Sometimes when you’re stuck in the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s easy to forget that WA is home to an abundance of incredible natural attractions and one of the most amazing coastlines in the world. Let’s fix that! These are Jasmine’s favourite day trips from Perth.

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1. Rottnest Island – Marvel at White Sandy Beaches and Secluded Coves

Time from Perth: 30 minutes

A beach lover’s paradise, Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth and offers picturesque beaches and island views. Here’s what to do in a day there!

Read more: Paradise is Rottnest Island

Wadjemup Lighthouse

Constructed in 1896, the Wadjemup Lighthouse sits at an impressive 38m tall at the highest point on the island. If you feel like braving the 155 steps to the top, you’ll be greeted with a spectacular panoramic view of the island.

 

Photo by Sei F via Flickr | License

Little Salmon Bay

A favourite spot for snorkelers due to its sheltered and calm waters, Little Salmon Bay offers the chance to explore Rottnest’s underwater life up close and personal. Great for families to kick back and relax, the spot is easily accessible by bus, boat, or bike. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Australian sea lion, known for visiting this spot.

Read more: Snorkelling Perth: Best 10 Snorkel Spots Worth the Scissor Kicks

 

Photo by Sei F via Flickr | License

 

The Island Ride

If you’re wanting to spend your day on Rottnest seeing everything you possibly can, the Island Ride is the best way to accomplish that. Encompassing 22km and taking 3-5 hours to complete, the island ride cycle trail circles the entire island, passing numerous beaches and lookouts to relax and cool off.

Not for the fainthearted, this biking route will offer you everything Rottnest has to offer and take you through every part of the incredible island.

2. Busselton – Enjoy the Longest Timber-Piled Jetty in the Southern Hemisphere

Time from Perth: 2 hours 20 minutes

This coastal paradise sits at the entrance to the Margaret River Wine Region and allows picturesque views of Geographe Bay, making it the perfect relaxing coastal getaway.

Busselton Jetty

One of Bussleton’s most iconic sights is the Busselton Jetty, which boasts the title of the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Extending an impressive 1841m over the stunning waters of Geographe Bay, walking the imposing length is truly an experience to remember.

 

 

Home to one of only six underwater observatories on Earth, this is a must stop spot while you’re in town. Dive or snorkel beneath the jetty and explore the Underwater Sculpture Park, or stay above water and hop on the daily jetty train and take in the sights. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Read more: Road Tripping WA’s South-West Corner

 

Sugarloaf Rock

A giant rock emerging from the Indian Ocean near the mainland, this large granite island is truly a sight to behold. Located in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this spot is a 40-minute drive from Busselton and is the perfect spot for whale watching and bushwalking, as it makes up part of the Cape to Cape walk.

Read more: Cape to Cape Track – 7 Days Along the Coast of Margaret River

 

Photo by @rmonty119 via Flickr | License

Meelup Beach

Located within the Meelup National Park, Meelup Beach is known far and wide for its pristine white beaches and calm waters. A fantastic spot to bring the whole family located 40 minutes from Busselton, just outside of Dunsborough.

3. Margaret River – Ride Waves and Explore Underground Caves

Time from Perth: 3 hours

The stunning Margaret River Region is known for its magnificent surf, luscious forests, and renowned wineries.

Gnarabup Beach

Described by locals as the ‘world’s biggest swimming pool’, Gnarabup Beach is the perfect, calm spot for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. If you want to stay on land, there’s a fantastic walking trail behind the golden sand dunes that’ll take you to the river mouth.

 

Boranup Karri Forest

A 25-minute drive south of Margaret River, the Boranup Karri Forest is a magical sight, with an abundance of tall (some higher than 60m) Karri trees towering over the valley.

 

 

The sight of the sun glistening in through the trees is indescribable as you travel along the Boranup Drive. The popular Karri lookout is the best spot to stop and take it all in and capture some great photos, although none do it justice.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

Lake Cave

The biggest show cave in Western Australia, this crystal-encrusted cave has been preserved for more than 3,000 years. Descend a staircase through a sinkhole as you explore below the trees, venturing further down into the tranquil cave until you reach a lake surrounded by crystal formations.

The sights below ground are breathtaking and make for a great family adventure.

 

Photo by @john-cooke-uk via Flickr | License

Nearby Accommodation

4. Yanchep – Get Up Close and Personal With Native Wildlife

Time from Perth: 1 hour

Known for its scenic natural beauty, Yanchep is a great spot for a quick escape from the city.

Yanchep National Park

One of Perth’s oldest national park’s, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque spot. Home to native Australian wildlife, visitors can spot Western grey kangaroos in the wild and venture along the koala boardwalk in a truly special experience.

 

Photo by Sei F via Flickr | License

 

Take your pick of nine walking trails within the park, which range from 500m to 52km, and will lead you through the interesting wetlands and gorges.

If that’s not enough excitement, you can catch a tour of Crystal Cave or Yonderup Cave and delve deep below ground.

A popular camping, caving, and golfing spot, the Yanchep National Park also has high rope courses at Treetop Adventures, where you can bring the whole family to dangle above the trees.

 

Yanchep Lagoon

If you’re looking for an underwater adventure, Yanchep Lagoon offers the very best. A popular swimming and snorkel spot boasting clear blue waters and calm tides, it’s a great spot to set up shop for the day and relax. Boasting a colourful assortment of marine life, if you’re a confident snorkeller, you should be able to spot an abundance of sea life here.

Read more: 8 Ways to Minimise Your Impact While Snorkelling and Diving

5. Lancelin – Ride the Sand Dunes

Time from Perth: 1 hour 30 minutes

Located within the shire of Gingin, Lancelin is a small coastal fishing town that packs a punch.

Read more: My First Fishing Lesson Rewarded Me With a Hobby for Life

Lancelin Sand Dunes

Found just outside of town, the Lancelin Sand Dunes are a stunning natural wonder. Stretching across 2km and rising up to three stories high, these sand dunes are a towering sight to behold. A popular tourist destination, you won’t ever find the area quiet, but there’s plenty of space for everyone.

 

Photo by @wanakarock via Flickr | License 

 

Shaped by the wind, the dunes are ever changing and are a great spot for thrillseekers willing to tackle the slopes. Sliding down the dunes on a sandboard, sled or even the occasional piece of cardboard is a must.

Back Beach

If you’re wanting to catch a wave or two, Back Beach won’t disappoint. As well as being known for its scenic beauty, this spot is popular for its consistent waves and is a favourite for surfers of all levels. It’s also an excellent place to relax with a picnic and maybe even cast a line. With the sand dunes delivering a magnificent backdrop, this beach is a must visit.

 

Pinnacles

Located within the Nambung National Park in Cervantes one hour north of Lancelin, the Pinnacles are found within the Pinnacles Desert. One of Australia’s most unique natural landmarks, the Pinnacles are limestone formations that protrude from the desert floor, creating a magical landscape. Follow a network of walking trails and scenic routes to view the whole park. It’s definitely worth visiting.

 

Photo by @photobom via Flickr | License

There you have it, some spectacular options for the next time you have a day (or two) free and want to explore some more of Western Australia. Don’t miss out on exploring Perth’s top day trip destinations and soaking in the stunning scenery!

 

Feature image is of Rottnest Island by Michael Heritage

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
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Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

FAQs for Day Trips From Perth

How far can I travel from Perth and still get back in one day?

A good rule of thumb is not to drive more than three hours one way. You don’t want to spend more than six hours in the car, it eats into your precious adventuring time! Especially in winter when the days are shorter.

What should I pack for a day trip?

Depending on what you’re doing for the day, a good packing base list could look like:

Where to stop between Perth and Margaret River?

Rockingham, Yallingup, Geographe Bay, and Bunbury, Dunsborough are just a few of the amazing places between Perth and Margaret River that are definitely worth having a look or stopping for lunch. Just note that Margaret River is three hours away, so you you’ll either want to tack on a night to your trip or make these quick pit stops if you don’t want to spend the most of your day in the car.

Is it possible to visit Rottnest Island in a day?

Sure is! It’s not only one of the best day trips you can do from Perth – it’s super close to the city. It’s a 30-minute drive to the ferry at Fremantle (which has the shortest commute time to the island), then a 25 minute journey on the boat. If you depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour, the ride is 45 mins, while the Perth Barrack Street ferry will be a 90-minute trip.

Want a Longer Trip? Try These Adventures Outside Perth

We’ve shared these recommendations because we genuinely rate them and want you to enjoy them too. Our writers use a mix of personal experience and research to compile these lists, and they’re also encouraged to be honest when things aren’t up to scratch. For more information on our approach, check out our Editorial Standards.