Perth for First-Timers: 8-Day Perth Road Trip Itinerary
Did you know that Western Australia is the continent’s largest state, and actually sprawls over a third of the entire continent? Great for families, the region is also known for its laid-back vibe. Besides, the drives out from Perth city to its surrounds aren’t long at all — making it a fantastic destination for a road trip.
Perth car rental
Seamlessly rent your car from Klook, where you can take your pick from plenty of different vehicle options. Choose from trusted car companies like Hertz or Avis, with all the optional add-ons (think: child’s car seat) available with just a click.
Even better: you won’t need an International Driver’s Permit to drive in Perth, so just rock up with your Singapore driving license and you’ll be all good to go!
Day 1: Perth City
Often overlooked for its surrounding area, Perth City actually has plenty of surprises up its sleeve! The public transport system is great here: in fact, there’s even a free CAT bus route that runs throughout the inner city to most of the city’s main attractions (snag up to 40% off entry fees with the Klook Pass Perth!).
For a fuss-free way to see it all, check out this hop-on-hop-off bus tour. Otherwise, hop on a rickshaw tour, a bike loop tour, or a segway tour. Looking to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture? These tours will definitely be up your alley: Coffee, Culture, and Art tour; Arcades and Laneways walking tour; Aboriginal History and Culture experience.
Must-do at Perth city
Take a photo at the Blue House
Blue Boat House at Crawley, Image by Tourism Western Australia
It looks just like a humble little rustic blue house that’s perched at the end of a jetty. In reality, this has become one of Perth’s most iconic photo spots!
#KlookTip: To avoid the crowds, visit during sunrise or sunset.
Other Perth City highlights
- Stroll along Elizabeth Quay
- Have a picnic at King’s Park
- Go on a tour of the Perth Mint
- Take a cruise along Swan River
- Visit the Optus Stadium
- People-watch at London Court
- Spot kangaroos at Heirisson Island
Optional day trips from Perth city
Quokka on Rottnest Island. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia
- Rottnest Island (be sure to get the classic quokka selfie!)
- Cottlesloe Beach
Stay at: Perth City
Day 2: Lancelin Sand Dunes + Swan Valley
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Distance: 129 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 33 minutes
Collect your car bright and early in the morning, and head over to the Lancelin Sand Dunes! Enter an otherworldly landscape framed by giant 45-degree sand dunes, which stretch for over two kilometres.
Must-do at Lancelin Sand Dunes
Try sandboarding
The best part? There’s no experience required whatsoever. Choose between sitting or standing sandboards, and take off along the pristine white sand. Otherwise, there are also 4WD buggies and quad bikes available for hire.
#KlookTip: You can easily rent a sandboard from a kiosk at the sand dunes or at Lancelin town. However, during peak travel periods, avoid disappointment by making a reservation online.
Swan Valley
Distance: 140 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 39 minutes
Western Australia’s oldest wine region, Swan Valley is a haven for wine aficionados and foodies.
Must-do at Swan Valley
Go on the award-winning Food and Wine Trail
Photo credit: Swan Valley, Perth Western Australia on Facebook
Comprising a 32-kilometre loop, the trail boasts more than 150 stops! These include elegant wineries, breweries, restaurants, markets, and more. Notable places include The Margaret River Chocolate Company, Mondo Nougat Factory, House of Honey, Yahava KoffeeWorks, Morish Nuts
#KlookTip: If you have little ones in tow, don’t miss out on Sandalford Estate — where the kids can go all out at the playground, whilst the adults indulge in a wine tasting.
Other Swan Valley highlights
Settlers Rest Farm Stay | Photo credit: Settlers Rest Farm Stay on Facebook
- Go on a farm stay (consider Settlers Rest Farm Stay, or Poplar Farm Stay)
Stay at: Swan Valley
Day 3: Caversham Wildlife Park
Distance: 14.7 kilometres
Drive duration: 17 minutes
Get up close and personal with all sorts of native wildlife at Caversham Wildlife Park.
Must-do at Caversham Wildlife Park
Meet cute koalas
Photo credit: Caversham Wildlife Park on Facebook
#KlookTip: We recommend buying your ticket the minute you arrive, as slots (12pm and 3pm daily, subject to change) are sold on a first-come-first-serve walk-in basis.
Other Caversham Wildlife Park highlights
Photo credit: Caversham Wildlife Park on Facebook
- Meet a wombat (9.30am, 11am, 2pm daily)
- Watch a farm show (10am, 1pm, 3pm daily)
- Make friends with a koala (9am, 11.30am, 3.30pm daily)
- Watch a penguin feeding (12pm)
- Feed kangaroos
- Get close to farm animals at Molly’s Farm
Photo credit: Whiteman Park on Facebook
Caversham Wildlife Park is located inside Whiteman Park too. Go on a vintage tram ride, visit the Tractor Museum, go on a bush walk, rent a pedal go-kart, or check out the nighttime Nocturnal Woylie Walk (every Friday).
Stay at: Perth City
Distance: 40.2 kilometres
Drive duration: 42 minutes
Day 4: The Pinnacles + Penguin Island
The Pinnacles
Distance: 49.2 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour
Nestled within Namburg National Park, the Pinnacles are a cluster of unique limestone formations.
Must-do at the Pinnacles
Take photos of the rock formations
Formed around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, the Pinnacles look like a scene out of an alien movie. They come in all shapes and sizes, with some formations even reaching up to 3.5 metres tall!
#KlookTip: Early morning or late afternoon visits are often rewarded by prized spotting of native Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos or even emus.
Penguin Island
Distance: 18.3 kilometres
Drive duration: 24 minutes
Make your way over to Shoalwater in time for the 12pm ten-minute ferry to Penguin Island (best to check-in 30 minutes before departure).
Must-do at Penguin Island
Take a dolphin, sea lion, and wildlife cruise
Photo credit: Penguin Island
Venture out on a glass-bottom boat along the rugged coastline, and see what wildlife you can spot! Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, and more. Tickets for the cruise include an option for a 30-minute guided wildlife walk of Penguin Island itself, which will delve more into the island’s history as well as its little penguin inhabitants.
Other Penguin Island highlights
Photo credit: Penguin Island
- Go swimming
- Check out the Discovery Centre’s ‘touch table’
- Snorkel with sea lions
- Swim with dolphins
- Try kayaking at sea
Stay at: Bunbury
Distance: 135 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 34 minutes
Day 5: Busselton + Margaret River
Distance: 53.3 kilometres
Drive duration: 44 minutes
Must-do at Busselton
Stroll along the Busselton Jetty
Photo credit: Busselton Jetty on Facebook
At 1.8 kilometres long, Busselton Jetty is truly a sight to behold. Comprising the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, the jetty also has spots where you can jump into the sea. Take a leisurely stroll, or hop on a cute little train that will take you all the way to the end of the jetty.
Other Busselton highlights
Photo credit: Busselton Jetty on Facebook
- Visit the underwater observatory
- Explore the Cultural Precinct
- Follow the Busselton Heritage Trail
- Shop local produce at Origins Market
- Have fun at the Forest Adventures Park
- Enjoy a private sunset wine tour
Margaret River
Distance: 50.8 kilometres
Drive duration: 39 minutes
Must-do at Margaret River
Indulge at the wineries
Leeuwin Estate
Famous for its world-class wine, Margaret River is a treasure trove of age-old wineries and quality dining. Have a wine and food tasting at Passel Estate, learn about winemaking at Leeuwin Estate, go on a tour of Voyager Estate, treat yourself to a paired wine tasting at Brookland Valley Winery, or have a wine blending experience at Clairault Streicker.
Or, how about a cosy vineyard picnic at Clairault Streicker or Brookland Valley Winery? If spirits are more your thing, check out this distillery tour. Luxury-wise, you won’t go wrong with this superb helicopter wine tour.
Other Margaret River highlights
- Go on a lighthouse tour (Cape Leeuwin or Cape Naturaliste)
- Learn more about birds of prey at the Eagles Heritage Wildlife Centre
- Pamper yourself with a scenic helicopter flight
- Soar in a seaplane
- Drop by the Sugarloaf Rock
Stay at: Margaret River
Day 7: Margaret River + Yallingup
Distance: 36.6 kilometres to Yallingup
Drive duration: 31 minutes
Spend the better part of the day exploring more of Margaret River (see above) — before heading over to Yallingup, a delightful coastal town.
Must-do at Yallingup
Have a lavender party at Cape Lavender Teahouse
Photo credit: Cape Lavender Teahouse on Facebook
Decked out with beautiful floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Cape Lavender Teahouse is home to all things lavender. Savour the traditional Devonshire high tea, and round it off with a scoop of vibrant lavender ice cream. Looking for great souvenirs? Hit the gift shop for plenty of lavender products.
#KlookTip: The restaurant closes at 5pm, and the kitchen closes at 4pm — so be sure to get your orders in before then!
Other Yallingup highlights
Photo credit: Ngilgi Cave on Facebook
- Take a surfing lesson
- Visit Ngilgi Cave
- Relax at Yallingup beach
- Drop by the Barnyard Bees Honey Farm
- Spot dolphins at Canal Rocks
- Indulge your sweet tooth at Yallingup Chocolate
Stay at: Bunbury
Distance: 87.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Day 8: Mandurah
Distance: 104 kilometres
Drive duration: 1 hour 13 minutes
Meaning ‘meeting place of the heart’, Mandurah has indeed captured the hearts of many locals and tourists alike.
Must-do at Mandurah
Captain your own boat
Yes, you’ll be able to drive a boat without a license! Rent a six- or ten-seater electric boat, shaped like a cute little donut. Cruise along the Ocean Marina and Venetian Canal — all whilst enjoying a barbeque or picnic.
Other Mandurah highlights
- Go on a dolphin cruise
- Enjoy a half-day lunch cruise
- Have a seafood cruise
- Catch the Giants of Mandurah exhibition (slated to run until 2025)
- Take an intriguing Mandjoogoordap Dreaming tour
- See the incredible Christmas lights every December
- Bring the kids on a Pirate Cruise
And just like that, your Perth road trip has come to an end! Slowly make your way back to Perth City or airport to return your car.
Distance: 72.1 kilometres
Drive duration: 53 minutes
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