If you need a getaway but don’t have a lot of time, it’s easier than you might think to take a trip from Perth. Fortunately for city folks, you can visit some wonderful places from Perth in a short trip. Within a few hours, one could be in a historic town, an unspoiled fishing paradise, a road connecting nearby farms, or a system of hiking and mountain biking trails. The only difficulty is deciding where to go first. To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the top overnight getaways near Perth.
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- Chittering ValleyThe Wheatbelt’s edge region of Chittering Valley is home to many bakeries with a solid local reputation as well as kitchen gardens, orchards, and picturesque picnic spots. The area includes Bindoon, Muchea, and the old village of Wannamal. Several landmarks still point to the locations of the ancient buildings. You can begin your journey with a freshly baked treat from the renowned Bindoon Bakehaus. Nearly everything in the bakery is made or grown nearby. Whether you choose cakes, doughnuts, and other pastries, you are advised to support the available local companies.
After that, you can proceed on the 120 km Chittering Farm Flavor Trail, which passes through vineyards, olive groves, and farm gates. To sample fruits, honey, asparagus, and cheese, go to places like Green Valley Fruits, Oversby’s Citrus, and Nesci Estate Wine Farm. To wrap up the day, take a stroll around Lake Spoonville. Pack a picnic basket because there are various spots on the lake’s edge where you can spread a blanket and observe the native fauna.
- Chittering ValleyThe Wheatbelt’s edge region of Chittering Valley is home to many bakeries with a solid local reputation as well as kitchen gardens, orchards, and picturesque picnic spots. The area includes Bindoon, Muchea, and the old village of Wannamal. Several landmarks still point to the locations of the ancient buildings. You can begin your journey with a freshly baked treat from the renowned Bindoon Bakehaus. Nearly everything in the bakery is made or grown nearby. Whether you choose cakes, doughnuts, and other pastries, you are advised to support the available local companies.
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- NorthamNortham, nestled in the gorgeous Avon Valley, has many amenities to keep you occupied for a weekend break. If you’re feeling very adventurous, plan a journey in a hot air balloon to soar above the valley and the Avon River that flows through the town. Windward Balloon Adventures, the only operator in the area, offers a champagne breakfast when the balloon lands. You should plan an overnight stay in the town to board the balloon early the next morning. If you wish to paddle down the Avon River, you will need to pack your own equipment since there are no shops for hire in town.
If you’re unsure where to launch, stop by the visitor center for suggestions on launch places that correspond to your experience level. Experienced paddlers are best prepared for the river’s famous winter rapids. The Suspension Bridge, one of Australia’s longest pedestrian footbridges, provides a different viewpoint of the river. Since it was constructed in 1975 with the capacity to withstand strong winds, it is locally known as the “swinging bridge.”
- Bickley ValleyWithout physically traveling very far, the sloping farmlands and rolling hills of the Bickley Valley give the sense that you are in a distinct part of the state. With its charming family-run restaurants, stunning bushwalks, orchards, and boutique vineyards, Bickley valley is the perfect vacation for gourmet and outdoor enthusiasts. For first-time visitors, the Bickley Valley Wine Trail is a great location to begin. Follow the valley’s wine restaurants and cellar entrances for your chance to meet winemakers.
In just a few visits, you will likely come across Plume Estate, Myattsfield, and Carldenn Homestead Wines. Other notable attractions in the valley include the 120-year-old Perth Observatory, the Bickley Valley Asparagus Farm, the nearby Lesmurdie Falls, and the scenic Bibbulmun Mountain.
- YorkYork, the state’s oldest town, is full of interesting sites and tales. To enjoy the town’s rich history, stroll through the city’s center and stop by York Town Hall and the York Courthouse Complex. The building, which also has a courtroom, a cell block, and an old police station, has a $10 entry fee. While examining the unusual items in the store, stop by Penny Farthing Suites and purchase a nostalgic treat.
Discover the sizable collection of vintage street rods, motorcycles, and race cars at the renowned York Motor Museum. One of the more well-known exhibits at the museum is the original “Never Never Tours’ Valiant ute, which was used in the film Crocodile Dundee. In favorable weather, the 4.7-mile (7.5-km) roundtrip hike to Mount Brown Lookout offers unrestricted views of the environs. You could also take the 1.5-kilometer Avon River Trail if you want a more leisurely stroll. This stroll starts at the swing bridge and proceeds downstream along the river.
- NorthamNortham, nestled in the gorgeous Avon Valley, has many amenities to keep you occupied for a weekend break. If you’re feeling very adventurous, plan a journey in a hot air balloon to soar above the valley and the Avon River that flows through the town. Windward Balloon Adventures, the only operator in the area, offers a champagne breakfast when the balloon lands. You should plan an overnight stay in the town to board the balloon early the next morning. If you wish to paddle down the Avon River, you will need to pack your own equipment since there are no shops for hire in town.
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- GuildertonA popular family holiday destination, Guilderton, formerly Moore River, is surrounded by sizable dunes, secure rivers, and a national park that bursts with daisies every October. You can engage in a number of water sports on the river, such as swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and canoeing. You may rent kayaks and canoes at the estuary.
If you want to explore the shore, visit the nearby Ledge Point and Lancelin for great swimming and beach fishing. The rare, rose-bearing Banksia and even Western Australia’s distinctive Christmas tree draw wildflower lovers to Moore River National Park and Reserves in the spring. Other notable locations are the green kangaroo feet of the Gingin Cemetery and the red gum canopy of Dewar Road.
- PembertonIf you want to spend your vacation near forests, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, Pemberton is the spot for you. The Munda Biddi Cycling trail and the Bibbulmun Walking Track are just two of the many things to do in Pemberton. Additionally, swimming, canoeing, and 4×4 driving are all great options. While hiking this trek, visit D’Entrecasteaux National Park to see the stunning coastal cliffs. There are numerous top-notch wineries and mouthwatering eateries, so there is something for everyone.
- GuildertonA popular family holiday destination, Guilderton, formerly Moore River, is surrounded by sizable dunes, secure rivers, and a national park that bursts with daisies every October. You can engage in a number of water sports on the river, such as swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, and canoeing. You may rent kayaks and canoes at the estuary.
- Jurien BayJurien Bay boasts all the amenities you could want for a beach getaway, including endless beaches, snorkeling routes, and friendly sea lions. There are also some activities catered to the daring. One of the few places close to Perth where you may try skydiving is Jurien Bay. Fourteen thousand feet skydive gives breathtaking coastal views at Skydive Julian Bay.
If you’re eager to hit the water, consider hopping on tour to swim with the friendly local sea lions. Jurien Bay Marine Park is home to hundreds of people, and three local businesses offer boat rentals for swimming and playing with these fascinating animals. If you visit during winter, you also have the chance to find whales that move across the ocean. Another must-see is the Sandy Cape Recreation Park, which is 20 minute drive north of Jurien. Its pristine sand beaches, vivid coral reefs, and some top fishing spots are part of a protected marine area. The beach is also accessible during high and low tides using a number of local four-wheel-drive vehicles.
- DwellingupThe Dwellingup Trail and Visitor Information Center is a great starting point for orientation and making a list of suitable trails to hike while traveling. The King Jarrah Walk Trail, which passes the 300-year-old King Jarrah Tree and passes through lovely woodlands, is a great option for you. On the other hand, the 8 km Marrinup MTB Loop features slopes and easy bypasses for beginners and young riders if you prefer mountain biking.
Other well-liked activities in and around the area include kayaking, stocking fruits and vegetables on the Vergone Fruit Stall, hiking in the nearby forests, hiking the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway, fishing, and paddling on the Murray River. If you wish to stay the evening camping in the woods, make a reservation at the Lane Pool Reserve. More than 140 sites are available, including Baden Powell, Stringers, and Nanga Mill.
You’ll like all of these and the additional overnight gateways around Perth. Come and enjoy the things like the bars, cafes, excursions, shopping, and other leisure activities.