There is so much to see in Perth, but there are so many interesting and unique places to explore outside of Perth. Whether you are thinking of short road trips from Perth or a longer all day adventure, there’s something for everyone in this list. Let’s explore 23 ideas for great day trips around Perth.
Top Picks: The Best Perth Day Tours
Short on time? Here’s my recommendations for the best Perth day trips and tours.
- Explore the otherworldly desert full of towering limestone pinnacles
- Enjoy dinner in the desert
- Stargazing through a telescope
- Explore pristine bays and turquoise beaches
- Meet the cute quokkas
- Cycle around the island
- Wine tasting at 4 different wineries
- Cheese board & chocolate tasting
- Visit a local microbrewery
Day Trip Perth Planning
To make the most of your Perth one day trip, make sure you are organised before you depart. Some of these spots might get busy later on, so I prefer to get there early.
My day trips Perth essentials include plenty of water, picnic lunch and snacks, a hat and sunscreen and a great road trip playlist!
You can do a self drive day trip from Perth basically all year round, but make sure you have adequate sun protection in summer and wet weather gear in winter.
Some of these spots may require a national park ticket. You can purchase these on entry to the park (make sure you have a physical debit or credit card for the machines), or buy a park pass beforehand.
Park fees are currently $17 per vehicle (2024). Cheaper rates apply for concession card holders.
Buckle up, you’re all set for day drives from Perth now!
How to Get Around
Day trips from Perth by car are featured a lot on this list, as there isn’t public transport readily available. For most of these day trips, a car will be necessary to get to around. For each day trip, I’ve provided a suggestion for a tour that provides transport where possible.
If you need to hire a car, I recommend Discover Cars as they are a large aggregator that offers the best prices from all the big rental companies, plus they offer free cancellation.
Compare the best range of car hire options from Perth
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles are located within Nambung National Park, open all year round near the seaside town of Cervantes, 2 hours north of Perth.
The park contains thousands of limestone bright yellow Pinnacles in a desert that covers around 190 hectares.
If you’re interested in a self-drive itinerary, check out the perfect Perth to Pinnacles Road Trip.
Once you reach the Pinnacles, uou can drive or walk through the desert in the 4km loop. The loop is unsealed but suitable for 2WDs, with marked areas to pull over and get out to walk through the pinnacles.
Make sure to visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre (open 9.30am – 4.30pm) to learn more about the fascinating geology and natural occurrences that led to the formation of the Pinnacles and the desert.
There are a few options for Perth day tours.
One of the most highly rated day tours from Perth is the Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing Tour, which reviewers have said is “one of the best excursions we chose while in Australia.”
On this tour, you’ll get to stop in Lancelin and try your hand at sandboarding. Your local guide will take you on a beach walk, showing you native plants used by the Aboriginal people as food and medicine.
Continuing on your adventure to the Pinnacles Desert, where you enjoy a BBQ dinner with a glass of Margaret River Wine in the middle of the desert as you wait for the sun to set over the Indian Ocean.
Then, its time for the main event… using a telescope and astro-binoculars to take in spectacular views of the starry night sky – a truly bucket list worthy experience!
Click here to check prices and booking availability
Another recommended tour is this daytime tour that includes a stop to see the koalas at Caversham Wildlife Park, seafood lunch in Cervantes, sandboarding in Lancelin (including transport on a 4WD bus through the dunes!) and a guided tour through the Pinnacles Desert.
Click here for more information on this fun day tour.
Travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 190 km
Location: North of Perth
The Pinnacles is one of the first stops on my suggested Exmouth road trip itinerary – check out the full guide for this epic road trip from Perth!
Rottnest Island
One of my favourite activities in both summer and winter is to take a day trip to Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Island is one of the best places to visit near Perth – in fact, some people fly to Perth just to visit this beautiful island with its renowned beaches and friendly quokkas!
There are so many things to do on Rottnest, so make sure you read my detailed guide on how to have a perfect day trip. Highlights include snorkelling, swimming and of course, seeing the adorable quokkas!
When you book your ferry ticket, it includes a visitors fee for the island. You can also choose optional extras like bicycle hire (the main way to get around the car-free island) or a bus tour of the island.
Ferries depart from Perth CBD, the port town of Fremantle and Hillary’s Boat Harbour (30 minutes north of Perth). The easiest way to get to Rottnest is by catching the ferry from the Perth CBD, or Fremantle (you can get the train directly from Perth to Fremantle).
- From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry
- From Perth: Rottnest Island Ferry + Bicycle Hire
- From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry
- From Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry + Bicycle Hire
- From Perth or Fremantle: Rottnest Island Ferry + Bus Tour
For all you need-to-know about planning the perfect day trip to Rottnest, read my dedicated guide here. I share my one-day Rottnest itinerary as well as options for guided tours and things to do during your visit.
Travel time: From 30 mins
Distance: 20 km
Location: Off the coast of Perth
Swan Valley
One of the shorter day trips in Perth, the Swan Valley is an iconic wine region 30 minutes away. With world class wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food merchant, handcrafted wares and endless dining options, the Swan Valley is one of Perth’s best day trips.
Some of my favourite wineries in the Swan Valley are Mandoon Estate, Sandalford Estate and Lancaster. My pick for breweries in the area is Homestead Brewery (at Mandoon Estate) and Bailey Brewing Co.
Consider taking a tour to make the most of the day (and save someone from being the designated driver!). With options for half-day, full-day and even a boat cruise up the Swan River into the Swan Valley, there are options for everyone.
- Half-Day Swan Valley Tour: Visit four wineries and sample a variety of wines. A cheese board is included, plus boutique chocolate sampling and a visit to a local microbrewery.
- Ultimate Full-Day Food and Wine Tour: Indulge in some of the best wine and gourmet food the Swan Valley has to offer on this five-star rated day trip from Perth.
- Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing day on the water while seeing Perth from the Swan River. You’ll cruise from Perth to the Swan Valley while enjoying gourmet snacks and a wine tasting on board before visiting the iconic Sandalford Winery for a behind the scenes tour and grazing table lunch.
Travel time: 30 mins
Distance: 25 km
Location: East of Perth
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Penguin Island & Shoalwater Marine Park
Penguin Island is a small island located just off the coast of Rockingham, less than a 1 hour drive from Perth.
Accessible by a five minute ferry ride, the island is part of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Parks. As the name suggests, there are colonies of wild Little Penguins that inhabit the island.
You are unlikely to see one of the wild penguins during the day though! Instead, head into the Penguin Discovery Centre to see the Little Penguins up close.
Penguin Island is open daily from mid September to early June. It is closed during the penguin breeding season (late June – early September).
Other things to do on the island include swimming, kayak tours and wildlife cruises.
Here’s my pick for some of the most popular day tours Perth has to offer!
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise + Guided Nature Walk: Spot Australian sea lions and look out for dolphins on a 60-minute cruise before joining a guided walk around the natural landscapes of Penguin Island
- Swim with Dolphins Day Tour: enjoy a memorable day snorkelling and getting up close with wild dolphins!
- Sea Kayak Adventure: Skip the ferry and kayak over to Penguin Island! Includes a guided tour of the Penguin Discovery Centre. Suitable for beginners to experts.
In December 2022, I went on the new Three Islands tour which is a snorkel, wildlife spotting and seafood lunch cruise. It was an awesome day out snorkelling with a guide and spotting wildlife – we saw sea lion, dolphins and even a manta ray!
You can view a short video of my experience here.
Travel time: 45 mins
Distance: 50 km
Location: South of Perth
York
Close to Perth is the historic town of York, one of my top picks for a short trip from Perth.
Located in the Wheatbelt Region, York is a small town renowned for its colonial architecture and heritage buildings.
When visiting York, be sure to explore Avon Terrace and the surrounding streets and admire the quaint historic buildings. Walk across the Suspension Bridge, taking in views across Avon River.
Look for a new read at Barclay Books, browse homewares at Honey and Fig and check out some of the local museums in the area.
York is also home to Perth’s best canola fields in the flowering months of August and September. From September, the wildflowers begin to bloom in the region.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 100 km
Location: Inland (east of Perth)
Black Diamond Lake
One of my favourite summer self-drive day trips from Perth will have you heading south to Black Diamond Lake. This popular swimming spot is located near the small town of Collie.
Known for its incredibly vivid blue water, this lake is busiest in the summer months and long weekends.
There are no facilities at Black Diamond, so make sure you bring all you need for the day with you, including camp chairs or picnic rug.
Make sure to bring your floatie and any other water gear like stand up paddle board or kayak!
While in Collie, make sure to stop by the Wellington Dam Mural.
Travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 200 km
Location: South of Perth
Ferguson Valley
The Ferguson Valley is a picturesque region south of Perth nestled amongst rolling green valleys and wineries. Ferguson Valley is home to the quirky Gnomesville, some amazing wineries and natural attractions in Wellington National Park.
Read my detailed guide on things to do in Ferguson Valley.
You could combine a visit to the Ferguson Valley with Black Diamond Lake or alternatively, spend a weekend exploring this beautiful region.
Travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 200 km
Location: South of Perth
Caversham Wildlife Park
This is one of the best family trips Perth has to offer. Young kids especially will love this outing as they will get to meet a variety of native wildlife. It also one of the shortest day trips from Perth, at just a 30 minute drive from the Perth CBD.
Caversham Wildlife Park is located inside Whiteman Park. They offer a variety of daily attractions such as meeting the wombats, cuddling and getting a photo with a koala, kangaroo feeding, farm shows and more. They are open every day of the year except Christmas Day.
If you require transport, consider joining this Wildlife and City Highlights Tour which includes a tour of the wildlife park, lunch in the Swan Valley and Elizabeth Quay tour.
Otherwise, tick off three major Perth day trips on one tour with this full-day Pinnacles Desert, Koalas and Sandboarding 4WD Tour.
Travel time: 30 minutes
Distance: 25 km
Location: North of Perth
Image Courtesy of Tourism Western Australia
Northam
WA’s largest inland town, Northam is another country town home to many heritage listed buildings. Explore the town’s heritage on foot, while perusing the craft and thrift stores.
Northam is also the only place in Perth where you can do a very special experience – hot air ballooning at sunrise over the countryside. Click here for more information if this sounds up your alley.
Make sure to visit the Northam Silo Art – there are two murals here. The bright and colourful work by HENSE is one of my favourites on the Public Silo Trail.
Please note the CBH Northam Grain Terminal is a fully operational site, with trucks and loading equipment in use. The site is not open to the public, and is best viewed from Toodyay Rd.
(When I visited in 2019 it was on a public holiday and the site was not operational so I accidentally drove right in and took photos out the front)
You can combine a visit to Northam with York as they are just under 30 minutes apart. If visiting during spring, you could also go wildflower chasing. There are many wildflower hotspots near Northam and York!
Travel time: 1 hour 20 mins
Distance: 95 km
Location: Inland (east of Perth)
Mandurah & Lake Clifton
Mandurah is WA’s largest regional city, less than one hour from Perth. This waterway city sits on the coast and has an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour!
In Mandurah, explore Dolphin Quay and visit the many restaurants and cafe’s on the water. Don’t forget an icecream stop at the ever-popular Simmo’s Ice Cream. For 15 ideas and inspiration for things to do in Mandurah, check out my dedicated guide on Mandurah here.
The best way to explore Mandurah’s waterways is on this one-hour scenic cruise with guaranteed dolphin sightings! Click here for more information and booking availability.
Another popular cruise that the whole family will love is this Pirate Ship Adventure cruise. Board the pirate ship and explore Mandurah’s canals while dolphin spotting. It will be a memorable trip with lots of laughs on board with your pirate crewman. Click here for booking information.
In December, Mandurah lights up with some of the most extravagant Christmas light displays which draws crowds from Perth and surrounds to see the festive displays.
Giants of Mandurah
From November 2022 to November 2023, Mandurah is home to the incredible Giants of Mandurah display by renowned international artist, Thomas Dambo. These magnificent, imaginative interactive displays are hidden around Mandurah – and free to visit!
A fun way to explore the Mandurah foreshore and boardwalk is via e-bike or e-scooter – visit The Bike Kiosk next to the Visitors Centre!
Lake Clifton
A further 30 minutes south of Mandurah is Lake Clifton. Here you can view thrombolites – some of the earliest forms of life on earth. There is a boardwalk out to the Lake from which you can view the thrombolites and learn more about these fascinating micro-organisms.
Travel time: Around 1 hour
Distance: 70 km
Location: South of Perth
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls is located within Serpentine National Park (park entrance fees apply). This is a beautiful spot for a Perth day trip for the whole family. Pack a picnic lunch and bring a floatie as you can swim in the water hole at the base of the falls.
There is a grassy picnic area and shaded picnic tables, with gas barbeques also available.
Make sure to get here early, as the place gets busy particularly in the summer months.
Options for bush walks include the Falls Walk trail (<1km), Baldwins Bluff Nature Track (6 km) and Kitty’s Gorge Walk track (14 km).
Travel time: 50 mins
Distance: 65 km
Location: South of Perth
Mundaring Weir
Take a scenic drive out to the Perth Hills and visit the Mundaring Weir, an important part of Perth’s heritage. At the base of the weir you can visit the No 1 Pump Station museum to learn more about the history of the weir and the man who was the driving force behind it, C.Y. O’Connor.
You can grab a traditional pub lunch or drink at the Mundaring Weir Hotel which often has live music on weekends.
From Mundaring Weir, you can either hike or drive to the South Ledge Golden Lookout for a fantastic view of the Mundaring Weir from across the bushland.
Last year I joined a guided sunset hiking tour with Off the Beaten Track. We went on a leisurely hike for 5km on the Bibbulum Track, spotting wildflowers, native birds and even a kangaroo.
We celebrated the end of our hike with a gourmet platter and some sparkling wine to toast a wonderful afternoon while watching the sunset.
Travel time: 45 mins
Distance: 40 km
Location: Perth Hills
John Forrest National Park
One of the best national parks near Perth, John Forrest National Park is a great option for a day trip from Perth.
This park located the Perth Hills was Western Australia’s first proclaimed national park. Today, the park is home to two waterfalls, a dam, numerous walking trails and even a tavern. Park entrance fees apply.
Spend the morning exploring the park. Take an easier trail such as the Falls Walk (2.5 km) or Glen Brook Trail (2km), or tackle the more challenging but scenic Eagle View Trail (16km).
Have a picnic or enjoy a pub lunch at the John Forrest Tavern which is frequented by kangaroos (2022 update: unfortunately the John Forrest Tavern is now closed due to redevelopment! – bring a picnic lunch instead)
Travel time: 35 mins
Distance: 30 km
Location: Perth Hills (east of Perth)
Bickley Valley
An off the radar competitor to the famous Swan Valley wine region, Bickley Valley is a charming area nestled in the Perth Hills.
Check out one of the many wineries on the Bickley Valley Wine Trail, or head to one of Perth’s cideries found in the region.
There are options for bush walks before you tuck into an afternoon of wining and dining. Check out the Bickley Reservoir Walk, Whistlepipe Gully Trail or tackle a section of the Bibbulum Track.
Save the driving, and join a small group on a Small Group Wine & Cider Tour of the Bickley Valley.
During this full day tour you’ll sample your way through the best of the Bickley Valley wines and artisan cider. Enjoy a winery lunch with paired wines and cider tasting.
You’ll visit three boutique wineries and a cider house on this small-group tour. The perfect choice to explore the Bickley Valley without needing to rent a car. Click here to enquire about availability of this tour.
Travel time: 35 mins
Distance: 30 km
Location: Perth Hills (east of Perth)
Araluen Botanic Gardens
Araluen Botanic Gardens is a great spot for a family day out. The park is beautiful all year round, but especially in autumn and spring. In Autumn, the entire park turns shades of different burnt orange and red, while in spring over 170,000 tulips blossom to life.
The Springtime Tulip Festival runs from mid-August to the end of September.
At other times of the year, visit Araluen to enjoy the variety of natural landscapes and enjoy a day out in nature. Bring a picnic blanket and basket, go for a hike or just simply explore the landscaped spaces across the park.
Entrance fees apply, more information here.
To make a day of it in the Perth Hills, visit Naked Apple cider nearby for lunch or a tasting paddle.
Travel time: 40 mins
Distance: 35 km
Location: Perth Hills (east of Perth)
Yanchep
A notable Perth day trip location as you can visit both the Yanchep National Park and Yanchep Lagoon. You could also combine this with a visit to Lancelin sand dunes in the morning, and exploring Yanchep on the way home in the afternoon.
Yanchep National Park is one of the best spots near Perth to see Australian wildlife.
There is a dedicated koala viewing area, and kangaroos are known to frequent the park grounds. The National Park is also home to Perth’s only public cave, the Crystal Cave. Park entrance fees apply at Yanchep National Park.
A half-day tour is available that includes transport from Perth. On this tour you’ll get to enjoy a bush walk, explore Crystal Cave and take in the wildlife sightings as you explore Yanchep National Park.
Head to the coast to swim and snorkel in the incredible Yanchep Lagoon. Protected by a large reef, this naturally formed lagoon is a great spot for the family to swim in.
Travel time: 50 mins
Distance: 55 km
Location: North of Perth
Fremantle
There is so much to do and see in Fremantle that it’s worthy of a day trip in Perth.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Fremantle without a visit to the Freo markets. The Fremantle Markets are a weekend market with specialty shops and gourmet food option.
Most visitors to Fremantle should explore the Fremantle Prison, which is considered one of Perth’s main tourist attractions. Make sure you explore the Fremantle Esplanade, which includes the Instagrammable Ferris Wheel. From here, you could head to the iconic Little Creatures Brewery or Bathers Beach House for lunch.
Enjoy a brew pub lunch at Little Creatures Brewery or join a behind-the-scenes brewery tour (including a guided beer tasting).
Museum lovers have no shortage of options, with the WA Maritime Museum and WA Shipwrecks Museum in the area.
From August to November, you can join a luxury whale watching cruise from Fremantle and be part of the largest humpback whale migration in the world.
Travel time: 30 mins
Distance: 20 km
Location: South of Perth
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is one of Perth’s best waterfalls. It is located in Mundy Regional Park, and is best visited in winter or spring for guaranteed water flowing down the falls.
You can park at either the top of the waterfall and hike your way down to the base of the falls, or park near the bottom for a shorter hike. The longest hike is about 3km, so it isn’t too strenuous but the terrain can be rocky and steep in parts.
At the top of the falls is a lookout platform that offers a great view of the city skyline in the distance.
Travel time: 25 mins
Distance: 20 km
Location: Perth Hills
Lancelin
The small seaside town of Lancelin is a great coastal day trip from Perth. Water sports lovers will have no shortage of things to do with the wave and wind creating ideal conditions for surfers.
The best thing to do in Lancelin is check out the incredible Lancelin sand dunes and have a go at sand boarding! You can hire sand boards when you get there from the base of the dunes, or book onto this fun and adventurous ATV and sandboarding tour.
Read more about Lancelin in my guide here.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 125 km
Location: North of Perth
Jurien Bay
An hour’s drive further north from Lancelin is Jurien Bay.
Jurien Bay is a popular day trip destination or weekend trip. Jurien Bay offers unique activities such as skydiving and swimming with sea lions. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, checking out both the old and new Jurien Bay jetties. More ideas for things to do in Jurien Bay can be found in my detailed guide.
10 minutes north of Jurien Bay you’ll find the sheltered Sandy Cape area, which offers swimming, snorkelling and even stand up paddle boarding.
Sandy Cape is a popular camping area, but can also be be visited as a day trip.
Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Distance: 220 km
Location: North of Perth
Bells Rapids
Bells Rapids is a popular picnic and bush walking spot located in Brigadoon in the Perth Hills. One of Perth’s most popular day trips, Bells Rapids is also dog friendly.
Walk along the Avon River as you navigate the River Walk (2.5km) or Goat Walk (3km) trails.
There is also a hidden waterfall in the area, which you can see from the Bells Lookout from Campersic Rd.
Travel time: 45 minutes
Distance: 35 km
Location: Perth Hills (east of Perth)
Wave Rock
Some might say Wave Rock isn’t really a day trip destination, but I’ve done it before! This is definitely a longer drive, but it do-able as a day trip if you plan it right. You can also stop here on the drive from Perth to Esperance.
Wave Rock is a natural landmark caused by millennia of wind, rain and erosion. It is truly an iconic and unique thing to see in Western Australia. In the area, you can also visit the Hippo Yawn rock and the salt lake, Lake Magic.
When I did this as a day trip, we made sure to leave Perth around sunrise so we could be back before dark. Alternate between drivers and be prepared with a good podcast or playlist!
Alternatively, consider joining a tour! This cultural tour takes you to both York and Wave Rock with a guide in one day.
Travel time: 3.5 hours
Distance: 330 km
Location: Inland (east of Perth)
Busselton
The seaside town of Busselton is worth a day trip or overnight weekend trip if time permits.
The main attraction in town is the iconic Busselton Jetty. The second longest jetty in the world, the Busselton Jetty stands at 1.8 km long. Tickets are required to walk out along the Jetty ($4 Day Pass), or catch the Ferry train ($14 return per adult).
Enjoy some of the many seaside restaurants and cafes located along the foreshore. My pick is the brewpub Shelter Busselton, with great beers and delicious food options. Rocky Ridge Brewing Co is another great casual option.
Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River Region, with many amazing wineries in the region. Otherwise head to the nearby Flametree Wines for a tasting.
Alternatively, book onto a tour that takes you on a day trip to Margaret River. This tour takes you to Busselton Jetty, the famous Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse as well as a cave tour to Mammoth Cave.
It’s a long day trip, but you can rest on the coach ride and is good for those who are short on time, but still want to get a taste of the delights of the Margaret River Region. Click here for the full itinerary to see if this tour is right for you.
Travel time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 220 km
Location: South of Perth
Summary of Best Day Trips From Perth, Australia
That wraps up my list of 23 Day Trip Perth Ideas. There are no shortage of options for self drive day trips from Perth! With many options for short drives from Perth, some of these ideas for longer options could be done as a weekend trip from Perth.
Buckle up and enjoy these best day trips Perth, WA has to offer. Happy travels and safe driving!
If you have any questions, feel free to share them in my Western Australia Road Trips Facebook group and get feedback from myself and other locals!
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Great write up, I’m from Victoria and I’ve never been to Perth. I like how you have the distance, time and cost of each place.