10 Stunning And Memorable Day Trips from Perth

As the capital of Australia's largest state, Perth is a fantastic gateway to exciting adventures and epic sceneries that are just waiting to be discovered.

There’s an endless list of destinations to choose from! Keen for an island paradise? Head to Rottnest Island for white sand beaches, pristine blue waters, and fun water sports. In the mood for a panorama  of rolling hills and fine wine? Swan Valley is definitely the place to be.

To help you, we’ve curated this list of the best day trips from Perth to help you discover the best of the west.

Whether you’re planning a romantic day with your partner or a fun trip with your mates, you can’t go wrong with Swan Valley. Located just 25 minutes east of the city, it’s one of the most convenient Perth day trip destinations. The vibrant vineyards make up a stunning scenery but the star of the show is, of course, the wine. Take your pick among the quality shiraz, chenin blanc, and petit verdot varieties and savour the different flavours.

Blend fine wine and stunning views  on a gourmet wine cruise for the ultimate Swan Valley experience. Take in the picturesque vistas as you sail along Swan River, sip your wine, snack on cheeses and muffins, and explore the Sandalford Wine Estate—all in one tour.

Not a fan of wine? No problem. Head to Fremantle and discover its burgeoning brewery scene. Go on a  crawl and try different craft beers as you explore the city. Stop by the Esplanade Park and ride the ferris wheel, then look for the North Mole and South Mole Lighthouses for Instagram-worthy photos. There’s never a dull moment in Freo.

Pressed for time in WA? Join the Perth and Fremantle City Explorer tour to discover the best the two cities have to offer in a single day! See all the highlights, learn about the history, and get recs from a local expert.

Looking to escape the city? Go on a short drive to Yanchep for a day full of unique cultural and natural experiences. You can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content at Yanchep Lagoon or visit the great cafes and restaurants at The Marina. But the town’s main attraction is the Yanchep National Park, which boasts great bushwalks, limestone caves, and scenic picnic spots.

Make the most out of your time in the area by joining the Pinnacles and Lobster Day Tour. Along with a stop at the Yanchep National Park, you’ll discover the stunning rock formations at Nambung National Park, go sand boarding at Lancelin, and have lobster for lunch. 

Come for the stunning white sand beaches, stay for the incredible marine life. Penguin Island is the place to be if you’re an animal lover. You can snorkel to see the vibrant corals and fish, or go on a cruise to spot dolphins and sea lions. But no visit to the island is complete without seeing the world’s smallest (and cutest) penguins! Don’t miss the feedings at 10:30 am, 12.30 pm, and 2:30 pm for a sure-fire way to see them.

Take your animal adventure up a notch and go on the Ultimate Aussie Wildlife Day Tour! Besides the penguins, you’ll also ride a glass-bottom boat to see marine life underwater, meet Caversham Wildlife Park’s kangaroo, wombat and koala inhabitants, and watch an interactive farm show.

Situated less than an hour from the city, Mandurah is one of the easiest day trips from Perth. Its name means “the meeting place of the heart” and one visit will let you know why. The winding canals around the city will remind you of Venice but the diverse marine life is very much Australian. You can try your hand at catching blue swimmer crabs (native to the area) and spotting bottlenose dolphins along the waterways.

There’s no better way to explore the city’s magnificent waterways than with a cruise, where the guide will teach you all about catching different crabs and lobsters and teach you all about the native animals, like the adorable dolphins.

Keen to escape the bustling city life? Travel to Avon Valley for a change of scenery. History buffs will enjoy visiting the towns of York, Northam, and Toodyay and see the colonial architecture as well as shopping for souvenirs from craft shops. Nature lovers will love the Avon Valley National Park which boasts great views, flora and fauna all year round.

Rottnest Island is one of the most popular Perth day trips for a reason: the cute quokkas! The smiling marsupials are native to the island and they’re also its most popular attraction. No visit to Rottnest is complete without snapping a selfie with the adorable creatures. But besides the animals, the island is a treasure trove of activities—you can go swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and more.

Want to discover everything the island has to offer? Go on the grand Rottnest Island tour to see the most essential sights, from the top of the Cape Vlamingh and a scenic train ride, to the Henrietta Rocks and the quokkas.

At the heart of Nambung National Park lies Pinnacle Desert—one of the best Perth day trip destinations. With striking limestone formations and golden sand as far as the eye can see, it looks like the setting of a blockbuster sci-fi film. No matter when you’ll visit, you’ll be greeted by epic scenery and animals like emus and roos, but it’s especially stunning during the spring when there are colourful wildflowers around.

While you’re there, maximize your time away from the city lights and extend your visit until night to see the shining, shimmering stars on a Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Evening Stargazing Day Tour. It’s the perfect time to bring your camera and capture the constellations.

Journey down south from the city to discover one of the most captivating caves in Australia. Located 20 minutes from 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.

With Klook, you can book the 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.

Compared to the other Perth day trip destinations on this list, this is the farthest but the long drive is worth it. There are plenty of epic rock formations all around Oz, but Wave Rock stands out. The 15-metre tall granite cliff looks like a wave frozen in time and makes a great backdrop for any photo. The area is also home to Mulka's Cave, where you’ll see ancient rock paintings that tell the story of an Aboriginal legend.

Why only visit Wave Rock when you can explore the surrounding areas as well? On the Wave Rock York Wildflowers & Aboriginal Culture tour, you’ll see the fascinating architecture of York, stop by the Dog Cemetery, and of course, visit Wave Rock.