Treat yourself to a little road trip adventure
Whether you're visiting Western Australia or you're a longtime resident, knowing the top day trips from Perth will come in handy.
Luckily, there are many day drives out of Perth that offer varied landscapes without spending tiresome hours in the car. From 25 minutes to three hours away, you're never too far from a change of pace and new experience. Think sprawling countryside, historic markets, fresh seafood, unusual formations, rolling vineyards, award-winning wines, fruitful orchards, colourful flora, native wildlife, and intriguing history – all at your fingertips.
Keep reading to learn more about the top 5 day trips from Perth that will open you to new adventures, a little downtime, and a lot of happiness.
Swan Valley
The Swan Valley is a highly underrated part of Western Australia. Not only is this region the home to Guilford, a quaint little town founded in 1829, it's also home to some incredible winemakers.
The Swan District is one of eight wine regions in Western Australia. The dry, sunny climate is perfect for Verdelho and Chenin Blanc, but you'll also find delicious Shiraz and Tempranillo. Naturally, touring 'The Valley' means sampling fine wines, nibbling gourmet treats, and spending the day enjoying life.
If you're keen to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife, this day trip from Perth is a good fit. At Caversham Wildlife Park, you'll spend time feeding kangaroos, meeting koalas, gawking at dingos, and petting farm animals. There's also Tasmanian Devils, penguins, and quokkas too.
Fremantle
Another short day trip from Perth is everyone's favourite port city, Fremantle. Known as Freo to the locals, this is the place to be if you're into convict history and haunted houses.
You simply cannot miss tiptoeing through the Fremantle Prison while listening to the spooky stories told by the gaol's gifted guides. Afterwards, calm your nerves with a craft beer at the brewery that started the frothy hipster following, Little Creatures.
If your visit falls on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday Monday, be sure to pop into the Fremantle Markets for a wander around. This ever-popular indoor marketplace is teeming with artisans delivering unique wares and delicious dishes. Sample the foods, buy the souvenirs, and take home delightful memories of a place that's been wowing consumers since 1897.
Cervantes
For an adventurous WA day trip, head north of Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive, a scenic highway spanning from Leeman to Dongara. Before getting to the fishing village of Cervantes, stop into Nambung National Park, home to The Pinnacles.
The Pinnacles Desert is often described as 'another planet' by more than 600,000 visitors each year. The dry, sandy landscape is full of strange formations that were created about 30,000 years ago. It all started when sea waters retracted and left shells exposed. Over time, frenzied winds battered the remnants to create the kooky shapes that tend to leave travellers in awe.
Before the drive back to Perth, The Lobster Shack will treat you to a local delicacy: crayfish, a sea creature similar to a lobster without the large claws. In these parts, fishing is life, and life is fishing. A walk on the beach and some photography of the picturesque turquoise waters will complete your day trip from Perth.
Margaret River
The South West is a favourite Perth road trip idea for its abundance of fresh air, stunning coastline, majestic forests, craft beer, and fantastic cellar doors. A scenic drive through the Margaret River region will take you through Busselton, Dunsborough, Eagle Bay, Yallingup, Cowaramup, Wilyabrup, Grace Town, Prevelly, Margaret River town, and all the way south to Augusta if you wish. But, that's a mighty day, so it's best to choose a few favourite things to do and go from there.
Beer and wine lovers will have a heyday exploring the many options. The best way to really enjoy day drinking around Margaret River is to have a driver, of course. Guided wine tours are not just about having a designated driver, though. It also means learning about a place and getting some insider know-how.
Foodies and chocoholics will undoubtedly leave this gourmet food and wine region with a food baby, so be sure to wear comfy clothing.
Bickley Valley
You won't have to travel far outside of Perth City to find gorgeous countryside brimful of nature walks, orchards, vineyards, and makers' markets. A day in the Bickley Valley lends way to daydreaming of country retreats and tree changes.
It's fitting that a region with so many orchards would excel at making cider, so do make time to visit The Core Cider House. Onsite is the Harvest Room where you can taste the fruity bubbles, and leave with a bottle or two for later. Re-fuel with a tasty pizza at the Cider Bistro, or if the sun's out, sit in the glorious garden.
Walk off the excess calories with a hike through the bush – a great way to explore Bickley Valley and get the most out of your Perth road trip.
Ready to go?
Self-drive day trips from Perth can be great, but what's even better is when someone else does the driving. A guided tour allows you to take in the scenery, learn the history, see the best spots, and taste the wines without limiting yourself. Not only that, but you'll also meet others and have a whole lot of fun too.
