Our 10 Best Road Trips in Perth (All Roads Lead to Adventure) 

Western Australia is impressive for many reasons, including its diverse natural features and size. The state of WA is actually larger than several of the world’s nations, such as France, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia,  offering plenty of room to roam and making it a haven for never-ending exploration.

Our collection of road trips allows you to immerse yourself in some of Western Australia’s most glorious sights and experiences. Some outings can be completed in a round trip in a day, and others require a bit more time. All roads lead to adventure.

 

1. Perth to Yanchep National Park

• Distance: Approximately 50 km (1 hour)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Koalas, caves, and cultural experiences

Being situated so near to Perth makes Yanchep National Park the ideal location when you want to get away from it all and still be home for bedtime.

Whether you want to enjoy a round of golf, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, or fly through the treetops on a zipline, Yanchep National Park can keep you entertained. Be sure to add a stop at Crystal Cave and experience ancient, unbelievable natural wonders.

For natural wonders, thrilling adventure, and an easy drive for both, plan to visit Yanchamp National Park.

How to Get to Yanchep National Park

 

2. Perth to Dwellingup

• Distance: Approximately 100 km (1.5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Forest train rides, hiking, and white water rafting and canoeing

Head south from Perth to the Darling Range and prepare to be impressed. Here, you’ll find the historic town, Dwellingup. For thousands of years, this has been a part of the tribal region of WILMAN, making the Dwellingup region home to one of the world’s oldest living cultures.

This is also the location used by early settlers, who were instrumental in building the timber industry in the area.

When visiting, become acquainted with the region’s incredible natural beauty, like the stunning waterfalls and fields of wildflowers. And remember to enjoy the many trails and outdoor adventure areas.

Dwellingup is also known for its festivals and celebrations, so be sure to check out what’s on in the area when you plan to be in town.

 

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How to Get to Dwellingup

 

3. Perth to Lancelin

• Distance: Approximately 130 km (1.5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: September to April
• Highlights: Sandboarding, 4WD adventures, and idyllic beaches

If you have ever wanted to try gliding down a sand dune on a sandboard, Lancelin is the place for you. If you prefer surfing on the water, you only need to stroll to the oceanside to enjoy fantastic surfing. Situated North of Perth, Lancelin is a seaside town with a vibrant heartbeat.

The area has 4WD adventures. You can also enjoy a short boat ride to Lancelin Island. Once there, you can take in the marine life and seabirds who call this nature preserve home.

How to Get to Lancelin

 

4. Perth to Pinnacles Desert

• Distance: Approximately 200 km (2.5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Highlights: Unique limestone formations and Nambung National Park

Located in Nambung National Park (and not far from Lancelin), you can see some fascinating limestone formations in Pinnacles Desert. It is hard to imagine the impact; you sense an otherworldly feeling as you gaze at hundreds of limestone pillars.

Namburg National Park is home to plenty of wildlife like kangaroos and emus. Additionally, you can enjoy swimming and snorkelling at one of the park’s beaches, such as Hangover Bay or Kangaroo Point.

How to Get to Pinnacles Desert

 

5. Perth to Busselton

• Distance: Approximately 220 km (2.5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Highlights: Busselton Jetty, Underwater Observatory, and Beaches

Busselton is an ideal location for a road trip, offering visitors a vibrant cultural scene and stunning beaches. While in the area, the Busselton Jetty is a must-see attraction. It is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. The jetty offers unmatched views as well as an underwater observatory. The lively spirit and unmatched natural views make Busselton a can’t-miss location.

How to Get to Busselton

 

6. Perth to Margaret River- Boranup-Lake Cave

• Distance south-west from Perth: Approx 297km (Roughly 3.5hr)
• Best time to visit: All year round – each season brings something special.
• Highlights: Scenic Drives, Rugged Coastlines, Ancient Caves, and Towering Forests

The Margaret River Region is a perfect destination for a road trip. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, it offers endless opportunities to explore. Take scenic drives through forests and coastal cliffs, stop at secluded beaches, and wander along bushwalking trails.

Boranup-Lake Cave is a must-see attraction. Tucked beneath a sunken forest, the cave features a permanent lake and intricate limestone formations. It’s a breathtaking spot that feels like stepping into a hidden world—a true highlight for any adventurer.

 

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How to Get to Margaret River & Boranup-Lake Cave

 

7. Perth to Augusta

• Distance: Approximately 320 km (3.5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: September to November
• Highlights: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Jewel Cave, and Whale Watching

On the southwestern shore of Western Australia awaits Augusta. This area is popular for its natural wonders, like the famous Jewel Cave, the largest show cave in Western Australia. The Augusta region is an excellent place to whale watch as the majestic creatures make their migration journey. A ca n’t-miss sight is the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the most south-westerly point on the mainland of the Australian Continent. Aside from spectacular views, the lighthouse offers fascinating historical accounts of the region’s maritime past.

How to Get to Augusta

 

8. Perth to Hyden- Wave Rock

• Distance: Approximately 340 km (4 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: September to November for wildflowers
• Highlights: Wave Rock and  Hippo’s Yawn

A unique natural rock formation, Wave Rock, is located near the small Western Australian town of Hyden. The exceptional formation is about 15m high and 110m long and is a popular attraction. Local legends credit the Rainbow Serpent with creating the formation. Another popular formation less than a km away from Wave Rock is called Hippo’s Yawn, which resembles a giant hippopotamus with its mouth open and yawning.

How to Get to Wave Rock

 

9. Perth to Walpole Wilderness- Valley of the Giants

• Distance: Approximately 432 km (5 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: September to November
• Highlights: Tree Top Walk

Take the five-hour drive from Perth to Walpole Wilderness, and you will be rewarded with the chance to experience Tree Top Walk in the Valley of the Giants. The world-famous walkway is suspended 40 metres high among the ancient Tingle trees.

Nearby activities include diving, fishing, surfing, and canoeing, to name a few. Also not to be missed: the Ancient Empire Walk. This trail winds through the Tingle Tree forest floor and puts you up close to 400-year-old trees.

How to Get to Walpole Wilderness (Valley of the Giants)

 

10. Perth to Esperance

• Distance: Approximately 700 km (8 hours)
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Highlights: Cape Le Grand National Park, stunning beaches, and Lucky Bay kangaroos

While Esperance is out of the range for a day trip, it is a ca n’t-miss area worth the drive from Perth. Located on the southern coast of WA, Esperance is famous for its pillowy-soft white sand beaches.

In town, you will have opportunities for craft brews, fine dining, and shopping. Esperance also boasts access to hiking, shipwreck dives, fishing, and many more exciting outdoor activities.

Cape Le Grand National Park is an Esperance destination unto itself. Whether you fancy hiking, wildflowers, fishing, or exceptional beaches, the park will not disappoint. To add to the enjoyment, drop by Lucky Bay and spend an afternoon with the local kangaroos.

How to Get to Esperance

 

Western Australia will delight you with its bold and beautiful choices, no matter what fits your idea of a fantastic road trip. Make a reservation with us at Aries, and choose the road to your adventure.

 

 

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