Day Trips from Perth. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Fremantle Exploration

Fremantle is 20 km, approximately 30 minutes by train or car from Perth CBD. Discover the Fremantle Markets, the historic Prison, and maritime heritage.

Independent travel works well with easy direct train access. This provides maximum flexibility. Structured tours are also available if you prefer a planned itinerary.

Fremantle Highlights

Start with a guided tour of Fremantle Prison.
Walk through the historic West End or visit the Shipwreck Galleries.
Enjoy unique shops and cafes.
Visit the Round House for harbor views.

Day Trip Variety

Expand your horizons with more popular day trips, each offering a distinct flavor of Western Australia.

Rottnest Island Adventure

Rottnest Island is 19 km offshore, a 25-90 minute ferry journey. Encounter quokkas, pristine beaches, and snorkeling opportunities.

Rottnest Recommendations

Embark on an early ferry to make the most of your time.
Rent a bicycle or use the Island Explorer bus.
Cycle to secluded bays; find a quokka for a photo.

Swan Valley Indulgence

The Swan Valley is 25 km, a 25-30 minute drive from Perth. Visit wineries, breweries, distilleries, and local produce venues.

Swan Valley Suggestions

Visit three to four wineries for tastings.
Enjoy lunch at a winery, brewery, or cafe.
Include a chocolate factory or local distillery visit.

Travel Styles for Day Trips

Independent Travel Advantages

Fremantle: Direct train, maximum flexibility.
Rottnest: Self-paced exploration.
Perth Hills: Flexibility for hiking trails and villages.
Swan Valley: Requires a designated driver or rideshares.

Organized Tour Benefits

Fremantle: Structured itinerary available.
Rottnest: Full-day packages include ferry and bike/bus.
Perth Hills: Limited specific tours available.
Swan Valley: Popular for convenience; everyone can taste.

Time and Cost Overview

Fremantle:Half-day to Full-day
Rottnest Island:Full-day (highly recommended)
Swan Valley:Half-day to Full-day
Perth Hills:Half-day to Full-day

Public Transport:Economical for city/Fremantle
Ferry to Rottnest:Main cost for island trip
Wine Tours:Convenience at a higher price
Car Rental:Flexibility for regional visits

Booking Day Trips

For convenience and guaranteed access to popular day trips, consider booking your excursions in advance. Discover various tours and activities to enhance your visit to Perth and its surroundings via GetYourGuide.

Nature & Culture Near Perth

Western Australia's landscapes present distinct natural wonders and old towns within reach of Perth.

Pinnacles Desert

A unique and otherworldly landscape featuring thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from yellow dunes of sand.

Yanchep National Park

A leave your car near Perth having a koala boardwalk, wild kangaroos, the Crystal Cave, wetlands, and the historic Yanchep Inn.

Serpentine National Park

Home to Serpentine Falls, a popular spot for swimming and picnics. It also offers bushwalking routes through jarrah forests.

Historic York

Western Australia's first inland town, settled in 1831. York features well-preserved Victorian and Federation architecture, and a railway museum.

York Exploration

Roam the historic streets.
Visit the local museums.
Enjoy a meal in a historic pub.

Monastic New Norcia

Australia's only monastic town, founded by Benedictine monks in 1846. It features unique Spanish-style architecture and a functioning monastery.

New Norcia Insights

Discover unique Spanish-style architecture.
Explore the working monastery.
Visit the museum and art museum.

Further Regional Exploration

Pinnacles Travel Time:2.5-hour drive north

Margaret River Region:3-hour drive south (best multi-day)

Yanchep Access:45 minutes north by car

Serpentine Access:1-hour drive south-east

York Access:1.5-hour drive east

New Norcia Access:1.5-hour drive north

Natural Park Visits

Allocate a full day for the Pinnacles Desert, often combined with Cervantes or Lancelin.
The Margaret River Region warrants at least a full day, preferably 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience.
A half-day to full-day is good for Yanchep National Park.
Serpentine National Park is a good half-day trip, with falls flowing best after winter rains.
York and New Norcia are half-day to full-day excursions.

Multi-Day Exploration

For travelers with more time, extending beyond a day trip provides exploration of Western Australia's diverse regions.

Margaret River Region

A world-renowned region known for premium wineries, fine food, stunning coastline, surf breaks, and ancient limestone caves.

Margaret River Insights

Self-drive for winery, brewery, gallery exploration.
Explore beautiful beaches like Gnarabup and Prevelly.
Visit ancient limestone caves (Mammoth, Lake, Jewel Caves).

Albany & South Coast

Southeast of Perth, this region has diverse landscapes beyond Margaret River, with rich history and formations in nature.

South Coast Highlights

Explore Albany's history (ANZAC Memorial).
Discover natural formations (The Gap, Natural Bridge).
Continue to Denmark for tree-top walks.

Kalbarri National Park

North of Perth, beyond the Pinnacles, this park features stunning seaside cliffs and stunning gorge country.

Kalbarri Adventures

Discover dramatic coastal cliffs like Island Rock.
Explore stunning gorge country and Nature's Window.
Walk the Kalbarri Skywalk.

Esperance & Cape Le Grand National Park

Further east from Albany, ideal for those seeking pristine coastal beauty, known for white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Esperance Wonders

Experience stunning white sand beaches.
Visit Lucky Bay, where kangaroos sunbathe.
Explore national park walking trails.

Planning for Extended Journeys

Longer stays provide opportunities for extensive road trips to Western Australia's diverse regions.

Careful Planning

Plan your itinerary with care and reserve lodging in advance, especially for remote areas.

Vehicle Suitability

Ensure your vehicle suits the landscape. See how the roads are before travel.

Essential Supplies

Carry ample water and other essential supplies for multi-day trips.

Multi-Day Travel Considerations

For adventures extending beyond a single day, self-drive options generally offer the most flexibility. Book special experiences and multi-day tours through GetYourGuide.

Day Trips from Perth