Top Ten Weekend Breaks and Short Getaways from Perth 

Are you yearning for a change of pace but have no time for a holiday? Western Australia has dozens of gorgeous, exciting, and relaxing locations ideal for a weekend or a quick getaway.  

Western Australia has something for everyone, and many spots can be reached in a few hours or less. Here are ten must-see places that will satisfy your wanderlust. 

 

1 . Perth Hills 

Take a short drive from the City of Perth and discover Perth Hills. A hub for artists, writers, and musicians, Perth Hills offers a variety of cultural experiences. You can experience the winery and brewery trails like Bickley Valley Wine Trail or explore nature at its finest. The Perth Observatory provides scientific wonders along with Aborogional lore and should not be missed. 

Distance from Perth: 50 minutes drive

How to Get There: Take the Great Eastern Highway east out of Perth.

Best Time to Visit: September to November for spring wildflowers or March to May for autumn colours.

Highlights:

• Short drive from Perth.
• Cultural hub for artists, writers, and musicians.
• Nature exploration and hiking trails.
• Perth Observatory with scientific exhibits and Aboriginal lore.

 

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2. Jurien Bay 

The Jurien Bay Marine Park is an oasis for various sea mammals, fish, and sea birds. Notably, a rare Australian sea lion colony calls the marine park home. The area’s top activities include Kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and fishing. Also, nearby Nambung National Park and Sandy Cape beach attract scores of visitors each year. 

Distance from Perth: 2 hours and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Travel north on Indian Ocean Drive.

Best Time to Visit: December to February (summer) for pristine beaches and water sports.

Highlights:

• Jurien Bay Marine Park, home to rare Australian sea lions.
• Activities include kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and fishing.
• Close to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert.
• Sandy Cape Beach for swimming and camping.

 

3. Binningup 

You can enjoy a peaceful seaside experience and avoid large crowds by heading to Binningup. Here, you will find a 40km stretch of lovely white sand beach protected by reefs. This gives you an ideal spot to swim, scuba dive, snorkel, head out on a boat, or try your hand at beach fishing. You couldn’t ask for a better spot for peaceful relaxation. 

Distance from Perth: 1 hour and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Drive south on Forrest Highway.

Best Time to Visit: December to February (summer) for beach and waterfront activities.

Highlights:

• 40km of white sand beaches protected by reefs.
• Ideal for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
• Boating and beach fishing opportunities.
• Quiet and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.

 

4. Donnybrook 

Donnybrook is an idyllic town where culture, nature, food, and adventure intersect. Enjoy horseback riding, hiking, or the gravity-defying mountain bike parks. Enjoy the local wineries and breweries or visit the always-popular Apple Fun Park, Australia’s largest free-entry Fun Park. You can also take in Donnybrook’s original architecture. Many buildings date back to the late 1800s. Honour Indigenous peoples’ culture and explore the inspiring Aboriginal Heritage Trail, which includes Waugyl Sculpture Park.    

Distance from Perth: 2 hours and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Follow the South Western Highway.

Best Time to Visit: March to May (autumn) for apple harvest season or year-round outdoor adventures.

Highlights:

• Known as the apple capital of Western Australia.
• Horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking parks.
• Apple Fun Park, Australia’s largest free-entry fun park.
• Aboriginal Heritage Trail and Waugyl Sculpture Park.
• Historic architecture dating back to the late 1800s.

 

5. Collie 

The Shire of Collie is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. There are excellent trails for mountain biking and bushwalking. Fans of water sports may prefer canoeing, white water rafting, water skiing, or fishing.  

A must-see attraction is the famous Collie Mural Trail. The trail serves as a massive outdoor gallery that showcases the region’s heritage through the work of over 30 artists. Be sure to see the astounding work of Guido van Helten. His contribution to the trail is an 8,000 square metre mega-mural situated on the Wellington Dam wall. 

Distance from Perth: 2 hours and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Take the South Western Highway and turn east onto Coalfields Highway.

Best Time to Visit: September to November (spring) for trails and December to February (summer) for water sports.

Highlights:

• Trails for mountain biking and bushwalking.
• Water sports like canoeing, rafting, skiing, and fishing.
• Collie Mural Trail showcasing local art and history.
• Guido van Helten’s 8,000 sqm mega-mural on Wellington Dam.

 

6. Chittering Valley 

The Chittering Valley is the entrance to Western Australia’s Wheatbelt and offers visitors ample opportunities to experience local flavour and charm. You can enjoy visits to local wineries, live musical performances, or hiking on nearby trails.  

Delight the foodie in you by taking a journey on The Chittering Farm Flavour Trail. The 120km track brings you to some of the region’s best fresh food. 

Distance from Perth: 1 hour and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Travel north on Great Northern Highway.

Best Time to Visit: March to May (autumn) for harvests and September to November (spring) for wildflowers.

Highlights:

• Gateway to the Wheatbelt region.
• Local wineries and live music performances.
• Hiking trails through natural landscapes.
• The Chittering Farm Flavour Trail for fresh local produce.

 

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7. Mandurah 

Western Australia’s largest rural city, Mandurah, offers incomparable beaches, boating, and a bustling waterfront. You can also meet local dolphins, explore the largest thrombolite reef in the southern hemisphere, or enjoy crabbing and fishing. 

Distance from Perth: 50 minutes drive

How to Get There: Head south on Kwinana Freeway.

Best Time to Visit: December to February (summer) for beaches and boating activities.

Highlights:

• Beaches, boating, and waterfront activities.
• Dolphin encounters and nature cruises.
• Thrombolite reef, the largest in the southern hemisphere.
• Crabbing and fishing opportunities.

 

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8. Ferguson Valley 

Considered by many to be one of the best-kept secrets in the region, Ferguson Valley delights visitors with its scenic hiking and biking trails, and natural experiences. Arguably, the best-known spot in the Ferguson Valley is the iconic Gnomesville. The home to thousands of gnomes has become a mecca for regular visitors and tourists. 

Distance from Perth: 2 hours and 15 minutes drive

How to Get There: Drive south on Forrest Highway and continue through Dardanup.

Best Time to Visit: September to November (spring) for outdoor activities and spring blooms.

Highlights:

• Local wineries and scenic hiking and biking trails.
• Natural landscapes and picnic spots.
• Iconic Gnomesville, home to thousands of garden gnomes.

 

9. York 

Western Australia’s first European inland settlement, York, gives plenty of charm and historical significance. Airbnb named it one of the top tiny towns in Australia. Museums, alfresco restaurants, and a plethora of outdoor activities keep visitors engaged morning through night. The Avon River (and its famous suspension bridge) should not be missed. 

Motor enthusiasts will relish a visit to the town’s Motor Museum. Established in 1979, the York Motor Museum is home to over 100 years of motoring history with a collection of vintage vehicles, racing bikes, classic cars, and motorcycles.  

Distance from Perth: 1 hour and 30 minutes drive

How to Get There: Travel east on Great Eastern Highway.

Best Time to Visit: September to November (spring) for trails and outdoor activities.

Highlights:

• Western Australia’s first inland European settlement.
• Museums, alfresco restaurants, and outdoor adventures.
• Avon River and suspension bridge.
• York Motor Museum with vintage cars and motorcycles.

 

10. New Norcia 

Australia’s only monastic town and home to Spanish Benedictine monks since its founding in 1847, New Norcia provides an escape from everyday life. Art, history, architecture, and culture enthusiasts will delight in the region’s unique perspective and significance.  

Be sure to visit the New Norcia Art Gallery. Here, you will see an impressive collection of works, including those created by Spanish and Italian masters, gifts presented by the Queen of Spain, and a gallery of Australian contemporary art. This award-winning compilation is the largest of its kind that is dedicated to Judaeo-Christian art in the country. 

Be sure to save time for exploring the architecture, shopping, and dining. For a profoundly spiritual experience, visitors of all faiths are welcome to attend Mass and prayers with the Benedictine Monks. 

Distance from Perth: 1 hour and 30 minutes drive

Best Time to Visit: Year-round; August to October (spring) for wildflowers.

Highlights:

• Australia’s only monastic town, founded in 1847.
• Art, history, and cultural experiences.
• New Norcia Art Gallery featuring Spanish and Italian masters.
• Architecture, local dining, and spiritual retreats.

 

Are you inspired to take some time to explore some of Western Australia’s unique offerings? Get in gear and contact us at Aries Car Rental today. We have competitive rates and comfortable cars, just what you need for your next getaway. 

 

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