Hop in the car and enjoy a country day trip from Perth! There’s more to Western Australia than just Perth City, Fremantle, Margaret River and the Swan River. Find somewhere new to explore, spending the day discovering new sights and attractions. Pack a picnic or visit a tasty cafรฉ or cosy country pub for lunch. These lovely spots are all within around two hoursโ drive of the Perth CBD! We live in a unique part of Australia. Let’s make the most of it! Discover Seniorocity’s list of the best day trips from Perth:
Day Trips South of Perth
Serpentine
The Serpentine National Park is home to bush-walking tracks galore to explore, plus picture-perfect waterfalls and picnic spots aplenty.ย Theย Jarrahdale Tavern has a welcoming country feel too.
Waroona
You will know that you have arrived in Waroona when you spot the colourful totem poles at the Visitors Centre! This is a good point of call to find out more about the area, as well as enjoy local art. Close to town, Drakesbrook Weir is a pretty place for a picnic (and a swim in summer). Waroona Dam, otherwise known as Lake Navarino, is also a popular spot for water sports and picnicking and the Waroona Hotel is a good spot for a bite to eat.
Harvey
Harvey has lots to see and do. Take a walk along the dam, enjoy a bite at the Stirling Cottage cafรฉ. Take a stroll; it has beautiful gardens you can see, and be sure to visit the May Gibbs gum nut baby exhibition at the tourist information centre. The big orange, Harvey Cheese and Louge Brook Dam are all worth a visit.
Collie
Many of our country towns have picture-perfect lakes and Collie is no exception. The popular Stockton Lake is a buzz with water sport enthusiasts, while Black Diamond Lake is a popular swimming spot โ just check the water quality first, before taking a dip. Find more things to do and see in Collie here.
Pinjarra
Pinjarra is another small historic town not too far away from Perth and Mandurah. Visit the historic Edenvale Heritage Precinct or Old Blythewood, National Trust Heritage sites. Join a tour or just stroll the gardens. If you’re travelling with grandchildren, they’ll love Ranger Red’s Zoo & Conservation Park, Cantwell Park, and Lovers of Lollies sweet shop.
Mandurah
Mandurah has so much to do not too far from Perth โ you may need more than one day to pack it all in! The Foreshore is a lovely spot for a stroll, you may even spot a dolphin! Thereโs lots of picnic facilities, as well as eateries by the water. Take a Mandurah Cruises boat to explore the estuary and canals further. A short walk from the foreshore is Dolphin Quay where youโll find markets, cafes and more. While a short drive out of town will bring you to the fabulous Amaze Miniature Park.
Rockingham
One of the easiest day trip spots close to Perth is Rockingham. Enjoy the beautiful beaches on the outskirts of Perth. Book a ferry to Penguin Island to enjoy the sandy beaches, swim with dolphins and join a tour to see the birds and sea lions. Grab lunch at a pub or local cafe, visit Rockingham Arts Centre, Rockingham Museum, or Rockingham Regional Environment Centre for a wildlife encounter. Rockingham Dolphin Swim offer tours, or if you’re more of a daredevil, why not book in with Jetpack Flyboard Perth?
Bunbury
Bunbury is one of the best day trip locations within a couple of hours drive from Perth. If you love a seaside town, Bunbury is the perfect day trip! Visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre, take a dolphin eco cruise, or see wildlife at Bunbury Wildlife Park. Explore Koombana Bay, stop in at Bunbury Farmers Market and check out the views from Marlston Hill Lookout. Enjoy lunch at one of the city’s many cafes. Explore culture and history at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery and the Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is one of Perth’s favourite day trip destinations. The island sits offshore just south of the City of Perth. Start your trip with a ferry ride, departing from Fremantle, Hillarys or Barrack Street Jetty. This is one of the few spots to see quokkas in the wild. Stop in at the Rottnest Bakery or the Rottnest Hotel for lunch. Visit the Wadjemup Museum, take the train to Oliver Hill Battery or visit the Wadjemup Lighthouse. Hop on a tour bus or join a talk with one of the friendly volunteer guides. Pack your bathing suit and swim or snorkel. Hire a bike have the best day exploring the island at your own pace. See our guide to Rottnest here.
Day Trips North of Perth
The Pinnacles
#WanderOutYonder and experience the other-worldly landscape of the Pinnacles. You can take the self-drive road through the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. There are parking bays to pull over, and walk around the limestone rock formations, which are like something out of another planet. Feeling hungry? Stop for a seafood lunch at the Lobster Shack at the nearby seaside town of Cervantes.
Lancelin
Lancelin is a scenic fishing and tourist town found about 127km north of Perth along Indian Ocean Drive. It’s a popular day trip destination or for a weekend getaway for surfing, fishing and for driving through some of Western Australia’s best sand dunes. Stroll up to Nilgen Lookout to enjoy the views, and spotting wildflowers along the way.
Moore River
Take a drive to the sleepy seaside hamlet of Moore River, where the river meets the ocean. This spot is perfect for people that love getting active in the great outdoors. Thereโs swimming, fishing, boating, plus canoe, pedalo and paddle boat hire is available during weekends, school holidays and public holidays too. Want to linger longer? The caravan park is very popular. Moore River is also a great jumping off point for self drive day trips or to join a day tour to see the stunning WA wildflowers.
New Norcia
Spend your day exploring the historic town of New Norcia, a great day trip within a couple of hours of Perth. The town is packed with extravagant buildings, twenty-seven of which are covered by the National Trust. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery, join a tour, or enjoy the River Walk. The Salvado Cafe is open daily if you need a bite to eat.
Gingin
GinGinโs central park is perfect for a picnic by the brook. Thereโs a cafรฉ overlooking the park and a new playground here for the grandkids too. A short drive out of town is the fascinating Gravity Discovery Centre. The interactive museum about space and gravity has a 222-step โLeaning Towerโ with spectacular views from the top of the structure!
Bindoon & Chittering Valley
If you love a country bakery, you canโt go past the popular Bindoon Bakehaus! Bindoon, a pleasant hoursโ drive north of Perth, is also home to a heritage museum, as well as an interesting arts and craft centre. A delicious, hearty lunch can always be had at Stringybark Winery
Yanchep
Yanchep is an outer suburb up the northern coast of Perth. It was originally a small crayfishing settlement. Thanks to the freeway extensions, it’s now one of the easiest day trips from Perth. More so if you’re not up to a long drive, but are still eager to see attractions in Western Australia. Have a great day exploring Yanchep National Park. Enjoy a hike, join a Crystal Cave tour or stop in for refreshments at Yanchep Inn or the Chocolate Drops Kiosk. Spot wildlife such as birds and kangaroos as you stroll the koala boardwalk. On the other hand, if you love the water, why not head to Yanchep Lagoon? This protected beach offers a safe swimming place and is a popular location to snorkel or go fishing. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can see all the highlights of this amazing national park with Trees Adventure or get a birds-eye view on a helicopter ride.
Day Trips East of Perth
Toodyay
The country town is home to the quirky Coca Cola cafรฉ, as well as an equally quirky year-round Christmas Shop, and a popular bakery. Visiting with grandchildren, they will love the Toodyay miniature railway (which runs every other Sunday) and Hoddywell archery too. See our guide to Toodyay here.ย
Gidgegannup
Visit in late winter/early spring for wildflowers and the Noble Falls, which are located close to Gidgegannupโs centre. A picnic area is found across the road from the Noble Falls Tavern, where you may even spot a kangaroo! Drop by to The Nobel Falls Estate โ home to a winery, soap factory and the Wild Goose cafรฉ. Gidgegannup is sure to be one of your best short trips from Perth and the Swan Valley!
York
The historic town of York on the Avon River is home to many beautiful heritage buildings, including the town hall and courthouse complex. Plus there is a Motor Museum to explore beautiful vintage cars and motorbikes, as well as cafes and pubs to enjoy a meal. Enjoy the views from Mount Brown Lookout, cross the Avon River Suspension Bridge or stroll through Peace Park.
Pic Credit: Visit York
Northam
Northam has a rich indigenous history, which can be discovered at the Bilya Koort Boodja Cultural Centre. Cross the suspension bridge at Bernard Park which features two fully fenced play areas, a water playground, sculptures, amphitheatre, picnic and BBQ facilities โ great for family days out. The town is also a popular place to visit in late winter, as the Avon Descent race begins here. Find more thigs to see and do in Northam here.
Kalamunda and Walliston
If you’re not up for a long drive, the Kalamunda and Walliston area in the Perth hills region is an easy day trip. It’s around a 30 minute drive from the city and packed with places to see. Visit S&R Orchards for their Spring Blossom Festival or for seasonal fruit picking from December until March. It’s great for a family day out if you have grandchildren in tow! Stop in at Carmel Cider Co or a winery for lunch. Wander the Bibbulmun Track, Rocky Pool Walk, and watch the sunset from bush lookouts. Meander The Zig Zag Drive or wander further afield to Perth Observatory for a tour. Enjoy learning the history of this area around Perth at Kalamunda History Village.
Mundaring
Mundaring is a leafy, tree-lined village, a great spot for short drive day trips from Perth. You can leave Perth without going too far. Stop at the Perth Hills Mundaring Visitor Centre, located in an old school house in the heart of Mundaring, to discover local fauna and flora. Enjoy lunch at Dingo Brewery, The Lounge at Amaroo or the nearby Parkerville Tavern. If you’re looking to experiment with social nudism, Sunseekers Naturist Club welcomes visitors and members a tranquil place for swimming, sports and even barbequing in the Swan Valley. Just out of town you will find the vast and scenic Mundaring Weir, a great spot for walking or picnics. Mundaring is also close to another Perth day trip idea, Lake Leschenaultia, a haven for walking, swimming and family day trips.
Katanning
A farming and former logging town around 277km from Perth, Katanning is a vibrant multicultural community. The town hosts a Harmony Festival every March to celebrate the community’s cultural diversity. Pack your camera and snap some shots of the murals that are part of the Public Silo Trail or of scenic Lake Ewlyamartup. Look for more silos on the way back to Perth! View the exhibits at the Katanning Public Art Gallery or Katanning Historical Museum. Stop for some lunch at The Cordial Bar or pick up some gifts from The Goose’s Bridle or The Bakehouse Boutique. If you’re travelling with grandchildren, they’ll love a visit to the Katanning All-Ages Playground or the Katanning Skate and BMX Park.
Have we missed your favourite spots to take country day trips from Perth? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, through "Simply PERTHfect", Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA. She enjoys brunching, lunching or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her parents in tow, Amanda always has plenty of senior-friendly eating options to recommend. Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
