Perth is the perfect "day trip" city for discovering a new adventure every day.
Whether you're a Perth local looking for something to do on the weekend or if you're visiting our beautiful city and basing yourself in Perth City, heading out on a day trip to one of the surrounding Perth areas can be a real treat.
Perth is the perfect "day trip" city for discovering a new adventure every day, because all these locations are closer than you might think. To spark your explorations so you can #SeePerth and what makes it so special, here’s six of our favourite Perth day trip destinations.
Fremantle
A short drive or train journey from Perth City, Fremantle is known for its heritage and arts culture, delicious food, exciting festivals and beachside fun! Pick up some eclectic treasures in the Fremantle Markets, enjoy a coffee along the beloved 'Cappuccino Strip', or even a tipple at Bathers' Beach (WA's first licensed beach area).
History runs deep in this area, with an abundance of immaculately preserved heritage buildings. You can a guided walking or segway tour, or head underground on the fascinating tunnels tour of the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison. The WA Maritime Museum, WA Shipwreck Museum and Fremantle Arts Centre are all a treat for the mind and senses.
And speaking of senses - foodies are in for a treat! Enjoy some fish and chips at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour (an iconic "Freo" experience!), sample some boutique beer at one of the great micro-breweries, or feast on the local flavours and indie vibe at one of Fremantle's many restaurants and cafés.
Perth Beaches & the Sunset Coast
Stretching from Cottesloe to Lancelin, spanning the coast of the northern suburbs of Perth and beyond, this stretch of coast is known for its pristine beaches (and vibrant beach culture), marine activities, and – as the name suggests – the awesome beauty of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.
Whether you're soaking up the views on the self drive trail, enjoying tasty fare at a picturesque beachside café or restaurant, diving and snorkeling in sparkling waters amongst an abundance of fish and marine life, or just working on your tan, there's plenty for beach-lovers to enjoy. And the charm of this area doesn't end there: visit Hillarys Boat Harbour for shopping, cafes, restaurants and an exciting educational experience at AQWA, or stroll the Mediterranean boardwalk at The Marina, Mindarie for a spot of shopping before some waterfront dining paired with a locally-brewed boutique beer or a sensational coffee or cocktail.
For a truly unique otherworldly experience, head north to the sand dunes of Lancelin for 4WDing or sandboarding – it's a ton of fun!
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride away and has plenty to offer visitors. With 63 beaches and 20 bays to choose from, you can enjoy swimming, relaxing and some fun in the sun. While exploring the island on foot or rental bike you can encounter a wide variety of wildlife including birds, dolphins, seals, and of course the internationally-loved quokka!
Exploring the world beneath the waves is also a must-do, whether you're discovering the underwater snorkel trails at Little Salmon Bay and Parker Point, or boarding the Underwater Explorer (September – May) for a fun introduction to local marine life.
The Island also has a fascinating and sometimes tragic history, with important stories which long remained relatively unknown to visitors. The Rottnest Island Museum, Lomas Cottage, Pilot Boat House, Vincent Way, the Salt Store and the maze of tunnels between the WWII gun emplacement on Oliver Hill.
Swan Valley
Known as Perth's "valley of taste", there's delicious fresh fare galore to savour in the Swan Valley's 32km of food and wine experiences, with plenty of places to enjoy local produce and free tastings of local preserves, dried fruit, chocolate, honey, cheese and nuts. There's also plenty of nature beauty to explore on the Swan Valley Trails, and some very inspired art at the many arts and crafts galleries and artist studios in the area.
The Swan Valley is only a short drive inland, but for a bit of a different way of exploring, take a boat cruise along the Swan River from Perth City, followed by a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Perth Hills
The Perth Hills area is full of exciting things to do for the whole family – from exploring the universe at the Perth Observatory, to picking your own fruit (in season) or going on an apple orchard tour, and walking the many trails including the stunning Railway Reserves Heritage Trail, KEP Track, the famous Bibbulmun Track, the John Forrest National Park and more.
The magnificent gardens of Araluen Botanic Park are spectacular too, particularly when the tulips are in bloom. Wine lovers are in for a treat here, too: the Perth Hills and Armadale wine trails offer a range of delicious local wines, cider and produce to enjoy.
Avon Valley
An hour and a half self drive out of Perth City, the verdant Avon Valley's rolling hills, babbling brooks and quaint, historical townships have charmed many a visitor. Explore the museums, art galleries, historical attractions and antique shops of the area, or follow WA's largest outdoor art gallery, the Silo Art Trail.
The Avon Valley is a great spot to view Perth's gorgeous and unique wildflowers (in season), as well as to enjoy a variety of scenic walk trails any time of year. If you feel like some adventure, you can even try skydiving, gliding, paragliding or (seasonal) hot air ballooning!
Of course, there's plenty of culinary delights to enjoy here too – good ol' country kitchen fare at the local historic pub, the viticultural treats of Chittering, or even a romantic or family picnic by the shores of the Avon River.
Mandurah and Rockingham
Mandurah and Rockingham are only a comfortable drive from Perth City, or hop on the train for convenient, easy access. You'll find plenty to do in these gorgeous seaside cities.
Mandurah is a regional city just outside the borders of Perth Metro, known for its gorgeous estuaries and canals which are perfect for a cruise – keep an eye out for frolicking dolphins! Stroll along the picturesque foreshore and enjoy a bite at the many fine waterfront restaurants, or go a bit further afar to enjoy the beautiful state forests and national parks of the Peel Region. If you're an adventurous soul, enjoy the joys of the water up close by canoeing or kayaking along the winding Murray River, or follow a section of the Bibbulmun Track or Munda Biddi Bike Trail.
Rockingham is a slice of marine tourism paradise: where you can swim with wild dolphins (seasonal), go scuba diving at the West Coast Dive Park, kayak around the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, or even go snorkelling, kitesurfing or wakeboarding.
With so many exciting places to go and activities to enjoy in Perth, why not enjoy this warm weather and explore the many day trip destinations of Perth and surrounds, and make memories to remember? Have fun!
