The 15 Best Day Trips From Perth, Western Australia

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Escape the city and explore Western Australia’s islands, beaches, and parks with these amazing day trips from Perth!

Perth is an incredible city with much to offer, but the excitement doesn’t stop once you leave the city!

A day trip from Perth allows you to venture through the unique rock formations, islands, walking trails, pristine beaches, and deserts of Western Australia.

You can take a selfie with a quokka on Rottnest Island, visit a local winery in Swan Valley, cruise the Swan River or explore the Perth Hills. Get a fresh seafood lunch at a coastal town or go on nature walks through some of Australia’s top national parks.

Find mystical natural attractions, marine parks full of wildlife, and isolated Outback towns. You can have an amazing time exploring the wonders that lie outside the city.

So let’s uncover some of the top day trips from Perth so you can make the most of your time in Western Australia!

Plan your visit with our complete Australia travel guide!

15 Best Day Trips From Perth, Australia

Here are some of the best day trips from Perth. For each destination, we’ll mention how far it is from the city centre of Perth, as well as how long it takes to travel there.

Having your own car is a great way to get around Western Australia, so the driving distances are in reference to those with their own car. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one in Perth city.

Otherwise, you can book guided tours for many of these day trips, which gives you the added benefit of a knowledgeable local guide! We’ll recommend some top rated tours where they are available. Or you can take public transport.

However you choose to get around, these day trip locations are all within a few hours of Perth and they all have something special to offer!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1. Rottnest Island

Distance from Perth: 33km
Driving time: 40 minutes from the CBD to the ferry terminal, 25 minute ferry ride

Rottnest Island is probably the most popular day trip from Perth. With ferries departing daily from Fremantle, Perth City or Hillarys Boat Harbour in the north of the city, this island is a quick and easy journey from the mainland.

Famous for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and coral reefs, Rottnest Island attracts visitors seeking activities like snorkelling, diving, cycling, and exploring.

One of Rottnest’s most beloved residents is the quokka, a small, friendly marsupial often seen posing in photos with tourists.

Rottnest Island, originally known as “Wadjemup” by the Noongar people, holds cultural significance and offers historical insights through its Aboriginal heritage sites and former military installations.

A full day tour is the most convenient way to visit Rottnest Island, as these tours include your return ferries and bike rental on the island.

2. Rockingham

Distance from Perth: 46km
Driving time: 45 minutes

A day trip from Perth to Rockingham offers outdoor activities, marine life encounters, and stunning scenery.

Just a 40-minute drive south of Perth, Rockingham is known for its relaxed beach vibe and clear waters, making it a hotspot for water sports, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, and diving.

Many visitors come here to swim with wild dolphins, a popular local attraction where tour operators lead guided experiences for close encounters with these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

From Rockingham, adventurers can also take a short boat trip to nearby islands, in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, such as Penguin Island and Seal Island.

Penguin Island, located just 700 meters offshore, is home to Western Australia’s largest colony of little penguins. Join the feeding sessions at the Discovery Centre to see these adorable creatures up close!

Seal Island hosts Australian sea lions, where visitors can observe these animals basking on the beach or swimming nearby. Visit both Penguin Island and Seal Island on a full day tour from Perth!

3. Serpentine National Park

Distance from Perth: 65km
Driving time: 50 minutes

One of the best self drive day trips from Perth is Serpentine National Park, a gorgeous spot about an hour south of the city.

Day trippers can drive through the park’s lush landscapes, check out dramatic granite outcrops, and admire the stunning Serpentine Falls.

A popular spot for picnics, bushwalking, and wildlife viewing, the park offers visitors a chance to explore Western Australia’s natural beauty up close.

The main attraction, Serpentine Falls, cascades into a picturesque pool surrounded by steep rock walls, creating a perfect backdrop for relaxation and photography.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, cockatoos, and a variety of native plants, offering plenty to see along its walking trails. Serpentine National Park provides a peaceful escape into nature, making it a favoured destination for locals and travellers looking to escape the city.

4. Busselton

Distance from Perth: 218km
Driving time: 2.5 hours

Another amazing day trip from Perth is Busselton, a charming coastal town in the southwest of Western Australia.

Busselton is famed for its iconic 1.8-kilometer-long wooden jetty, the longest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The Busselton Jetty stretches out over the crystal-clear waters of Geographe Bay, where visitors can take a leisurely walk or hop on a small train that runs the length of the jetty.

At the jetty’s end, the Underwater Observatory offers a unique experience, providing views of the vibrant marine life that inhabits the artificial reef beneath.

Busselton also has gorgeous beaches, a family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to the renowned wineries, breweries, and natural attractions of the nearby Margaret River region. In winter, there is incredible whale watching in the area as well.

With its blend of seaside relaxation and cultural charm, Busselton is a beloved destination for both locals and travellers.

Explore further south of Perth on a road trip to Esperance!

5. Swan Valley

Distance from Perth: 25km
Driving time: 35 minutes

For wine lovers, definitely add the Swan Valley to your list of Perth day trips to try. Swan Valley is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and a popular escape for food and wine enthusiasts. The Swan River provides a scenic backdrop and opportunities for kayaking and riverside picnics.

Known for its picturesque vineyards, gourmet dining, boutique wineries, and artisanal products, the valley offers a unique blend of rustic charm and refined experiences.

Visitors can explore a variety of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, sampling everything from handcrafted wines to local craft beers and spirits.

Swan Valley also boasts a rich food scene, with options ranging from award-winning restaurants to charming cafés and specialty food producers offering cheese, chocolate, and honey tastings.

Choose between a half day tour or a full day wine tour, both of which include visits to some of the best wineries, distilleries, and shops in Swan Valley. Or combine wine tasting with a Swan River Cruise that brings you to and from the Swan Valley from Perth via the Swan River.

6. Caversham Wildlife Park

Distance from Perth: 21km
Driving time: 30 minutes

Caversham Wildlife Park is the perfect Perth day trip for animal lovers! Located within Whiteman Park near Perth, this is a popular destination for experiencing Australia’s unique wildlife up close.

With lots of interactive exhibits, Caversham Wildlife Park provides opportunities for visitors to get hands-on with native animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and wombats.

It’s an amazing place for families and kids, as visitors can take part in animal encounters and feedings to learn about Australian species in an engaging way.

In addition to marsupials, Caversham Wildlife Park is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and other animals, offering a comprehensive look at Australia’s diverse fauna. Daily shows, such as the farm show demonstrating sheep shearing and cattle mustering, add to the authentic Aussie experience.

7. Yanchep National Park

Distance from Perth: 51km
Driving time: 39 minutes

Another one of the most beautiful national parks in Western Australia is Yanchep National Park. Located about 50 kilometers north of Perth, Yanchep is a treasured destination combining rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and scenic hiking trails.

Known for its lush bushland, limestone caves, and serene lakes, Yanchep National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Nature lovers can spot abundant wildlife, including koalas in the park’s Koala Boardwalk and kangaroos grazing in open fields.

Yanchep National Park is also home to Crystal Cave, an accessible limestone cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, offering guided tours that delve into the area’s geology.

The park holds cultural significance as well, with opportunities to learn about the traditional land and stories of the Noongar people. With its mix of natural beauty and cultural insight, Yanchep National Park provides a diverse and enriching outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.

8. Pinnacles Desert

Distance from Perth: 188km
Driving time: 2 hours

The Pinnacles Desert is one of the most popular Perth day trips, with many travellers choosing a full day tour for their excursion.

Located in Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles showcases some of Western Australia’s most unique landscapes. The towering limestone spires amidst the vibrant golden hues of the desert are a sight to see!

Though you can easily drive here with your own car, guided tours can elevate your experience at the Pinnacles by adding things like stargazing, sandboarding, and Swan Valley.

Either way, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is an iconic natural landmark to visit near Perth. It’s also a popular stop for those who are heading north of Perth on a weekend getaway or road trip up to Exmouth or Broome.

9. Lancelin

Distance from Perth: 125km
Driving time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Lancelin makes a lovely day trip from Perth because of its stunning sand dunes and pristine beaches.

The Lancelin Sand Dunes are particularly famous, drawing adventurers for sandboarding, off-road driving, and quad biking against the backdrop of bright white sands and blue skies.

The turquoise waters and calm bays of the area make it a popular destination for fishing, snorkeling, and kite surfing, especially with its strong winds that are perfect for water sports.

Nearby islands and reefs provide excellent diving spots teeming with marine life.

Despite its small size, Lancelin has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a range of accommodations, from camping sites to cozy beach houses, making it an ideal getaway for travellers looking to unwind by the Indian Ocean.

10. Lake Clifton

Distance from Perth: 109km
Driving time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Lake Clifton, located in the Peel region south of Perth, Western Australia, is a unique natural attraction best known for its ancient thrombolites. These are fascinating rock-like formations created by microbial life.

These rare, living fossils are believed to be around 2,000 years old and provide a glimpse into Earth’s early ecosystems, resembling organisms that date back over 600 million years. A boardwalk allows visitors to view the thrombolites up close without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

The lake itself is part of the Yalgorup National Park and is surrounded by salt flats and bushland, home to diverse bird species and native wildlife.

The area’s serene beauty and scientific significance make Lake Clifton a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone interested in Western Australia’s unique landscapes.

Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Time to Visit Perth, Australia.

11. Mundaring Weir

Distance from Perth: 39km
Driving time: 48 minutes

Located in the Perth Hills about 39 kilometers east of Perth, Mundaring Weir is an iconic dam and reservoir that plays a critical role in the water supply system of WA.

Completed in 1903, the weir was part of the visionary Goldfields Water Supply Scheme to transport water to the Eastern Goldfields, a remarkable engineering feat at the time.

Surrounded by lush forest in the Darling Range, Mundaring Weir is now a popular destination for nature lovers, with picnic areas, walking trails, and scenic lookouts offering views over the tranquil reservoir and surrounding bushland.

The area is rich in history, with the nearby Mundaring Weir Hotel and the old pump station museum offering insights into the pioneering efforts that brought water to remote parts of the state.

Whether visiting for a hike, a picnic, or a step back in history, Mundaring Weir provides a peaceful day trip from Perth.

12. New Norcia

Distance from Perth: 126km
Driving time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, is located just north of Perth in the remote Outback of Western Australia.

Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine monks, New Norcia has an active monastery as well as unique history and architecture.

The town’s buildings, including a beautiful abbey church, an old flour mill, and a heritage-listed college, reflect its European influences and historical significance.

Today, monks still live and work here, and the town attracts visitors eager to explore its museums, art gallery, and historical sites.

New Norcia’s heritage walk trails and peaceful rural are a wonderful escape from the city. Be sure to check out the New Norcia Bakery and Hotel which offers tastes of locally made bread, olive oil, and wine.

With its unique blend of spirituality, history, and art, New Norcia provides a fascinating glimpse into a piece of history in the heart of the Australian outback.

13. Avon Valley

Distance from Perth: 97km
Driving time: 1 hour and 25 minutes

Another amazing day trip from Perth is the Avon Valley, a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, winding rivers, and charming heritage towns, located just an hour’s drive northeast of Perth.

Centred around the Avon River, which flows through the valley, this region is particularly popular in spring when wildflowers blanket the landscape in vibrant colours.

Towns such as York, Northam, and Toodyay preserve the area’s rich history with beautifully restored colonial architecture, museums, and heritage sites that offer a glimpse into Western Australia’s pioneering past.

York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, with highlights including the architecture of the main street, Avon Terrace, and the York Motor Museum

The area is also a hub for outdoor activities like hot air balloon rides, hiking, and kayaking, providing visitors with numerous ways to experience its natural beauty. There is so much to do on a day trip here!

14. Margaret River

Distance from Perth: 267km
Driving time: 3 hours

Margaret River is a world-renowned destination celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, exceptional wine, and gourmet food scene.

Just a few hours south of Perth, this coastal town offers visitors a mix of beaches, towering karri forests, and rugged coastal cliffs. The area is perfect for surfing in the Indian Ocean, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring.

The Margaret River Wine Region is home to over 200 wineries, producing some of Australia’s finest wines, particularly known for its premium cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Alongside wine tasting, local breweries, gourmet chocolate factories, and artisan cheese producers make the area a paradise for food lovers.

Beyond its culinary attractions, Margaret River boasts an active arts community, hosting events like the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival and various music festivals.

Though this amazing area is better suited to a weekend trip from Perth, you can still manage it in a day trip if you’re short on time!

15. Jurien Bay

Distance from Perth: 218km
Driving time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

If you’re driving north from Perth up to Australia’s Coral Coast, Jurien Bay is one of the first towns along the Indian Ocean Drive.

Jurien Bay is known for its stunning turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and relaxed holiday vibe. The town has some amazing fishing, snorkelling, and diving, particularly around Jurien Bay Marine Park. Here visitors can swim alongside friendly Australian sea lions in their natural habitat!

The clear, calm waters of Jurien Bay also make it ideal for boating and beach activities, while nearby Lesueur National Park offers wildflower displays in spring and scenic hikes through diverse landscapes.

Jurien Bay is known for its laid-back charm, with a mix of seaside accommodations, local cafes, and waterfront parks, making it a great destination for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts alike.

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