Perth is known by many to be one of the most remote cities in the world.
However, don’t be put off by this as there are plenty of interesting places to visit that are a short day trip away.
Western Australia is has some of the most beautiful scenery and beaches in the country.
Whether you are a visitor or a local, there will always be something to do outside Perth on the weekend.
Here are more resources so you can easily organise your ideal Perth day trip:
- Parkos – long term parking Perth airport
- Booking.com – hotels near Perth Airport
- Viator – more day trips from Perth
We had a look at all the major attractions in the state and found 10 day trips from Perth if you want to escape the city this weekend.
1. Rottnest Island
Only a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest is an idyllic island playground – car free and carefree!
Rottnest Island is blessed with a casual atmosphere, picturesque scenery, marine life and some of the world’s finest beaches and pristine bays.
The island is a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers.
Just off the coast lies a vast graveyard of over thirteen shipwrecks waiting to be explored by divers.
Rottnest Island is an A-Class Reserve renowned for its high conservation and community values.
It provides critical habitat for a range of animal species, including the Quokka.
The Quokka is the only mammal which is native to Rottnest Island, and can be found almost everywhere on the island.
They have quickly become one of the main attractions of Rottnest Island.
In photos, Quokkas seem to have a natural smile, and have developed the reputation of being the ‘happiest animal on Earth’.
Rottnest Island would be the first choice for a relaxing weekend away from Perth.
Alternatively, there are a number of day tours available inclusive of ferry rides to and from Rottnest Island.
2. Pinnacles Desert & Lancelin
Located 200km outside of Perth, this awe inspiring natural attraction in the heart of the desert is well worth the journey.
The eerily beautiful Pinnacles Desert is a unique natural wonder and one of Western Australia’s most photographed tourist attractions.
You will be able to view thousands of rock spires which stand in the middle of the golden sand desert.
The magnificent limestone structures rise as tall as three and a half metres.
They have unique characteristics – some appearing jagged, some smooth, and others sharp edged.
Drop by the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre where you can learn more about the history of the Pinnacles.
Whilst in the area, it is worth paying a visit to the pure white sand dunes at Lancelin.
This is one of Australia’s premier sand boarding destinations.
Whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush of sand boarding, quad-biking or 4 wheel driving, the Lancelin Dunes is where the adventurous visitors can let loose.
Head to one of the nearby gas stations where you will be able to rent sand boards for less than $10 AUD.
3. Wave Rock
Wave Rock is a natural rock formation located near the town of Hyden, Western Australia, that is shaped like a tall, breaking ocean wave.
The ‘wave’ is about 15 metres high and around 110 metres long.
Indigenous Australians have inhabited the Wave Rock region for many hundreds of years, and there are very significant historic sites located here.
There is an abundance of activities to do in Hyden.
Check out the Indigenous rock art at Mulka’s cave and The Humps
Or take in the spectacular wildflowers during spring
On a cloudless night, look up at the stars and see constellations in the sparkling sky.
4. Margaret River
Located a three hour drive from Perth, Margaret River is one of the most popular locations for Perth locals to retreat for their weekend city escapes.
Margaret River has a wide array of attractions.
This includes the best wine (coupled with great fresh produce) in the country, adventurous outdoor activity, and beautiful scenery.
Wine is what Margaret River’s most famous for though.
The area being home to over 150 individual wine producers, ranging from small boutiques to major labels.
Winery tours are incredibly popular, and if you are unsure of a single activity to take part in, this is the number one must-do in the Margaret River region.
Also check out the awe-inspiring limestone cave networks formed about 1 million years ago.
Be amazed by the massive labyrinths adorned with intricate limestone crystal formations.
There are several caves to explore from completely self-guided tours, guided tours around boardwalks, or adventurous ‘abseil your way in’ expeditions.
If you are strapped for time, definitely check out Mammoth Cave (the largest cave network) or Lake Cave (arguably the most beautiful).
If you are a foodie, you’re in luck!
The Margaret River region is renowned for its culinary delights.
There are an array of fresh produce grown in the region, which combine well with wineries in this natural region.
5. Swan Valley
The Swan Valley region, situated a short half an hour drive from Perth, is known for its distinguished vineyards.
One of the more popular day trip locations to visit, the Swan Valley is full of attractions as well as wineries.
For the best Swan Valley experience, explore the world class wineries, the Margaret River Chocolate Factory, and if you are a coffee connoisseur, Yahava Coffee Works.
The best way to experience the Swan Valley region is to join a day tour.
You’ll have a local expert giving you insights on the region’s best wines and attractions.
6. Caversham Wildlife Park
If you are interested in seeing Australia’s unique native animals, visit Caversham Wildlife Park.
This is where you will get closeup encounters with some Australian icons such as koalas, possums, wallabies, wombats, and more.
Catch the Wombat & Friends Show, where you will be able to see, touch, and learn about various Australian native animals
Also, the Farm Show will give you a glimpse of farm life with whip-cracking, sheep-shearing, and more.
Overall, Caversham Wildlife Park is a fantastic Australian experience all in one day!
7. Rockingham & Penguin Island
Rockingham is one of the best destinations in Australia for marine life encounters.
Pods of dolphins and other marine wildlife regularly frequent the shores.
Less than an hour from Perth, visitors can either swim with the dolphins or simply watch them from the viewing platform of an island ferry.
Over the course of 20 years, the crew that hosts these dolphin experiences has befriended over 200 local dolphins.
A further boat trip out is Penguin Island where you’ll have the opportunity to see more wildlife, including penguins, seals, and other bird species.
8. Busselton
With the 1.8km long Busselton Jetty as its focal point, the waterfront area is brimming with activities.
There are seaside cafes, kiosks, bars, restaurants, and a calm, tranquil, white sandy beach.
At the end of the Busselton Jetty, there is the Underwater Observatory where you can view amazing marine life.
The laid-back city is one of Western Australia’s favourite tourism towns,
It is the perfect area for a relaxed daytime trip from Perth.
During summer, the sea is a beautiful tropical blue at Busselton
For beach-lovers, this is a great way to spend a hot summer’s day.
9. Fremantle
A day out in Fremantle is a unique blend of fabulous food, handcrafted beers, great coffee, and a lively music and arts scene.
Highlights include the Fremantle Prison, Western Australian Maritime Museum, and the Fremantle Markets (open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
For lunch, check out the various fresh seafood and excellent fish and chips at Fremantle’s Fishing Boat Harbour, which is the best place to get the catch of the day.
After lunch, walk over the Little Creatures Brewery.
Fremantle is the home of handcrafted beer in Western Australia, with many of the local brews gaining a large following across Australia.
For something different, head to Fremantle Prison.
After 136 years of use, the prison opened its gates to the public in 1992 to share its gripping history and stories.
You can choose from day tours, or if you’re feeling particularly brave, haunting night tours.
Located only a short half an hour from Perth City, Fremantle is a great area to spend the day.
10. York
York is known for not only its picturesque countryside and pastures, but also the town’s colonial charm, making it one of the perfect daytime destinations from Perth.
Located less than a two-hour drive from Perth, York has retained its cultural heritage boasting many well-preserved Victorian buildings and churches.
During the spring season, York is renowned for its yellow canola field crops as far as the eye can see.
Stop by and take as many photos as you can as it is surely a sight to see.
However, be sure to stay outside of the fence, as many of these canola fields are private property, and trampling the plants may affect the farmer’s yield.
There are countless areas to explore in Western Australia around Perth, but these are our top recommendations.
For each destination, it’s most relaxing and complete if you organise a weekend trip.
Some attractions in the state are even further away from Perth.
So this could mean a trip to the airport, catching a flight, rather than a lengthy drive.
In these scenarios, you can conveniently find parking near Perth Airport through Parkos.
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