The best day trips from Perth

Known as the ‘Dolphin Capital of Western Australia’, Mandurah is famous for its playful pod of resident bottlenose dolphins, which you’ve got a solid shot at spotting while cruising the canals, kayaking the estuary or even just wandering along the waterfront boardwalk. Get a lil’ fancy by taking a Venice-style gondola cruise, or keep things casual by hiring a barbecue boat or enjoying fish and chips by the shore. In recent years, Mandurah’s been especially popular thanks to the Giants of Mandurah – a larger-than-life outdoor exhibition by Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo, featuring five enormous wooden sculptures hiding in the wetlands. The question is: how many can you track down in a day?

How far? 70 kilometres

How to get there? 1-hour drive or 50-minute train ride

Best things to do: Giants of Mandurah, dolphin cruise, gondola ride, Mandurah Boardwalk

In the blink of an eye, you could be wining and dining your way through the Swan Valley – the oldest (and arguably coolest) wine region in Western Australia. Located just 30 minutes from Perth CBD, it might be Australia’s easiest wine country escape – no need for an overnight bag, and definitely no need to pack snacks. The place is practically one giant grazing board, with artisan chocolate, cheese, honey, nougat and plenty of family-owned wineries serving up top drops. The Swan Valley is also heccas scenic, with rolling vineyards, charming pottery studios and adorable farms where you can feed alpacas and pet goats.

How far? 25 kilometres

How to get there? 30-minute drive or 30-minute train to Guildford Station

Best things to do: Caversham Wildlife Park and Whiteman Park, Yahava Koffeeworks, Sandalford Wines, The Margaret River Chocolate Co, The House of Honey, Mondo Nougat

Whether you’re day-tripping or detouring en route to the Margaret River wine region, Busselton is a scenic and strategic spot to stretch your legs (and maybe sip a few bevvies). Of course, you have to stroll down Busselton Jetty – the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching a wild 1.8 kilometres. Then spend the rest of the day riding the solar-powered train, exploring the Busselton Underwater Observatory or even diving in the underwater snorkel park. If you’re not the deso driver, drink your way through Busselton’s craft breweries, or sip a sunset G&T at Busselton Pavilion before heading home. 

How far? 222 kilometres

How to get there? 2.5-hour drive

Best things to do: Busselton Jetty, Origins Market, Shelter Brewing Co, Busselton Cultural Precinct, Forest Adventures

Affectionately known to the locals as ‘Freo’, this eclectic maritime town offers a historic walkabout and a stunning ocean view. Start your day by heading down South Terrace (or ‘Cappuccino Strip’) for a freshly brewed coffee. Grab a feed at one of the many eateries in the area (we recommend locally-owned Little Creatures Brewery), before wandering through the suburb’s boutiques and op-shops. If you’re visiting on Friday or Saturday, Fremantle Markets are a must. You’ll want to pick up a famous hot jam doughnut from Levi’s – eat it warm and thank us later. To finish off, fans of true crime podcasts should take a night tour of Fremantle Prison to hear haunting tales of past prisoners and other creepy goings-on. 

How far? 24 kilometres

How to get there? 30-minute drive or 30-minute train trip

Best things to do in Fremantle: Fremantle Markets, Fremantle Prison, WA Shipwrecks Museum, WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle Arts Centre, Esplanade Park, Little Salmon Bay, Little Creatures or Gage Roads Brewery

Famous for being home to the world’s largest wild quokka population, Rottnest is an open-air nature reserve that also acts as a sanctuary for some very rare and special animals. With no cars on the island, you can walk or cycle around to some of the world's most spectacular beaches, plus see quokkas, birds, reptiles, seals and whales all playing in their natural habitat. To make the most of your day trip, we recommend snorkelling at Little Salmon Bay, Parker Point and Little Armstrong Bay. For a land-based adventure, wander the Wadjemup Bidi walking trail and delve into the island’s fascinating Indigenous heritage.

How far? 33 kilometres

How to get there? 90-minute ferry ride

Best things to do on Rottnest Island: The Basin, Little Salmon Bay, Wadjemup Bidi Trail, Wadjemup Lighthouse, Rottnest Bakery

A quick 90-minute drive from Perth brings you to Dwellingup, where jarrah and marri forests cradle rivers and trails perfect for exploring. Cyclists can venture off the beaten path on the Munda Biddi, a popular off-road trail through the Darling Ranges and Southern Forests. Post-cycle, head to Lane Poole Reserve for an afternoon of swimming and kayaking in the peaceful waters. Haven’t got the equipment? Rent kayaks, rafts, stand-up paddleboards and more from Dwellingup Adventures.

How far? 107km

How to get there? 1-hour and 15-minute drive 

Best things to do in Dwellingup: Bibbulmun Track, Lane Poole Reserve, Holy Grail Mountain Bike Trails, Hotham Valley Tourist Railway, Treetops Adventure, Wine Tree Cidery

Only a two-hour drive north of Perth, Cervantes is the first stop on the scenic drive along the Coral Coast highway. For seafood lovers, it’s worth making the stop and heading to The Lobster Shack for some of the juiciest seafood you’ll ever eat. Take our word for it and try the hot shack roll, where fresh lobster is sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun. Not far off Cervantes is Nambung National Park, home to WA’s popular limestone rock formations, The Pinnacles, which date back 25,000 to 30,000 years. It’s a breathtaking landscape, and you might even see some kangaroos or emus in the early morning or late afternoon. 

How far? 196 kilometres

How to get there? 2-hour drive

Best things to do in Cervantes: The Pinnacles, Lobster Shack, Hangover Bay, Lake Thetis, Thirsty Point Lookout

Once you arrive in Rockingham, you’ll immediately want to dive into the pristine, clear waters or walk along one of its many soft, sandy beaches. Those with a penchant for adrenaline can get involved in something more exhilarating, like beach skydiving, kayaking or dolphin diving in the warmer months. Or if you prefer land, visit Cape Peron and discover limestone cliffs, rocky reefs, panoramic views and naval history dating back to 1916. Feeling hungry? Grab a table at one of the many restaurants situated on the foreshore, like Latitude 32, Ostro Eatery or Lu Lu’s Cafe.

How far? 48 kilometres

How to get there? 40-minute drive or 1.5 hours on public transport (catch the Mandurah Line train from Perth Underground and stop at Rockingham Station)

Best things to do in Rockingham: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Pam Beach, Cape Peron, Djurandi Dreaming Cultural Tour

Like its name, this island off the coast of Rockingham is known for its penguin population. Take the five-minute ferry from Mersey Point to see this adorable colony of penguins up close. It'll easily be a day of swimming in gorgeous water, snorkelling with marine life, and even surfing. Like most islands off the coast of WA, there are also picturesque nature trails and boardwalks to experience. Don’t forget to bring those binoculars, because at different lookouts, you might see nesting seabirds, dolphins or even whales. Also, pack your own food, as there are no cafés on the island.  

How far? 55 kilometres

How to get there? 45-minute drive to Mersey Point, then a five-minute ferry ride

Best things to do on Penguin Island: Ferry and Guided Wildlife Walk, Shoalwater Bay 

History buffs will love a day trip to York to catch a glimpse into WA’s settler history. Walk along Avon Terrace to see the town’s colonial architecture and old-school businesses, like Barclay Books, PennyFarthing Sweets and Nymble Nynepence. The family will love the York Motor Museum, a community-owned motor museum with a collection of vintage racing bikes, classic cars and old-school motorcycles. The star? The Crocodile Dundee Ute signed by Paul Hogan. Afterwards, pack some food and a picnic blanket before driving five minutes to Mount Brown Lookout to take in the sweeping views of York from 342 metres above sea level. 

How far? 98 kilometres

How to get there? 1.5-hour drive

Best things to do in York: Avon Terrace, York Motor Museum, York Bushland Gardens, Avon Park and Swinging Bridge, Wongborel/Mount Brown Lookout

Now one train ride away, Yanchep is a quick, quiet escape from city life. Head to Yanchep National Park with the entire family to experience the koala-viewing boardwalk and go underground to see the glittering Crystal Caves. You’ll want to stop at Yanchep Lagoon and enjoy the clear, serene waters while you snorkel around the colourful reefs. For those who might get peckish during the day, Yanchep Lavender Farm serves a floral high tea, and its lavender fields are free to explore at your leisure. 

How far? 55 kilometres

How to get there? 45-minute drive or 1-hour train ride

Best things to do in Yanchep: Yanchep National Park (Ghost House Walk Trail), Crystal Cave, Yanchep Lagoon, Yanchep Lavender Farm

Once a historic town known for timber in the 1800s, Serpentine is now cherished by locals and visitors for its stunning, natural beauty and serene landscapes. Explore swimming holes, waterfalls and walking trails, including the Falls Walk Trail, Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track and Kitty’s Gorge in Serpentine National Park. If you do want to swim, make sure to check the Parks and Wildlife Service for any water alerts.  

How far? 65 kilometres

How to get there? 50-minute drive

Best things to do in Serpentine: Serpentine National Park (Kitty's Gorge Walk Trail), Serpentine Falls, Millbrook Winery, Bistro By The Dam