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The 10 best day trips from Perth: beaches, nature, and scenic drives
The best day trips from Perth include beaches, parks, and food and wine spots. We list 10 day trips from Perth with highlights, travel times, and tips.
Among the best day trips from Perth are Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Mandurah, Rockingham and Penguin Island, Yanchep National Park, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Serpentine Falls, Swan Valley, Busselton and Margaret River, and Wave Rock.
This guide covers the best day trips from Perth, including key highlights, the best ways to get there, and travel times for each destination.
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Best day trips from Perth at a glance
Here’s a quick rundown of the best day trips from Perth, complete with the info you need for a great day out. These destinations suit solo travellers in Australia, as well as families, couples, nature lovers, hikers, and foodies, especially if you’ve already explored the top things to do in Perth.
| Day trip destination | Highlights | Travel time from Perth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rottnest Island | Quokkas, clear waters, beaches, snorkelling, cycling | ~25–90 minutes | Families, couples, solo travellers |
| Fremantle | Markets, Fremantle Prison, cafés, brewery, heritage streets | ~30 minutes | Solo travellers, couples, food lovers |
| Mandurah | Dolphins, giant sculptures, canals, cruises | ~50–60 minutes | Families, couples, nature lovers |
| Rockingham and Penguin Island | Koalas, kangaroos, caves, wildflowers, trails | ~50–60 minutes | Families, couples, adventure seekers |
| Yanchep National Park | Limestone formations, scenic drive, emus | ~45–60 minutes | Families, solo travellers, nature lovers |
| Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park) | Waterfall, swimming hole, picnic area, short walks | ~2–2.5 hours | Couples, photographers, road trippers |
| Serpentine Falls | Wineries, breweries, chocolate, cheese, food trails | ~1 hour | Families, couples, casual hikers |
| Swan Valley | Jetty, wineries, beaches, whales | ~25 minutes | Couples, groups, food lovers |
| Busselton and Margaret River | Granite formation, cultural site, rock art | ~2.5–3.5 hours | Couples, groups, road trippers |
| Wave Rock | Gratine formation, Aboriginal culture | ~4 hours | Road trippers, photographers, solo travellers |
Best coastal day trips from Perth
If you’re looking for beach escapes, the destinations below are some of the best places to visit near Perth with clear waters, marine life, and seaside views.
Rottnest Island
Named by Dutch explorers who mistook its quokkas for large rats, Rottnest Island is now famous for these friendly marsupials and its laid-back charm.
Just off the coast of Perth, it’s known for clear waters, sheltered beaches, coral reefs, and shipwreck sites ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. With no private cars, you can explore by bike or on foot, which adds to the island’s relaxed feel.
- How to get there: Ferry from Fremantle, Perth (Barrack Street Jetty), or Hillarys Boat Harbour to Rottnest Island
- Travel time: ~25–90 minutes
Fremantle
Located on Perth’s southern coast, Fremantle is a lively port city known for its heritage streets, food scene, and relaxed coastal vibe. It’s home to the historic Fremantle Markets, where you can browse local produce and handmade goods, as well as the famous Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO-listed site offering guided tours.
You can also stop by Little Creatures Brewery, stroll along Cappuccino Strip for cafes and restaurants, or head to nearby Cottesloe Beach for a quick swim or sunset views.
- How to get there: Direct train from Perth to Fremantle
- Travel time: ~30 minutes
Mandurah
Just south of Perth, Mandurah is known for its canals, wildlife, and unique outdoor attractions. You can spot wild dolphins in the waterways, explore the Giants of Mandurah, which are five giant wooden sculptures spread across a 40 km area, or visit Lake Clifton to see ancient thrombolites.
There are also scenic cruises, waterfront spots, and cultural tours with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming that you can join to learn more about the rich Bindjareb heritage.
- How to get there: Drive or take the train from Perth to Mandurah
- Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
Tip! Before renting a car, make sure you understand the requirements for driving in Australia, including license rules and road regulations.
Rockingham and Penguin Island
If you want clear waters and rich wildlife close to Perth, Rockingham is one of the easiest spots to head to. Spend time at Palm Beach or Rockingham Beach, walk out to Point Peron for coastal views, or get in the water with activities like snorkelling, kayaking, or kite surfing.
The area is also known for dolphin encounters, especially around Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. From Rockingham, it’s just a five-minute ferry ride to Penguin Island, where you can see wild little penguins up close (open October to early June).
- How to get there: Drive or take the train to Rockingham, then a short bus or taxi ride to the coast. Ferry to Penguin Island.
- Travel time: ~50–60 minutes
Best nature and wildlife day trips from Perth
Below are some of the best day trips from Perth for nature escapes and close-up wildlife experiences.
Yanchep National Park
Just north of Perth, Yanchep National Park is an easy nature escape known for its native wildlife and walking trails.
You can see koalas at the sanctuary (daily feeding times), spot kangaroos grazing in open areas, and explore caves like Crystal Cave on a guided tour. Visit in spring for wildflowers and wattles, or walk around Loch McNess for an easy loop.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to Yanchep National Park
- Travel time: ~45–60 minutes
The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park)
About 200 km north of Perth, the Pinnacles Desert is known for its ancient limestone formations rising from the sand.
You can drive or walk the 4 km Pinnacles Loop, which takes about an hour, and spot wildlife like emus. Sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit for cooler temperatures and better views. There’s also a visitor centre at the entrance.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to Nambung National Park
- Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours
Serpentine Falls
Set at the base of the Darling Scarp, Serpentine Falls features a waterfall flowing down a granite rock face into a deep pool.
You can relax on the surrounding grassy areas, where kangaroos are often seen, or take the short Falls Walk Trail (about 400 metres) for a quick walk around the area. There’s also a picnic area nearby, and swimming may be allowed depending on conditions.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to Serpentine National Park
- Travel time: ~1 hour
Tip! Before heading out, consider purchasing travel insurance for Australia, especially if you plan to drive, hike, or visit remote areas where medical assistance may be limited.
Best scenic self-drive day trips from Perth
Here are some of the best self-drive day trips from Perth if you want scenic routes, local food and wine, and standout natural landmarks.
Swan Valley
Just a short drive from Perth, Swan Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and makes for an easy day trip full of food.
You can visit wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, or follow a tasting trail that includes chocolate, cheese, and local produce — not just wine. Many spots are close together, so it’s easy to explore multiple stops in one trip.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to the Swan Valley
- Travel time: ~25 minutes
Busselton and Margaret River
South of Perth, Busselton and Margaret River combine coastal views with well-known food and wine experiences.
In Busselton, you can walk or ride the train along the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and visit the underwater observatory. You may spot dolphins in the early morning, and even migrating whales along the coast from September to early December. Further south, Margaret River is known for its wineries, vineyards, and surf beaches.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to Busselton and Margaret River
- Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours to Busselton; ~3–3.5 hours to Margaret River
Wave Rock
Located inland near Hyden, Wave Rock is a 15-metre-high granite formation shaped like a breaking wave. You can walk along the base or climb to the top for views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s also a significant Aboriginal cultural site linked to Dreamtime stories, including the Rainbow Serpent. Nearby, you can visit Hippo’s Yawn, a rock formation shaped like a hippopotamus’ mouth, and Mulka’s Cave, known for its ancient Aboriginal rock art.
- How to get there: Drive from Perth to Wave Rock (Hyden)
- Travel time: ~4 hours
Practical tips for planning day trips from Perth
Before deciding where to go for your day trip from Perth, consider the following to help your plans go smoothly.
- Rent a car if needed — Many of the best day trip destinations are best accessed by driving in Australia, as public transport options are limited.
- Start early — Longer trips, like Wave Rock or Margaret River, require several hours of driving, so an early start helps you make the most of your day.
- Check the weather — Inland areas can get extremely hot, especially in summer when temperatures often exceed 35°C.
- Pack food and water — Not all destinations have nearby shops or restaurants, and you’ll want to stay hydrated in the heat.
- Book ahead — Ferries and popular tours can sell out quickly during peak seasons, so secure your spots in advance.
- Stay connected — Use an Australian SIM card or travel eSIM to access maps, updates, and bookings while on the road.
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