Perth is the ultimate city in Australia however there are days when one longs to take a day trip to relax. The areas surrounding the city are also good for day trips, with all day trips that can be taken. The region is comprised of beautiful beaches, nature reserves, regions producing fine wine and historical towns such as Fremantle which are within a two hour’s drive from Western Australia’s Centre. If you like adventure or if you are a foodie or even love nature, there are lots of day trips to take around Perth.
This exhaustive evaluation seeks to guide you to some of the most exciting and fun-filled day sample trips planned from Perth, so that you do not miss any highlight of the trip this will feature amazing sceneries, wild life in its natural environment, and the best food and wine that the area can provide.
Rottnest Island
While in Perth traveling to Rottnest Island was pretty much an obligation, as it is only 19 km from the mainland in the ocean. The island is well known for its award winning beaches and clear waters and regarded as the home of the very adorable Quokka, one of the most picturesque animals on earth. Rottnest Island is perfect for a relaxing holiday or if one wants some activity, then head out on some adventures hence the day out.
Activities on Rottnest Island
It is possible for tourists to take a spin on the bicycles around the island with no cars, bathe in the island’s clear shallow water and even snorkel in the coral reefs. To step back in time, go on over to Wadjemup lighthouse, which displays some great views of the island and the Indian Ocean. Water sports lovers can also get equipment on hire and go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding or windsurfing.
How to Get to Rottnest Island.
The fore-mentioned Island can be reached by the ferries that arrive at Fremantle, at the Hillarys Boat Harbour, or the Barrack Street Jetty in Perth city. As pointed out, the ferry ride from Fremantle lasts approximately twenty five minutes, although this by no mean is the shortest distance as the journey from Perth can last up to one hour, thus giving you an exciting start to the journey.
Best Time to visit
As with every other location of note, Rottnest Island is incredible in all seasons, but with regards to water activities, the best times are the hotter months of October to April. The Island gets particularly busy during the holiday period, hence it is advisable to order the ferries and activities earlier on.
Swan Valley
Swan Valley is located just thirty minutes away from the city, making it one of the most popular areas for wine producing in Western Australia. The Swan Valley Farm is known for its great food, charming wine estates together with home grown produce, endless relaxation is found in Swan Valley, a city getaway from the busy workload.
Best Wineries and Breweries to Explore
One of the several go-to locations in Swan Valley, who enjoys wine is:
- Houghton Wines: This is one of the famous and oldest wineries in Australia offering a complete range of wines as well as some picturesque view of the vineyards.
- Sandalford Wines: There is a good range of premium wines and also some really enjoyable outdoor areas.
- Feral Brewing Company: Feral Brewing Company is quite popular with the locals looking for a craft beer fix and offers punchy beers as well as a pleasant garden area.
Apart from the wine and beer, there are also various cheese, chocolate, and honey boutique producers in the area that you can taste. Swan Valley is also a great place to seek Aboriginal cultures and activities that explain about the native cultures of the area through exciting guided trips and sessions.
Best Time to Visit
Swan Valley is among such travels that are good any time of the year, however relatively spring as well as fall presents the best weather conditions for outdoor food as well as winery
Yanchep National Park
Almost a one hour drive from Perth, Yanchep National Park is treasured in the region since it offers natural beauty, wildlife interaction and bushwalking with amazing landscapes. This place is an ideal spot for a family day-out or to anyone who is a wildlife enthusiast or likes to explore Australian outdoors.
What to Do in Yanchep National Park
- Koala Viewing: Of the many amenities that Yanchep National Park offers its visitors, one of the most exciting things to see is the koala viewing area, which is in the form of a boardwalk.
- Kangaroo Encounters: The park is also populated with a substantial amount of western grey kangaroos who are mainly spread out and are frequently seen lounging.
- Walking Trails: Those who prefer to wander in the park are presented with a variety of options of paths amidst the bush, from which several offer breathtaking or wide-reaching sights of the great lands.
It is worth mentioning that Yanchep National Park also offers something for the people keen on Aboriginal culture – an Aboriginal experience featuring the Noongar traditional occupants of the area and their history with the land itself.
Serpentine National Park and Serpentine Falls
The Serpentine Falls located within the Serpentine National Park is one of the beautiful ways to spend a tranquil day away from the busy city life. These famous waterfalls are located a little outside of Perth and are a great place for locals to head over for a swim in the cold fresh water or a bush land picnic.
Bushwalking in Serpentine National Park
If you are an outdoor enthusiast that enjoys walking long distances, there are several walking trails that you can consider within the Serpentine National Park such as the Kitty’s Gorge Walk which will take you through dense forests, rocky outcrops and finally to the calm Serpentine River. The bush walking tracks are also great for bird and lizard spotting, including the ever elusive little kangas.
Picnic Areas and Swimming
The picnic area at Serpentine Falls is a great family organisation since there is so much space available for relaxation and the surrounding area can be fully appreciated. And if you happen to come in summer, there is no better way to relax than swimming in the natural rock pool located at the bottom of the waterfall.
Lancelin
Lancelin is a small town about one and a half hours north of Perth with amazing white beaches, splendid sand dunes, and suitable weather for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is one of such places which can be used as a pass for an adventure lover in this case: the best places for sandboarding in the entire western Australia.
Sandboarding and Dune Buggies
The sand dunes of Lancelin are known for the sport of sandboarding and is easily possible for other tourists since the locals rent out boards to glide down the sands. For something more thrilling, there are choices for rental dune buggies or four wheel drive rides so as to discover the dunes.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Likewise, the warm waters of the Lancelin as well as the regular breezy weather conditions enables this point to be one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing points around the area. Cooperating providers can give either the instruction, the necessary equipment or both to those who want to learn this sport.
Margaret River
Margaret River is easily one of Western Australia’s more popular regions geographically situated about a three hours’ drive from Perth. Famous for its wine region, gourmet food and surf, this area is appropriate for people who want the combination of adventure and good food and wine.
What Places You Should Not Miss When in Margaret River
- Mammoth Cave: The impressive limestone cave, which can be described as an achievement of nature, allows guests to go on self-guided Perth day tours of the impressive structures.
- Quinninup Falls: These stunning waterfalls should certainly be on your list if you are looking to go for a hike or want to ensure that there are beautiful views from the mountains.
- Hamelin Bay: A beach destination well known for the resident stingrays, and who would not want a relaxing day at the beach or take a quick dip in the blue waters.
Wine connoisseurs should make it a point to visit the local cellars, for instance, Vasse Felix and Leeuwin Estate, not only for the tasting of the wines but also for the matching of the wines with exquisite dishes.
Penguin Island and Shoalwater Islands Marine Park
About forty-five minutes from Perth to the south is Penguin Island which is situated in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Most famous for the little penguin colonies, this favorite location attracts visitors to one day of animal watching and lying on the beach.
How to Get to Penguin Island
From rockingham, those heading to Penguin island would use a short ferry, whilst other learners would not want to cross over the calm bay.
Interests and Activities: Wildlife Encounters
Visitors in summer may also see bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and many types of seabirds beside the valuable penguins at their natural habitats. The crystal clear waters of the vicinity provide an excellent snorkeling site, giving an alternative view of the beautiful marine life.
Nambung National Park: The Pinnacles Desert
Nambung National Park is well-known for its beautiful Pinnacles Desert located approximately two hours to the north of Perth, one of the spectacular natural scenes of Western Australia. The Pinnacles are limestone structures emerging from the blushing hostess background of hot golden sands that will leave photographers and hikers craving more of this new found world.
Visiting the Pinnacles
The visitors are allowed to drive quite deep in the desert using the marked track or further explore the Region on foot via one of the park’s many walking paths. The shadows fall so beautifully upon the sand and its worm like shapes during this evening hours and makes any efforts to climb the Pinnacles to the sunset worthy and the best chances of getting the Pinnacles scenic views.
Avon Valley: A Scenic Escape
Just an hour away from the city of Perth, lies the Avon Valley famous for beautiful countryside, slopes and beautiful small old towns. Though prided on its own natural features and the historic town comprising the administrative center of the Shire of Toodyay, this area is one ideal alternative for a one day trip with scenic rides, bush walking, and learning about past events.
What to Do in Avon Valley
Those who bear an affinity towards relaxing strolls and picturesque sceneries will fit in well at the Avon Valley. Move inside John Forrest National Park and enjoy the walking paths, which have great views and chances for wildlife to be seen.
Conclusion
With the unique geography of Perth, it has emerged as the best entry point to some of the most scenic and varied areas of Western Australia. Whether it is nature parks, fine wine, or proximity to native species that interests you, these day trip destinations will have some appeal to each traveler. Regardless of how you wish to spend your day, near the sea or in the rural areas, it is only a hassle-free road trip away.
FAQs
Can I visit multiple day trip destinations from Perth in one day?
If a day trip to Swan Valley and Yanchep National Park can be done due to their proximity to each other, a trip to Margaret River or Nambung National Park would require even a couple of days for the best experience.
What are the best months to visit these destinations?
If you want to explore the beaches and outdoor facilities in Perth, the best time would be from October to April, which is the warm season, while during colder seasons, walking in the bush and wildlife watching are more enjoyable.
Are there any free day trips from Perth?
Yes, a number of natural parks save for Yanchep National Park and Serpentine National Park which charge small fees or are free of charge provide ways of experiencing the natural parts of Perth without exercise in bulk spending.
What is the distance from Perth to Margaret River?
Margaret River is nearly three hours away from Perth. Thus, it is possible to make a day trip if you leave early. But several visitors stay for a night to relish the wines, food and the sites fully.
Which among the day trips is most attractive for families with children?
Penguin Island and Caversham Wildlife Park will be wonderful places for families as well because kids can interact with animals and get acquainted with the nature.