Beyond Perth: Unmissable Day Trips for Every Explorer

Perth is a great starting point for exploring some of Western Australia’s most unique natural wonders and cultural gems, all within a short drive from the city.

In this guide we introduce you to top day trip destinations from Perth. Walk among the tall limestone spires of the Pinnacles Desert, taste world-class wines in Swan Valley and meet adorable quokkas on Rottnest Island. 

Whether you’re seeking wide open spaces in nature or looking for adventure, these unmissable day trips will inspire every explorer.

A short, 30 minute drive from Perth and you’re in Western Australia’s oldest wine region Swan Valley, the warm climate ideal for making Verdelho, grenache, and shiraz.

Top wineries with restaurants in the valley are Sandalford Wines, Lancaster Wines and Mandoon Estate. At these scenic wineries you can enjoy modern Australian seasonal dishes paired with their award winning wines. The Henley Brook, locally known as “The Hen” offers pub style meals, craft beers and a family atmosphere with ample outdoor space. Feral Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery with a restaurant, serving hearty dishes excellently paired with their ales. Or try Taylor’s Art & Coffee House open for breakfast and lunch serving freshly made food using locally sourced ingredients.

Beyond great food, the Swan Valley is a hive of creativity, home to talented artisans, blacksmith Antonio Battistessa, furniture maker Dave Burke of Celtic Swan Furniture, art galleries and sculpture parks. Art lovers must visit the Gomboc Gallery Sculpture Park which stretches over four hectares and includes an indoor gallery. Discover works by established and emerging artists. Maalinup Gallery exhibits artworks by West Australian Aboriginal artists and at Whiteman Park Village you will find Jennie Merritt’s glass art at the Glass Flower Bar.

For nature lovers there are walking trails through the bush and operators such as Bushwalking Adventures, and Nature Trails Co offering guided tours of the area.

While in Swan Valley take the family to Caversham Wildlife Park in Whiteman Park where you will see a host of native Australian animals including wombats, koalas, and kangaroos. This family-friendly destination offers hands-on animal encounters.

From petting bunnies and calves, feeding kangaroos and penguins, to seeing koalas hanging out in the trees, and having your photo taken with possums, snakes, and wombats. Many of the park’s wildlife residents like the penguins and pelicans have been rescued or rehabilitated.

Fremantle features well-preserved 19th century architecture and historical landmarks like the Fremantle Prison, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Round House, the oldest building in Western Australia, stands out with its circular architectural design. It started out as a guardhouse and later housed various government departments.

The Maritime Museum, located on Victoria Quay Road on the waterfront, celebrates Western Australia’s maritime history. The museum showcases historic vessels and maritime collections that highlight WA’s sporting, sailing and maritime heritage. Checkout the iconic America’s Cup winning yacht, Australia II and Jon Sanders’ Parry Endeavour which completed world record solo voyages.

The museum also features exhibits of handcrafted sailing boats, commercial pearl luggers, and an Oberon class submarine, HMAS Ovens. With both permanent and special exhibitions, the museum is fascinating for anyone interested in maritime history. Book tickets and check out special exhibitions and events online.

The Fremantle Markets, located on the corner of South Terrace and Henderson Street, is a legendary market established in 1897. With over 150 stalls selling everything from fresh produce, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and a variety of food options. Enjoy souvlaki, falafels, bagels, Brazilian BBQ, bratwurst and more while listening to live music and street performers.

Recommended Fremantle restaurants and cafes include Little Creatures Brewery for craft beer and woodfired pizza. Enjoy fresh seafood catches at Kailis Fish Market and Café. For great coffee and breakfast visit Moore & Moore Café or The Attic for a cosy vibe and delicious food.

Rottnest Island has beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling and there are many scenic coastal paths popular with city cyclists. The island is home to and famous for its population of quokkas – adorable, small marsupials that are curious by nature. If you intend spending the day snorkelling and cycling on the island we suggest you catch an early morning ferry (90 minutes) from Barrack Street Jetty in Perth’s CBD or from Hillarys Boat Harbour (45 minutes) in Perth’s northern suburbs.

When you arrive at the island’s main jetty in Thomson Bay, rent a bike and snorkelling gear from Pedal & Flippers or bring along your own on the ferry. The Thomson Bay Settlement behind the beach offers maps, free guided walks, takeaways and coffee. You can also rent surf boards and book tours. Explore the island along coastal cycling paths and discover hidden beaches along the way. For lunch, relax at one of the island cafes or enjoy a picnic at picturesque spots like The Basin or Little Parakeet Bay, you can pick up supplies from Rottnest Bakery.

In the afternoon, snorkel in the clear waters or join a guided tour to learn more about the islands history and wildlife. View a full Rottnest Island day trip itinerary for more information if you're keen to plan a day trip to this unmissable destination in Perth.

The Pinnacles Desert is a national reserve in Nambung, two hours north of Perth. This natural wonder is home to thousands of limestone peaks that rise out of the desert floor. You can explore on foot or by car – there is a designated driving trail that takes you around the reserve.

The Pinnacles Loop Trail lets you explore the unique limestone formations up close. It’s about six kilometres long and takes between two to three hours to complete, depending on your pace. It’s a moderate walk with some inclines. There are also shorter trails that still offer stunning views.

Sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit for photographers. The golden hues of the sand contrast vividly with the blue sky and shadows cast by the towering pinnacles. The temperature is also cooler in the early morning or late afternoon. Bare in mind wildflowers bloom between August and October, which adds colour to the desert landscape.

Yanchep National Park, a 45 minute drive from Perth, offers varied wildlife experiences and a chance to escape the city and walk in nature. The park offers picturesque landscapes, lush woodlands, lakes and beautiful wildflower meadows in spring.

Walk along the peaceful trails which cater to different fitness levels. The Ghost House Trail is a full day, 12.4km loop that takes you through woodlands and past historic ruins. For a shorter walk, the Dwerta Mia Trail (2.6km loop) offers you a chance to explore the underground Crystal Caves filled with limestone formations.

A stroll along The Wetlands Walk offers great opportunities for birdwatching and takes you past Loch McNess. Watch out for black swans, pelicans and other water birds. Wildlife spotting is a highlight of the park. Keep an eye out for kangaroos in the open grassy areas and see koalas up close along the Koala Boardwalk.

Enjoy a picnic at one of the park’s many picnic areas and for an enjoyable cultural expereince join a didgeridoo workshop at Wangi Mia, which is located near the visitors centre. You can watch a boomerang demonstration or go on a bush tucker tour to learn about local plants, natural medicine and taste traditional food. There are also numerous rock art sites dating back forty thousand years. Book your Aboriginal Experience tour and purchase a park pass.

Just 50 minutes south of Perth is Serpentine National Park, a must visit reserve for nature lovers. Its star attraction is the Serpentine Falls, a fifteen metre waterfall where the Serpentine River cascades over granite cliffs into a natural pool.

In the warmer months you can swim here but even in winter you will find it enjoyable relaxing next to the falls. The park offers several scenic trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging bushwalks. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and enjoy the prolific birdlife. A moderate walk is Stacey’s Loop which offers a scenic 1.9 kilometre loop through jarrah forest with a bridge crossing at Gooralong Brook.

Other options include Kitty’s Gorge (7 kilometre return trail) with some steep areas, Baldwins Bluff which offers stunning views of the Swan Valley and the easy Serpentine Falls Trail which is a 1 kilometre stroll from the car park to see the falls, suitable for everyone.

The best time to visit Serpentine Park is from July to November, when the wildflowers make an appearance. The finest displays can be seen in September. Try and arrive before 10am during the warmer months as the park is popular in Spring and Summer and often reaches capacity earlier than expected.

• Check weather forecasts and prepare for sudden changes by wearing all-weather kit
• Avoid bushwalking in overly hot, windy or stormy conditions
• Try and walk during the cooler part of the day
• Walk in groups, stay on the marked trails and follow all signs and instructions
• Stay hydrated (drink one litre of water per hour) 
• Do not climb or jump from the Serpentine Falls
• There is a park entrance fee

Mandurah is a coastal city located 72 kilometres south of Perth. It is about an hours drive away and this charming town offers a chance to explore scenic waterways, beaches and spot dolphins.

The Peel-Harvey Estuary is a haven for birdwatches attracting migratory waterbirds that flock to the area. It’s the perfect spot to go kayaking and you can enjoy fishing and crabbing while taking in the scenery. Halls Head Beach is a lovely swimming and walking beach and is one of the best places in Western Australia to see dolphins swimming in the water either from the shore or on a dolphin-watching cruise.

Mandurah’s foreshore offers stunning views, walking trails and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic. It is lined with cafes and fish and chip restaurants such as Sharky’s Fish & Chips and Cicerellos. After lunch, stroll along the boardwalk and stop off at Simmos for ice cream. If you’re in Mandurah over the weekend, visit the Peel Produce Markets which is open on Saturdays on the eastern foreshore.

Here you’ll find fresh coffee, delicious food and live music. From October to April every Sunday you’ll find the Mandjar Markets – also on the eastern foreshore – and offering a trove of handicrafts made by local artisans. Shopping in Mandurah offers a mix of locally made handicrafts, boutique finds and a department store. Head to the Frisky Dear for coastal inspired homeware and clothing paired with a laid back café experience.

Wellness enthusiasts will enjoy wandering around The Wellness Store which aside from stocking supplements and organic products also offers wholesome snacks, organic coffee, a vegetable garden and even chickens. Mandurah Forum features over hundred and fifty specialty stores covering beauty, fashion, electronics and more.