For those of us visiting from larger metropolises on the east coast, Western Australia’s comparatively tiny capital city of Perth might be a break enough in itself. Boasting a stunning coastline and a laidback lifestyle, Perth’s city limits give way to a verifiable adventurer’s playground, but it doesn’t need to include hours upon hours of time staring through the windscreen bound for the common tourist traps of Broome, Monkey Mia, the Margaret River wine region or Esperance.
We’ve shortlisted six spots to stick on your Perth travel itinerary that make the perfect day trip, as well as some with accommodation options if you want to extend your stay.
Here are our Top Six:
Yanchep National Park (45-minute Drive)
Under an hour from the heart of town, Yanchep National Park is a verifiable playground for kids and adults alike. As well as its stunning natural beauty, it's brimming with Australian wildlife but if that seems a little overplayed, then why not take to the park’s high ropes course, explore the crystal caves or book yourself in for a round of golf - Yanchep boasts the only golf course in W.A nestled within a National Park, and a full 18 holes no less!
Lancelin Sand Dunes (1.5-hour Drive)
Take in some of that iconic western coastline and scratch your itch for adventure with a trip to the Lancelin Sand Dunes! 90 minutes north of the CBD, the tiny town of Lancelin boasts stunning ocean views as well as plenty to see and do, as well as accommodation if your day on the Dunes leaves you too tired to make the trip back home. The Dunes are the biggest in W.A and are popular with dirt bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts, as well as those with a sandboard looking for some gravity-fed fun!
Mandurah (1-hour Drive)
Heading south, Mandurah is intersected by a network of rivers giving way to a large inland lake, meaning water views are never far away. It should come as no surprise then that Mandurah is home to numerous Dolphin watching tours and fishing charters. The journey back to Perth takes you past the iconic Perth Motorplex, the country’s premier motorsport venue for those hunting a drag racing fix!
Swan Valley (30-minute Drive)
The Margaret River might be one of W.A’s best known culinary destinations, but at over three hours from town it was struck from our list. But did you know that on;y thirty minutes from Perth is the Swan Valley region, which is equally renowned for its wineries, breweries and gourmet food? The drive to the region rolls through vineyard-lined hills and the area is awash with accommodation options if you decide to extend your stay to catch the markets held there most weekends.
Serpentine Falls (1-hour Drive)
Heading south east of the city for around an hour will unlock some unique, W.A landscape - Australian native bush set against red rocks and sandy soils. Nestled within the Serpentine National Park and on the Serpentine River you'll find the Serpentine Falls - stunning natural waterfalls surrounded by natural swimming holes. The surrounding bushland is filled with walking tracks and plenty of native fauna, as is a popular picnic destination for Perth day-trippers.
Rottnest Island (Accessible via Ferry from Perth CBD)
Our recommendations usually tend towards destinations you can drive to, but it would be remiss of us to leave Rottnest Island off the list. A short ferry ride from any of a number of ferry terminals scattered in the CBD and surrounding suburbs, Rottnest Island is one of the country’s most spectacular destinations. A tiny microcosm of unique Australian flora and fauna like the world famous Quokkas, girt by a unique and - most importantly - protected coast line allowing marine life to flourish.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or gastronomic delights, these six destinations promise an unforgettable experience for drivers and their families. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an epic journey to discover the beauty of Western Australia.
