Best Perth Road Trips: Whether it’s a road trip up north or down south, the stunning views of nature will definitely be worth the long drive!
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that WA (Western Australia) is the largest state in Australia and it also covers a third of the whole continent?! Well, with that much space to explore & so much lush nature to see, you can bet that going on a road trip is a must when visiting WA!
View of South Perth from Kings Park Botanic Gardens
While the size of Perth, WA’s capital city is just slightly bigger than Singapore, the real adventure truly begins when you head out of the city, either up north or down south. And if you’re thinking that this is just going to be an ordinary road trip, you might want to brace yourself for the adventure that you’re bound to experience!
From stargazing in a desert to wine tours amongst lush greenery, and even whale watching off the coast of some of the finest beaches you could find in Australia, one week will definitely not be enough for you to experience the true beauty of WA!
Perth Travel Essentials 🇦🇺
Planning a holiday to Perth and Western Australia? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🏮 Perth Essentials: Best Day Tours & Top Must-Dos
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Book Your Car Rental on Klook
Can’t do a road trip without a car, so get your car rental settled with Klook! Klook’s car rental service is serviced by top-rated suppliers and familiar names for your peace of mind such as Hertz, Europcar and Avis. We also recommend adding on minimum basic protection insurance when you are booking a car rental.
When it comes to your main mode of transport for this road trip, we would suggest renting an SUV or any form of off-road vehicle as most of these destinations are way out in the countryside, and not really suitable to get to in city cars.
Here's a handy map for your Western Australia road trip!
Road trips up north from Perth
1. Lancelin
Lancelin Sand Dunes. Image by Tourism Western Australia
Welcome to Lancelin, where there’s nothing but clear blue skies and pale sand dunes as far as the eye can see. Go on a walk along the top of the dunes to see the surrounding coastline and farmland. Ride a 4WD while enjoying the cool ocean breeze or slide down the sand with your bestie in tow!
Lancelin Sand Dunes
While you’re in the area, you might as well make a full day of it. Stroll around Sorrento Quay at Hillarys Boat Harbour before sandboarding your way down the Lancelin Sand Dunes. After exploring Nambung National Park, you'll end the day at Pinnacle Desert, where you can view the sunset and the rock formations.
- Distance north from Perth: Aprox 126km
- Travel time: Roughly 1.5hr
- Best time to visit: Spring & Autumn (Mar - May) & (Sep - Nov)
2. The Pinnacles Desert
At the heart of Nambung National Park lies The Pinnacles Desert, one of Perth’s best day trip destinations. With striking limestone formations and a sea of golden sand that stretches into the horizon, it looks like the setting of a blockbuster sci-fi film.
No matter the season, you’ll be greeted by epic scenery and animals like Emus and Kangaroos, but it’s especially stunning during spring when there are colourful wildflowers around.
Stargazing at The Pinnacles Desert. Image by Tourism Western Australia
While you’re there, maximize your time away from the city lights and extend your visit until night to see the shining, shimmering stars spread across an untainted clear sky. It’s the perfect time to bring your camera and capture the constellations.
- Distance north from Perth: Aprox 189km
- Travel time: Roughly 2hr
- Distance north from Lancelin: Aprox 79km
- Travel time: Roughly 1hr
- Best time to visit: Spring & Autumn (Mar - May) & (Sep - Nov)
3. Geraldton
Street art in Geraldton. Image by Tourism Western Australia
A short 4.5hr drive up north from Perth and you’ll find yourself in one of the artsiest cities in WA, Geraldton! This coastal city has it all, an endless list of cafes for you to spend your day hopping around, street art adorned on the walls of almost every building, and of course, that laid back coastal vibe that’s perfect for just chillin on one of the many pristine beaches that’s in the city.
Abrolhos Islands. Image by Tourism Western Australia
If it’s a slice of paradise that you’re looking for, rest assured because there’s plenty of that surrounding this coastal city, like ‘the best-kept secret of Western Australia’, Abrolhos Islands!
Hop on a charter plane and experience the hidden mysteries of these grand islands and see the beautiful secrets that lie under its pristine waters. From shipwrecks to marine life, schools of fish and many other aquatic species native to these islands, this experience is best had from up in the air and under the water itself.
- Distance north from Perth: Aprox 415km
- Travel time: Roughly 4.5hr
- Distance north from The Pinnacles Desert: Aprox 239km
- Travel time: Roughly 3hr
- Best time to visit: Spring & Autumn (Mar - May) & (Sep - Nov)
4. Gregory
Hutt Lagoon, Image by Tourism Western Australia
If you’ve already come this far north on your road trip, it’ll be a waste not to visit Hutt Lagoon in Gregory too! While the 6hr drive up might seem daunting, (it always helps to have more than 1 driver in the car!) the sights you’ll get to see at the end of the day will totally be worth it!
A lake coloured in a bight pink hue and sometimes even in red or purple, (depending on the season and the weather) it’s one thing to marvel at the beauty of Hutt Lagoon at eye level but the true beauty of this landmark is best appreciated from up in the skies!
- Distance north from Perth: Aprox 515km
- Travel time: Roughly 5.5hr
- Distance north-west from Geraldton: Aprox 98km
- Travel time: Roughly 1hr
- Best time to visit: All year round
5. Kalbarri
Cliffs at Red Bluff Beach, Kalbarri National Park. Image by Tourism Western Australia
Just a little further up north from Geraldton lies Kalbarri National Park, and if you’re looking to get some photos with picturesque backdrops, this is definitely the place to be because you’ll literally be surrounded by it!
Kalbarri Skywalk, Kalbarri National Park. Image by Tourism Western Australia
With towering ocean cliffs at Red Bluff Beach on one end and inland river gorges with rock formations that’s close to 400 million years old at the other, the best view of the iconic Nature’s Window can be seen from the newly opened Kalbarri Skywalk.
- Distance north from Perth: Aprox 571km
- Travel time: Roughly 6hr
- Distance north-east from Hutt Lagoon: Aprox 55km
- Travel time: Roughly 36min
- Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn (May - Oct)
Road trips down south from Perth
6. Hyden
Wave Rock, Image by Tourism Western Australia
Western Australia boasts a large number of great surfing spots, but one of its largest waves can be found in a town and not in the water. Around 4hr away from Perth, Wave Rock in Hyden amazes tourists and geologists alike because of its appearance - like a swell of water that’s been frozen in time.
See the natural phenomenon for yourself as you explore the neighbouring town of York, learn about Aboriginal traditions at Mulka's Cave, and, of course, get plenty of photos of Wave Rock itself!
- Distance south-east from Perth: Aprox 336km
- Travel time: Roughly 4hr
- Best time to visit: All year round
7. Busselton
Busselton Jetty. Image by Tourism Western Australia
If having a romantic walk with your partner down a jetty with a cool ocean breeze blowing against you while chasing the sunset into the horizon is something on your bucket list, then you’ve got to visit Busselton Jetty!
By the way, it’s also the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere stretching at 1.8km long!
Besides being a good scenic stop, Busselton is also one of the first rest spots for you to fuel up and stock up on your snacks and caffeine, especially if you’re on a road trip through Australia’s southwest edge!
- Distance south-west from Perth: Aprox 222km
- Travel time: Roughly 2.5hr
- Best time to visit: All year round
8. Margaret River
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River. Image by Tourism Western Australia
It's no secret that Margaret River is a top holiday destination best known for its luxurious wineries nestled in pristine nature. The sky’s the limit when it comes to all the things to do here as the region is gifted with lots of fun activities to experience, ranging from the quintessential wine tours to nature adventures.
Wills Domain, Margaret River. Image by Tourism Western Australia
When it comes to the wine in Margaret River, or Margs as it is fondly called, you know you’ll be getting some of the best in the world! With a multitude of wine tours available, each bringing something unique to the table. Aside from sampling the fine wines that each winery has to offer, you can also add canoeing, dessert tasting, and more to your itinerary!
- Distance south-west from Perth: Aprox 270km
- Travel time: Roughly 3hr
- Distance south-west from Busselton: Aprox 50km
- Travel time: Roughly 40min
- Best time to visit: Summer & Autumn (Dec - May)
9. Lake Cave
Lake Cave, Boranup
Just 20min south of Margaret River, Lake Cave features an entrance from the ground of a sunken forest. Inside, you’ll spot crystal formations made even more picturesque by the lake. Then, there’s the main event, the huge Suspended Table that hangs from the ceiling and stretches all the way to the cave floor.
Lake Cave, Boranup
Book a Lake Cave tour, so you won’t miss out on any of the cave’s must-see spots. An expert guide will tell you everything you need to know about the cave, from its rich history to the best photo spots.
- Distance south-west from Perth: Aprox 297km
- Travel time: Roughly 3.5hr
- Distance south from Margaret River: Aprox 17km
- Travel time: Roughly 20min
- Best time to visit: All year round
10. Leeuwin
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Image by Tourism Western Australia
Situated in the most south-westerly point of Australia sits the country’s tallest lighthouse! A must-visit destination for anyone heading on a road trip down south from Perth. A towering white tower set against a horizon of deep blue waters, the sight of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one that’s straight out of a movie.
Whale watching off the coast of Agusta
While the climb up to the top of the 39m fully functioning lighthouse might come as a little workout, it will all be worth it in the end as it's also one of the best land-based vantage points for spotting whales from May to September.
Then again, catching a glimpse of these magnificent animals is sill better when you’re literally right next to them on a boat!
- Distance from Perth: Aprox 321km
- Travel time: Roughly 3.5hr
- Distance from Margaret River: Aprox 48km
- Travel time: Roughly 37min
- Best time to visit: Whale spotting season (May - Sep)
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