Perth is a vibrant and beautiful city known for its stunning beaches, cultural diversity and incredible natural beauty.
One of the best things about Perth is its proximity to a wide range of day trip destinations, from pristine beaches to charming towns to wildlife sanctuaries. Here are seven of the best day trips from Perth that you do not want to miss.
Swan Valley
Just a short 28-minute car drive from Perth, Swan Valley is a picturesque wine region that celebrates nature’s bounty through plentiful fresh produce and some of the finest artisanal foods you’ll ever eat.
Swan Valley is home to a variety of culinary experiences, from gourmet food offerings to local wines to weekend markets.
It has a rich Aboriginal history, with gorgeous historic sites, museum visits and bush tucker trials available.
For outdoor activities such as cycling or walking, try the Guildford Heritage Walking Trail, a 2km trail that begins at the Old Guilford Courthouse and goes all the way through the town centre.
Swan Valley is also home to Whistler’s Chocolate Company, Western Australia’s oldest chocolatier. Whistler’s, which has been operating for more than 50 years, has a beautiful cafe with an enclosed garden area for the kids to play in while patrons enjoy freshly made traditional and modern chocolates.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a true paradise located just 90 minutes by ferry from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty. It is home to 63 pristine beaches with turquoise waters, white sand, and unique wildlife, including the famous quokka. Visitors can explore the island by bike or foot along 45km of walking trails.
Rottnest Island has a fascinating cultural heritage and is home to several historic sites, including the Wadjemup Lighthouse and Oliver Hill Battery.
Many bird species, including the majestic eastern osprey, can be found on the island, which is recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
This beautiful island also hosts a colony of New Zealand long-nosed fur seals, which visitors can view in their natural habitat from the viewing platforms at Cape Vlamingh and Cathedral Rocks.
Fremantle
Located just 20 minutes to the south of Perth, Fremantle, or ‘Freo’ as locals call it, is a dynamic and vibrant port city with a rich and lively maritime history.
Fremantle’s streets are abuzz with a wild collection of art, trendy cafes and local public markets with more than 150 stalls. It is home to the historic Fremantle Prison, the WA Maritime Museum and the WA Shipwreck Museum.
You can also take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront and visit the Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery to see some mesmerising traditional paintings.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
For a unique and thrilling experience, head over to the Lancelin Sand Dunes, which are the largest in all of Western Australia, spanning 2km. These sand dunes are located around a 1.5-hour drive north of Perth.
Some of the dunes are more than 40m high. It is recommended to bring anti-glare sunglasses and wear lightweight clothing when visiting.
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles Desert is a unique landscape featuring towering limestone pillars, located in Nambung National Park. The pillars dotted around were formed by millennia of erosion.
For a full experience around the desert, use the 1.5km Emu Walk Trail that begins at the Discovery Centre. This trail loops around the entire landscape and is both well-marked and wheelchair friendly.
Yanchep National Park
Located just 50km north of Perth, Yanchep National Park is a beautiful natural oasis spanning more than 2799 hectares and is home to a variety of native flora and fauna, including kangaroos and koalas.
The park also houses over nine steep walking trails, and tourists can enjoy an idyllic picnic in the picturesque surroundings.
You can also explore some 400 caves in the park with a guided tour, with one of the most famous being the Crystal Cave. This cave has been named ‘the jewelled city’ due to its naturally glittering stalactite formations.
Shoalwater Islands
Shoalwater Islands, located off the coast of Rockingham, is just a 40-minute drive from Perth.
The archipelago comprises several limestone islands, such as Penguin Island, and offers a plethora of activities to explore for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
The Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is home to colonies of bottlenose dolphins and Australian sea lions, and you can explore the crystal clear waters and reefs by snorkelling or scuba diving.
Penguin Island houses the largest colony of penguins in Western Australia, and you can explore the island using the Penguin Island Nature Walk or Seal Island Walk.
How many of these day trips have you done? Are there any others you would add to this list? Share them in the comments section below.
Also read: Perth – is it worth the trip?
