10 Day Trips from Perth
/This quick and easy guide will provide you with a summary of Perth’s 10 best easy day trips! From beaches to waterfalls to wine regions - there's so much to explore.
We’ve lived in Perth for over 25 years, so we’d like to think we know our stuff.
1. Rottnest Island
Rottnest - or ‘Rotto’ as locals love to call it – is the perfect beach destination, just a short ferry ride from one of Perth’s many piers. You can catch a ferry from Hilary’s, Fremantle or the Perth CBD and you’ll arrive in one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.
Be sure to visit The Basin, Little Salmon Bay and Little Parakeet Bay. Don’t forget to a selfie with a Quokka - Rottnest’s resident furry creature.
2. Dunsborough and Yallingup
The Dunsborough and Yallingup area is another quick and easy beach destination from Perth. Just over a 2.5 hour’s drive out of the Perth CBD, the pristine Meelup Beach and fascinating Castle Rock are key places to visit on this road trip. Eagle Bay is also another stunning beach in the area.
Other beautiful attractions include Smiths Beach, Canal Rocks, Indijup Spa and Beach and Sugarloaf Rock. Make sure to bring your camera – there are just so many things to see in this area.
You can pair a visit to Dunsborough and Yallingup by also visiting Busselton and the Busselton Jetty.
3. Serpentine Falls
About an hour’s drive from the Perth CBD, Serpentine Falls is perhaps the most beautiful waterfall in close vicinity of Perth. Especially worth visiting after a period of heavy rainfall, many visitors also go for a swim in the area.
Nearby Serpentine Dam is also worth a visit.
4. Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls has long been a local’s favourite for a fast walk that will get your heart pumping. Drive about a half hour from the Perth CBD to the trail head, and walk for another hour to reach one of Western Australia’s best falls.
5. Bells Rapids
Sticking with the theme of cascading waters, Bells Rapids is another worthwhile day trip. About a 50-minute drive from the Perth CBD, Bells Rapids is an easy walk offering scenic views of the fast rapids.
6. Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is one of the prettiest beaches on the north coast of Western Australia, and luckily, only a 2 hour and 45-minute drive away. Like all good WA beaches, Jurien Bay boasts splendid blue waters and white sands. The Jurien Bay Old Jetty is a unique addition to this beach, and is totally worth checking out while you’re there.
7. The Pinnacles & Lancelin
This has got to be one of Australia’s most unique geological formations. The Pinnacles is a series of protruding rock formations that will leave you in awe. Drive around for a while, before heading back to Lancelin, the home of WA’s most famous sand dunes.
The Pinnacles and Lancelin Sand Dunes is for sure one of the best day trips you can take from Perth. Lancelin is about a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Perth CBD, and the Pinnacles area further 45-minute drive from Lancelin.
8. Swan Valley
Scenic Swan Valley is the most famous wine region close to Perth, and is ideal for a relaxing lunch or afternoon tea. Many locals get dressed up while eating at one of Swan Valley’s famous restaurants, or go wine tasting at one of the renowned wineries in the area.
9. Margaret River
The Margaret River region is one of Australia’s all-time favourite beach and wine regions. Yes – you heard right, Margaret River is not only renowned for its fine beaches, but also equally famous for its wineries.
Visit Hamelin Bay, Grove Distillery andVoyager Estate for a perfect day trip out.
Nearby Augusta is also worth visiting. Check out the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Jewel Cave and Lake Cave if you’re keen to see more sights.
Margaret River is a 3-hour drive from the Perth CBD.
10. Fremantle
Last but not least, the lively city of Fremantle is Perth’s most famous day trip – and with good reason. ‘Freo’ is a fascinating port city exuding history and charm. This hipster city is known for its trendy café’s, antique shops, vintage threads and an unmistakable;e laidback vibe.
On a visit to Fremantle, make sure to check out the historic Fremantle Prison, WA Maritime Museum and Fremantle Markets.
Keen for a drink and nibble? Head to one of Fremantle’s most famous spots, Little Creatures. More of a beach bum? Freo’s got you covered with Bathers Beach and South Beach.
Bonus: York
York gets a bonus placing on this list because it’s a great day trip in the Spring, specifically around late September when the Canola flowers bloom.
You should also visit Mount Brown Lookout for a scenic viewpoint. York is a 1 hour 20-minute drive from the Perth CBD.