Top Day Trips from Perth You Can’t Miss in 2025
Looking for a quick escape without going too far? Perth’s perfectly placed for easy adventures that pack a lot into just one day. Whether you’re craving a coastal stroll, a winery lunch, or a bushwalk with the kids, there are loads of day trips from Perth that are well worth the drive.
Below, we’ve rounded up 10 unforgettable day trips from Perth, WA that blend convenience with beauty, and a few practical tips to make your outings smooth and stress-free.
10 Best Day Trips from Perth You’ll Love in 2025
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor eager to explore beyond the city, Perth offers a variety of unforgettable destinations just a short drive away. Here are 10 amazing day trips from Perth, Australia to add to your 2025 itinerary:
1. Fremantle
How far: Drive about 30 minutes (≈23 km) southwest via Stirling Hwy or take a 30-minute train ride on the Fremantle Line.
Vibe: Historic charm, eclectic arts, and a lively café culture.
Just 30 minutes from Perth by car or train, Fremantle (‘Freo’ as the locals call it) is a vibrant port town brimming with personality. Grab a morning coffee at the iconic “Cappuccino Strip” on South Terrace, where cafés, pubs, and restaurants buzz with life.
Art lovers and culture seekers can explore the Fremantle Arts Centre, housed in a gothic-style heritage building showcasing Aboriginal and contemporary works. Before heading back, don’t miss the Fremantle Markets, open from Friday to Sunday, where you will find everything from fresh local produce.
2. The Pinnacles and Cervantes
How far: Drive about 2 hours (≈190 km) north via Indian Ocean Drive.
Vibe: Otherworldly desert landscapes combined with coastal seafood delights.
A two-hour drive north of Perth leads you to one of Australia’s most otherworldly landscapes, the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. Thousands of ancient limestone spires rise from golden sands, creating a surreal, moon-like scenery best viewed at sunrise or sunset.
The coastal town of Cervantes is nearby, known for its fresh Western Rock lobster and white-sand beaches. Cervantes offers you swimming, snorkelling, or boating. As the gateway to the Pinnacles, it makes a scenic and satisfying combination of adventure and coastal charm.
3. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
How far: Drive about 45 minutes (≈55 km) south via Kwinana Fwy/State Route 2.
Vibe: Marine wildlife encounters and tranquil island exploration.
Just 45 minutes from Perth near Rockingham, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is one of the most rewarding day trips from Perth WA. This marine sanctuary features a series of limestone islands, including the well-known Penguin and Seal Islands, home to around 200 bottlenose dolphins and Australian sea lions.
A short ferry ride takes you to Penguin Island. Explore its beaches and take the 1.5 km Penguin Island Nature Walk for a closer look. The surrounding reefs teem with sea stars, molluscs, and colourful fish, making it a haven for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
4. Busselton
How far: Drive about 2 hours 30 minutes (≈222 km) south via Forrest Hwy and Bussell Hwy.
Vibe: Coastal charm with marine adventures and family-friendly attractions.
Just over 200 kilometres south of Perth, Busselton is a coastal gem best known for its 1.8-kilometre long wooden jetty. Take a relaxing walk along the jetty or hop aboard the iconic red 50-seat train that takes you to an underwater observatory that awaits.
Descend the spiral staircase for a glimpse into life beneath the waves, or indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience eight metres below the ocean surface. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in Geographe Bay, and from September to early December, you might even spot migrating whales resting and nursing their young there.
5. Swan Valley
How far: Drive about 25 minutes (≈25 km) northeast via Guildford Rd.
Vibe: Gourmet delights, fine wines, and close-up wildlife experiences.
Swan Valley is perfect for a day trip from Perth. As Western Australia’s oldest winemaking region, it offers a sensory journey through boutique wineries, where world-class varieties like chenin blanc and verdelho thrive in a warm Mediterranean climate.
Don’t leave without stopping at Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can meet koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. Wildflowers in bloom make the whole valley even more magical if you visit between September and December.
6. Rottnest Island
How far: Ferry ride of about 1 hour 30 minutes from Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty.
Vibe: Laid-back island life with stunning beaches and unique wildlife.
Rottnest Island (fondly known as “Rotto”) is a car-free island paradise with laid-back vibes and plenty of coastal adventures. Boasting 63 beaches and 20 stunning bays, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or cycling along breezy, scenic trails.
Rotto is also famous for its resident quokkas that come out to forage in the late afternoon. Be sure to snap a selfie at beautiful spots like The Basin, Geordie Bay, or Pinky Beach. Before heading back to the mainland, unwind at a café or bar in Thomson Bay and enjoy views across the water to the Perth skyline.
7. Avon Valley
How far: Drive about 1 hour 15 minutes (≈100 km) northeast via Toodyay Rd.
Vibe: Scenic countryside, heritage towns, and aerial adventures.
Stretching across seven localities, from Beverley to New Norcia, the Avon Valley offers a mix of scenic drives, pioneer heritage, and charming small towns like York. Visit in spring for blooming wildflowers and rolling green hills, or soar above it all on a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Windward Balloon Adventures in Northam. It’s the perfect way to take in the patchwork landscapes from the sky.
Further north, the monastic town of New Norcia is a unique stop. It offers artisan nut cakes, fresh-baked breads from a century-old oven, and Abbey Ale brewed beneath the monastery.
8. Serpentine & Jarrahdale
How far: Drive about 1 hour (≈58 km) southeast via South Western Hwy.
Vibe: Waterfalls, wildflowers, and rustic winery experiences.
Just an hour’s drive south-east of Perth, Serpentine and Jarrahdale offer a nature-filled escape perfect for a day trip. Pack a picnic and head to Serpentine Falls in the national park, a favourite spot for relaxing and spotting wildflowers between July and November.
Nearby Jarrahdale blends heritage charm with gourmet experiences. Wander through the old post office museum before indulging in lunch at Millbrook Winery, a stunning vineyard and chestnut farm with an award-winning restaurant. If you are into mountain biking, Langford Park offers trails for all skill levels, plus picnic spots to refuel between rides.
9. Dwellingup
How far: Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes (≈107 km) south via Kwinana Fwy and Pinjarra-Williams Rd.
Vibe: Forest adventures, outdoor activities, and small-town charm.
Dwellingup is a forest escape filled with adventure. Nestled among towering jarrah and marri trees, this charming town invites you to hike, ride, or paddle through nature. There are trails for all levels, from the beginner-friendly Marrinup Loop to the 18km King Jarrah Walk Trail that winds along the Murray River.
The Lane Poole Reserve offers over 150 campsites if you ever want to stay overnight, with favourites like Nanga Mill and Baden Powell best booked in advance. Consider bringing a portable solar generator to power your gear or lights while camping in the wild. They’re clean, quiet, and powerful enough to handle all your essentials—perfectly blending into your outdoor getaway.
10. Mandurah
How far: Drive about 1 hour (≈72 km) south via Kwinana Fwy/State Route 2.
Vibe: Coastal relaxation, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.
Mandurah is a vibrant coastal escape filled with quirky art, local wildlife, and relaxed waterfront charm. Hop on a “Giants and Dolphins” cruise to spot the region’s iconic sculptures and playful marine life, or join a cultural tour with Mandjoogoordap Dreaming to explore Mandurah’s unique ecology and rich Bindjareb Noongar heritage.
With an estuary twice the size of Sydney Harbour, it’s a haven for water-based adventures from crabbing and dolphin-spotting to hiring a BBQ boat or dining on the waterfront. It also boasts scenic cycling trails around town, with bike hire available if you travel light.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Day Trip
Planning ahead can make all the difference when you're heading out for a day trip. Whether you're chasing the coast or exploring the bush, here are a few practical tips to help you make the most of your adventure:
Leave Early, Beat the Crowds
Popular spots like Rottnest Island or the Pinnacles can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Aim to hit the road early so you can enjoy more of the day and secure a good parking spot (or catch that first ferry).
Check Opening Hours & Entry Fees
Always double-check whether national parks, wildlife parks, or markets have seasonal hours or entry fees. Some attractions, like Penguin Island or the Fremantle Markets, only open on certain days or may close due to weather conditions.
Pack for the Weather
WA’s weather can change quickly, even in summer. Bring a light jacket, plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunnies, and SPF), and a reusable water bottle. If you’re heading into the bush, insect repellent is also a good idea.
Stay Connected (or Know When You Can’t)
Mobile coverage can drop out in more remote areas like parts of the Avon Valley or Dwellingup. Download maps ahead of time or carry a printed version just in case. Let someone know your plans if you’re venturing off the beaten track.
Bring Snacks (and Rubbish Bags)
While there are plenty of cafés and eateries around, it’s smart to pack some snacks, especially if you’re planning a long hike or visiting less-developed areas. Always take your rubbish with you—help keep WA beautiful!
Stay Powered Off-Grid
If you’re driving long distances or planning a full day out in nature, especially in off-grid spots like the Shoalwater Islands or Serpentine Falls, consider bringing a compact portable power station. That way, you can keep your phone, camera, or GPS going without worrying about running out of battery mid-adventure.
A lightweight yet solid pick is the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station. At just 3.5 kg, it stores 245 Wh and delivers 300W of AC power (with bursts to 600W via X-Boost) — plenty for phones, laptops or a 12-volt fridge on the drive to Cervantes.
This power station recharges from a wall socket in about an hour thanks to EcoFlow’s rapid X-Stream tech or tops up over lunch when you pair it with the EcoFlow 110W Portable Solar Panel to go fully off-grid. Together they keep your sat navs, drone batteries and emergency comms online long after you’ve left the grid.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
Keep an Eye on Fuel & Facilities
Some routes (like the drive to Cervantes) have long stretches without petrol stations. Fill up your tank before leaving Perth, and make note of toilets, fuel stops, and food options along the way.
Conclusion
From relaxing by turquoise waters in Rockingham to wandering the laneways of Fremantle or sipping your way through the Swan Valley, these day trips from Perth are proof that you don’t need to travel far for a memorable experience.
Whether you're planning a solo escape, a family outing, or a romantic detour, WA has endless treasures within driving distance of the city. With a bit of planning and the right gear in tow, your next adventure could be just a day away.
FAQs
Where to go for a day trip in Perth?
You can explore the Swan Valley, renowned for its wineries and gourmet food experiences, just a short drive away. Alternatively, visit Fremantle to enjoy its vibrant markets, historic sites, and lively atmosphere. For nature enthusiasts, Yanchep National Park provides opportunities to see koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. If you’re up for a ferry ride, Rottnest Island is a must-visit, famous for its beautiful beaches and friendly quokkas.
Where should I go 2 hours drive from Perth by car?
Within a 2-hour drive from Perth, you can reach several remarkable destinations. The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park offers a unique landscape of limestone formations. Bunbury is a coastal city where you might spot wild dolphins. The Perth Hills region, including areas like Mundaring and Kalamunda, is perfect for scenic drives and nature walks. Additionally, the Collie River Valley, with attractions like Black Diamond Lake, is ideal for outdoor activities and picturesque views.
Where can I go an hour from Perth?
There are plenty of destinations within an hour’s drive from Perth. Mandurah is known for its waterways and dolphin cruises. Serpentine Falls offers a refreshing spot for a swim and picnic. The Swan Valley is perfect for wine tasting and gourmet food. Yanchep National Park provides walking trails and wildlife encounters. These spots make for easy and enjoyable day trips.
What lake is 2 hours from Perth?
Black Diamond Lake, located near Collie, is approximately a 2-hour drive from Perth. This former mine site has become a popular spot for its stunning turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and kayaking. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors seeking a picturesque and relaxing day out.