo’s Yawn on a well-marked trail that will only take 10 mins. Hippo’s Yawn is a weird shape rock formation and looks exactly like it sounds, a hippo opening his mouth.

Also, don’t forget to visit Mulka’s Cave when you are in Hyden. It’s a nice place with a great and weird history of Mulka. See the ancient aboriginal handprints on the cave and feel the mystery.

Photography Tip: It is best to photograph it during the golden hour or at sunset as that’s when the colors are incredible and there is no shadow on the wave.

• Distance from Perth: 336 Km, a 4 hr drive from Perth.
• When to visit: Anytime of the year but avoid the rains.
• Google Location: Wave Rock

12. Hillary’s Boat Harbour

Hillary’s Boat Harbour is a marina and tourist precinct located in Hillarys, north of Perth, and is only 25 minutes from the Perth CBD making it one of the closest day trips from Perth. It offers a wide range of entertainment for both day and night. Hillary’s Boardwalk is a perfect place to unwind. It frames Marina Beach and provides one of the most protected swimming areas on the Perth Coast.

You can also spend some time exploring the restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions of this large marina. Get tickets for the aquarium of Western Australia which is a great family-friendly attraction here with a glass underwater tunnel and more than 200 species of marine creatures such as dolphins, sharks, and manta rays. Hillarys Boat Harbour is also a lovely spot for a stroll and a picnic with its calm beaches and walking paths.

• Distance from Perth: 23 km, a 25 min drive.
• When to visit: All year round.
• Google Location: Hillary’s Boat harbour

13. Busselton

Busselton is a city in Australia’s South West that is located 221 km from the city of Perth and takes around 2.5 hrs to reach. It is one of my favorite cities to visit down south and has plenty of things to do. Busselton is known for its 1.8 km long timber piled jetty which is the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere. It takes around 25 mins to walk to the end of the jetty.

If you don’t feel like exploring on foot, you can also take the jetty train that operates from 10 am – 4 pm and costs $14 AUD for adults and $8.50 AUD for kids. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride with the clear blue water of Geographe Bay.

Busselton is a perfect place for a day trip out of Perth as it has a lot of character to it and is a buzzing hub of entertainment for both kids and adults. The Busselton foreshore is located alongside the Busselton Jetty and has a children’s playground, cafes, restaurants, and an endless stretch of white sand beach. It also has BBQ facilities with covered seating suitable for picnics.

Some of the best things to do in Busselton include visiting the underwater observatory (one of only six underwater observatories in the world), doing an undersea walk, and exploring the iconic blue boatshed style interpretive center and museum which is open 7 days a week and entry is free.

• Distance From Perth: 221 km, approx a 2.5 hrs drive from Perth.
• When to Visit: Summers months for the best weather but early autumn is also okay.
• Google Location: Busselton

14. Caversham Wildlife Park

Located in Whiteman park which is just 15 km from Perth, Caversham is a wildlife park that showcases many of Australia’s native animals including koalas, wallabies, possums, wombats, and many more. It is one of the places that both kids and adults can enjoy making it one of the best day trips from Perth with kids.

Caversham Wildlife Park is open from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm every day of the year (excluding Christmas Day) and can be reached easily by car. There are 2 entrances to Whiteman park – Drumpellier Drive OR Beechboro Road North and I suggest using Drumpellier drive. Car park 8 is the closest to Caversham Wildlife Park and parking is free.

Entry to Whiteman Park is also free however admission charges apply for entering Caversham Wildlife Park – Adult $30.00; Child $14.00 (3 years to 14 years). No further charges apply to experience anything inside the wildlife park. You can carry your own camera and take pictures without any cost.

With many daily attractions, there is a lot to see and do in Caversham. You can visit the Kangaroo enclosure and feed them with roo food provided, reptile enthusiasts can watch and learn more about around 50 species in the reptile house. Have fun at Molly’s farm, take a picture with wombats, hold an olive python or touch the koalas. One of the must-see attractions is the farm show where kids get to bottle feed a lamb, milk a cow and learn a lot about farm animals.

• Distance from Perth: 15 km, a 15 min drive.
• When to visit: All year round.
• Google Location: Caversham Wildlife Park

15. New Norcia

New Norcia is a small town located 132 km north of Perth on the banks of the Moore River and is the only monastic town in Australia. Established in 1987, it is home to Benedictine monks and the New Norcia monastery is one of the 27 heritage buildings listed on the National Estate.

The history of New Norcia is fascinating and there are still 7 monks living inside the monastery. New Norcia is one of the architectural wonders of Western Australia and one of the best day trips near Perth. The top attractions to visit in New Norcia are New Norcia Monastery, Abbey Church, the museum, and the art gallery.

To get a better understanding of this pretty town, follow the New Norcia heritage trail, visit the old flour mill which is the oldest surviving building in New Norcia, see St Gertrudes and St Ildephonsus for the beautiful architecture. While in the area, don’t forget to visit the New Norcia Hotel, Bishop’s Well, and Bishop Torres Beehouse.

You can also take a full day tour of New Norcia along with Pinnacles Desert and wildflowers.

• Distance from Perth: 132 km, a 1.5 hr drive.
• When to visit: All around the year but best to avoid in winters due to rain.
• Google Location: New Norcia

16. Margaret River

Though Margaret river is a 3 hr drive and should not be counted as a day trip from Perth, you can still get the feel of the region and see some of the best things. Margaret River is a small town in Australia’s South West located 269 km away from Perth and is best known for its world-class wine along with a beautiful coastline, and underground caves.

It is one of the popular destinations in Western Australia and it’s best to visit during the summer months. Margaret River has dozens of pristine beaches so you will be spoilt for choice and surfing is one of the most popular activities to do in Margaret River. Apart from the famous beaches like Meelup beach and Smiths beach, there are some well-kept gems too. A visit to Indijup Spa is a must when in Margaret River.

Margaret River produces some of the most sought-after wines and has more than 100 wineries so wine lovers can go for wine tasting tours. The region is also home to more than 100 caves out of which only 4 are open to the public. You can visit one of the 4 caves and marvel at the beauty of mother nature. My favorite is Lake cave but you can choose any from Mammoth cave, lake cave, Jewel cave, or Ngilgi cave.

BOOK YOUR CAVE TOUR FROM HERE:
Jewel Cave Fully-Guided Tour
Ngilgi Cave Semi-Guided Tour

With so much to see and do, Margaret River is one of the best weekend trips from Perth but totally possible to explore in a day.

• Distance from Perth: 269 km, a 3 hr drive.
• When to visit: Early Summer or summer to enjoy the beaches.
• Google Location: Margaret River

Final Thoughts

I hope this article gives you a lot of inspiration about Perth day trip ideas and you can visit some if not all. It won’t be wrong to say that all these places are at a perfect distance to enjoy your day to the fullest and even if you have kids, they won’t be bored.

Happy travels!

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