10 Must-Do Day Trips from Perth
Perth is a city that has so much to offer, both in the Perth surrounds and the wider area. The hardest part is working out which way you need to go first!
As someone who has lived in Perth and visited as a tourist many times, this list is my top recommendations of things I love to do.
If you’re after things that won’t cost you a cent, I’ve also put together a list of free things to do in Perth.
Our Top Perth Resources
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– Don’t want to find places on your own? Book a tour here
– Book skip-the-line attraction tickets with Tiqets
Start by working out how many days you have free to explore, then work out your top favourite things to do and see. Perhaps a sightseeing day then a relaxing walk? Or maybe an adventure day followed by an explore day?
Check out my quick guide first, then jump to the sections that interest you the most.
Quick Guide to the Best Perth Day Trips
For those who are short on time, here’s a quick rundown of my favourite getaways.
| Day Trip Destination | Best For… | Travel Time from Perth | Best Tour: |
| Rottnest Island | Quokka selfies & beaches | 30-90 min ferry | Perth to Rottnest Island ferry |
| The Pinnacles | Otherworldly landscapes | 2 hours | Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing Tour |
| Swan Valley | Wine, food, and beer | 30 mins | Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip |
| Fremantle | History, markets, and arts | 30 mins | Book here |
| Caversham Wildlife Park | Up-close Aussie animals | 30 mins | Check out Perth Wildlife Park & City Highlights |
| Lancelin Sand Dunes | Adventure and sandboarding | 1.5 hours | sandboard and quad bike adventure in Lancelin |
| Penguin Island | Wildlife encounters | 45 mins | Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience |
| Yanchep National Park | Koalas, caves, and culture | 45 mins | Pinnacles Desert, Yanchep and Swan Valley with Lunch tour |
| Mandurah | Dolphins and waterways | 1 hour | Wild Seafood experience cruise |
| Serpentine Falls | Waterfalls and hiking | 1 hour |
The Best Day Trips from Perth: A Deep Dive
Ready to get into the details? Here are our personal favourites, tried and tested. We travel with 2 young kids, so I’ll mention kid-specific things if anything is a standout.
1. Rottnest Island: More Than Just a Quokka Selfie
The first time I saw a quokka, I couldn’t believe how friendly and curious they were. These little guys are the stars of the show, but Rottnest Island is so much more.
With 63 stunning beaches and 20 beautiful bays, it’s a slice of paradise just off the coast and easily one of the most essential day trips from Perth.
Getting There: You can catch a ferry from Fremantle (the shortest trip at ~30 mins), Perth’s Barrack Street Jetty (~90 mins), or Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Our Tip: Take the early morning ferry from Fremantle to beat the crowds and get a full day on the island
Top Things to Do:
- Hire a bike: It’s the best way to explore the car-free island at your own pace.
- Snorkel: The Basin and Parker Point are incredible spots with crystal-clear water.
- See the quokkas: You’ll find them all over, especially around the main settlement. Remember to look, but don’t touch or feed them!
- Beach hop: Find your own secluded patch of sand to relax on.
Book your ferry tickets from Perth to Rottnest Island here to make travel simple.
2. The Pinnacles: A Trip to Another Planet
Driving into the Pinnacles Desert for the first time feels like you’ve landed on Mars. Thousands of limestone pillars rise from the yellow sand, creating an eerie and absolutely breathtaking landscape. It’s one of those places that you really must see to believe!
Getting There: This one is best done with a car to give you flexibility. It’s a straight hop up the Indian Ocean Drive.
Our Tip: Stay for sunset – the colors are out of this world. The park is often open late, and the stargazing is phenomenal without the city lights. There is a reason why so many tour operators offer star gazing with their packages!
Top Things to Do:
- Drive or walk the 4km Desert View Trail that winds through the pillars.
- Visit the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn about the geology.
- Stop in the nearby crayfishing town of Cervantes for a fresh lobster lunch at the Lobster Shack.
If you don’t have a car, this Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Stargazing Tour is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Pinnacles at night.
3. Swan Valley: A Foodie’s Paradise
Just 30 minutes from the city, Swan Valley is my go-to for a relaxing day of wining and dining. As WA’s oldest wine region, it’s packed with character, award-winning wineries, and gourmet producers.
Getting There: It’s an easy self-drive, but if you plan on sampling the local wares, a bus tour or a scenic river cruise from Perth is a fantastic option.
Top Things to Do:
- Wine tasting: Some of my favourites are Mandoo n Estate, Sandalford, and the boutique Lancaster Wines.
- Visit a brewery: Bailey Brewing Co. has a great atmosphere and playground for kids.
- Indulge your sweet tooth: Don’t miss the Margaret River Chocolate Company and Whistler’s Chocolate Co.
- Enjoy a long lunch at a winery restaurant with vineyard views.
To really enjoy the wineries, a tour is the way to go. I love this Ultimate Swan Valley Food and Wine Day Trip.
“For a unique experience, try the Swan Valley River Cruise with Lunch and Wine Tasting.”
4. Fremantle: Perth’s Cool Little Sibling
“Freo,” as the locals call it, has a vibe all its own. This historic port city is a vibrant hub of arts, music, and maritime history. I love just wandering the beautifully preserved streets, grabbing a coffee, and soaking in the bohemian atmosphere.
The beaches are pretty amazing, and the Freo eye is a great place to take in the view. Our kids loved it!
Getting There: It’s a quick 30-minute drive or train ride from the Perth CBD. A ferry down the Swan River is also a lovely, scenic option.
Top Things to Do:
- Explore Fremantle Markets: A weekend institution with amazing food, local crafts, and lively entertainment.
- Tour the Fremantle Prison: A fascinating and slightly spooky look into WA’s convict past. The tunnel tours are incredible.
- Grab a beer at Little Creatures: A classic Freo experience right on the harbour.
- Walk the ‘Cappuccino Strip’ and find a spot for some people-watching.
To really get a taste of Fremantle, take your time exploring on an electric bike. Book here today
5. Lancelin: For the Adrenaline Junkies
If you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the Lancelin sand dunes. The sight of these massive, snow-white dunes against the turquoise of the Indian Ocean is unforgettable. The thrill of flying down them on a sandboard is even better!
Getting There: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive north of Perth. You’ll need a car for this one.
Top Things to Do:
- Sandboarding: You can hire boards right at the entrance to the dunes.
- 4WD & Quad Biking: If you have a 4WD, you can explore the dunes yourself, or you can join a thrilling quad bike tour.
- Relax at the beach: Lancelin’s main beach is a beautiful, sheltered spot for a swim after your dune adventure.
This sandboard and quad bike adventure in Lancelin is a fantastic option if you’re looking for some great adventure!
6. Caversham Wildlife Park: Get Your Aussie Animal Fix
There’s something incredibly special about hand-feeding a kangaroo or meeting a sleepy koala, and Caversham is the perfect place for it. It’s not a zoo; it’s a much more intimate and interactive experience that I think is brilliant for families or anyone who hasn’t been up close to Aussie wildlife.
Getting There: Caversham is located inside Whiteman Park, about a 30-minute drive from the city.
Top Things to Do:
- Hand-feed the kangaroos: Wander through the huge enclosure where friendly kangaroos and wallabies roam freely.
- Meet the koalas: Get up close for a photo with one of Australia’s most iconic creatures.
- Watch the Farm Show: See sheep shearing, whip cracking, and sheepdogs in action. It’s classic Australiana.
- Don’t miss the chance to meet a wombat!
Check out Perth Wildlife Park & City Highlights – Premium Small Group Tour to view some of the best highlights in Perth
7. Penguin Island: A Haven for Little Penguins
Just a five-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Penguin Island feels like a world away. It’s home to the largest colony of little penguins in Western Australia. Seeing these cute little birds in their natural habitat is a truly special experience.
Getting There: Drive 45 minutes south to Rockingham and take the ferry from Shoalwater.
Our Tip: The island is closed during the winter breeding season (early June to mid-September), so always check the ferry schedule before you go.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Discovery Centre: See the little penguins up close during feeding times.
- Explore the island: Walk the nature trails and boardwalks to discover beautiful lookouts and secluded beaches.
- Spot other wildlife: Keep an eye out for wild dolphins, sea lions, and nesting seabirds on the cruise over.
“I love this Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience which gives you the best chance to see all the local marine life.”
8. Yanchep National Park: Culture, Caves, and Koalas
Yanchep is one of my favourite all-rounders. It’s one of the easiest places near Perth to see koalas in the wild (well, semi-wild), but it also offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and Aboriginal culture.
Getting There: It’s an easy 45-minute drive north of the city.
Top Things to Do:
- Walk the Koala Boardwalk: Stroll the raised walkway to spot koalas snoozing in the eucalyptus trees.
- Tour Crystal Cave: Head underground to see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in this limestone cave.
- Experience Aboriginal Culture: Join a tour to learn about local Noongar culture, hear the didgeridoo, and try spear throwing.
- Hike one of the many trails that wind through the wetlands and woodlands.
If you’re short on time, check out the Pinnacles Desert, Yanchep and Swan Valley with Lunch tour here
9. Mandurah: Dolphins and Waterways
Less than an hour south of Perth, Mandurah is all about the water. Its massive, calm estuary and network of canals make it one of the best places in WA to see wild bottlenose dolphins. There’s a relaxed, holiday vibe here that I just love.
Getting There: An easy 1-hour drive or a direct train ride from Perth.
Top Things to Do:
- Take a Dolphin Cruise: This is a must-do. You’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins playing in the waterways.
- Explore the Eastern Foreshore: A lovely spot for a walk, a picnic, or to grab fish and chips.
- Giants of Mandurah: Go on a treasure hunt to find the incredible giant wooden sculptures hidden in nature (check if the exhibition is still running).
- Visit Amaze Miniature Park: Explore miniature model trains, find hidden fairy castles, play mini golf – it’s a little kids dream come true!
For the quintessential experience, book this Wild Seafood experience cruise now!
10. Serpentine Falls: A Bushland Oasis
When the weather heats up, locals flock to the Perth Hills for a refreshing escape. Serpentine Falls, nestled within the beautiful Serpentine National Park, is a true gem. The waterfall cascades over a sheer granite rock face into a deep pool below.
Getting There: You’ll need a car for this one. It’s about an hour’s drive southeast of Perth.
Our Tip: The park often reaches capacity on hot weekends and public holidays, so get there early to secure a spot.
Top Things to Do:
- Swim in the rockpool: Take a refreshing (and often chilly!) dip at the base of the falls.
- Hike the trails: The Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail is a local favourite, especially in spring when the wildflowers are out.
- Have a picnic: The grassy parklands are perfect for a BBQ or picnic, and you’ll often see kangaroos grazing nearby in the late afternoon.
This is more of a self-drive destination, so pack a picnic, grab your swimmers, and enjoy a day exploring the Perth Hills at your own pace.
Ambitious Day Trips (Better as an Overnighter!)
Now, for those of you with a bit more time or a serious love for road trips, there are a couple of iconic destinations that people often ask about.
Can they be done in a day? Yes. Should they be? In my opinion, you’ll have a much better time if you stay the night (or more!)
Margaret River: The Ultimate Wine & Waves Escape
Let’s be clear: Margaret River is world-class. It’s famous for a reason, with its incredible wineries, epic surf breaks, towering forests, and stunning coastline. However, at a 3-hour drive each way, a day trip means spending at least 6 hours in the car. You’d be rushing through wine tastings and barely scratching the surface.
My Advice: Make this an overnight trip, or even better, a long weekend. You’ll want time to stop at the famous Busselton Jetty on the way down, explore a limestone cave like Lake Cave, enjoy a long, lazy lunch at a winery (Vasse Felix is an icon), and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
If You MUST Do It in a Day: If you are absolutely determined and short on time, your only real option is a tour. It will be a very long, jam-packed day, but you’ll get a taste of the region. This Margaret River, Caves, Wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth covers all the highlights. It also allows you to taste the region without worrying about driving.
The Pinnacles & Beyond: A Note on Drive Times
While The Pinnacles is a perfect day trip destination, I’ve heard people talk about trying to push on further north to places like Kalbarri National Park on the same day.
My Advice: Please don’t! Kalbarri is a spectacular destination with its coastal cliffs and inland gorges (hello, Nature’s Window!), but it’s a 6-7 hour drive from Perth one way.
It is absolutely not a day trip. It’s a key stop on a longer Coral Coast road trip, where it deserves at least two days of your time. Enjoy the Pinnacles for the amazing day trip it is, and save Kalbarri for a bigger adventure.
My Top Tips for Day Trips from Perth
Tip 1: Renting a Car: While some day trips are accessible by public transport or tour, renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace. I always use Discover Cars for the best deals.
Tip 2: Pack for the Australian Sun: This is non-negotiable! The WA sun is strong, even on cloudy days. Always pack high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water.
Stock up on essentials here before you travel with Wild Earth (my favourite store!)
Tip 3: Book in Advance: During peak season (like school holidays and summer weekends), things get busy. Especially for popular tours and ferries to Rottnest Island, I always book ahead to avoid disappointment. If you can, see if you can travel mid week.
Tip 4: Leave No Trace: The natural beauty of these places is what makes them so special. Please be a responsible traveller, take all your rubbish with you, stick to the marked trails, and be respectful of the wildlife.
Which Perth Day Trip is Right for You?
No matter which day trip you choose, you’re in for an incredible adventure. Perth is the gateway to some of Australia’s most stunning and diverse landscapes, all within a couple of hours’ drive.
From the friendly quokkas of Rotto to the alien world of the Pinnacles, there’s a new memory waiting to be made just around the corner.
I hope this guide has inspired you to explore beyond the city and discover the magic of Western Australia.
Still nailing down the rest of your trip? Take a look at our full Perth itinerary for more day-by-day inspiration.
