Our 10 Underrated Destinations and Road Trips Near Perth

If you are looking for fun and adventure to fill a weekend road trip or an entire holiday, look no further than the region around Perth, where you will discover a wealth of culture, diverse wildlife, and exceptional natural wonders.

Western Australia is a sprawling state that is home to numerous well-loved areas. You may be familiar with favourite getaway spots like Rottnest Island, Busselton, and the Margaret River region’s wineries. However, if you are hoping to discover some destinations off the beaten path, it is time to pack a bag, look at this guide, and hit the road. There is so much more to Western Australia than you can imagine.

 

1. Lake Clifton Thrombolites

• Distance: 118 km south of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Living thrombolites, 5 km return boardwalk, ancient natural history

For an unforgettable and unique natural experience, plan a visit to see some of the first living creatures on the planet, the thrombolites. These rock-like formations are visible just under the water in Lake Clifton. Although they look like rocks, these thrombolites are very much alive. Scientists estimate they first appeared 570 million years ago, and while primarily extinct, a few rare living colonies remain.

A comfortable 5 km return walk from the car park will lead you back in time for an up-close experience with living creatures that predate the dinosaurs.

 

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2. Coogee Maritime Trail

• Distance: 30 km south of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, best visibility for snorkelling in summer
• Highlights: Omeo shipwreck, underwater art gallery, snorkelling and diving trail

The Coogee Maritime Trail is a must for those who may enjoy an exceptional blending of nautical history and water recreation. Situated in the waters of the Coogee Beach Marine Sanctuary Zone, the trail takes snorkelers and divers through a series of underwater sites.

The most famous feature is the Omeo shipwreck. In 1905, the Omeo ran aground and can be easily seen in the clear water. Other attractions along the underwater trail include a submerged art gallery and other underwater sculptures. One surprising feature of this unique attraction is there is no charge to enjoy diving or snorkelling on the Coogee Maritime Trail.

 

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3. Lake Ballard

• Distance: 800 km northeast of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: April to October for cooler weather
• Highlights: Salt lake landscapes, Antony Gormley’s ‘Inside Australia’ sculptures, unique outback experience

While the drive to Lake Ballard will take longer than many of the hidden gems we are highlighting, it is worth the effort. Although Lake Ballard is a salt lake, it is dry except in the event of extreme flooding. This gives the lake an otherworldly feel heightened by Antony Gormley’s “Inside Australia” permanent art exhibit.

The art was commissioned in 2003 and consists of 51 sculptures dispersed across the 10 Km of Lake Ballard. The alien-like creations are reinterpretations of digital scans of actual people. While a visit may not be on your bucket list, Lake Ballard and the Inside Australia exhibition is a rare and meaningful sight you won’t forget.

 

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4. Bailey St Beach

• Distance: 15 km northwest of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: Summer for calm waters, early mornings for peaceful visits
• Highlights: Secluded 80-metre beach, snorkelling-friendly clear water, scenic cliffs

At the end of Bailey Street in Trigg, you will find a tranquil 80-metre expanse of sand known as Bailey St. Beach. Cliffs surround the area, which is ideal for snorkelling because of the clear, calm water. The beach is an alternative to busier beaches found on Western Australia’s famed coastline. It is a perfect spot if you are looking for a more peaceful day at the beach.

 

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5. Penguin Island

• Distance: 55 km south of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: September to June (closed during winter breeding season)
• Highlights: Little blue penguins, white sand beaches, guided wildlife tours, snorkelling and dolphin encounters

Adventure and nature intersect not far from Perth at Penguin Island. After a short drive and a five-minute ferry boat ride, you can enjoy white sand beaches, clear waters, and a colony of little blue penguins.

A visit to the 12.5-hectare island is ideal for families. Numerous species of wildlife inhabit the island, and there is abundant marine life. Take your time and enjoy the beaches, small sea caves, cliffs, and natural bridges found on Penguin Island. Visitors enjoy fishing, snorkelling, and swimming. You can also book guided walking tours as well as organised dives and sessions swimming with dolphins.

 

6. Serpentine Falls

• Distance: 55 km southeast of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer (best water flow and fewer crowds)
• Highlights: 15-metre waterfall, natural rock pool, hiking trails, kangaroo spotting

The main attraction of the park is Serpentine Falls. This 15-metre-high waterfall cascades from the Serpentine River and forms a natural pool. The area surrounding the falls is ideal for hiking, and four separate trails take visitors through the park to admire its natural beauty. It is common to meet kangaroos and other local wildlife along the trails.

The area can become busy during warmer months, and once it reaches capacity, the park rangers will close the gates to new visitors. This can be avoided by arriving before 10:00 am, especially on summer weekends.

 

7. Araluen Botanic Park

• Distance: 30 km southeast of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: August to September for tulip season
• Highlights: 15-hectare garden, rare plant species, birdwatching, picturesque picnic spots

A visit to Araluen Botanic Park takes you into a distinctive micro-climate that is uniquely suited for growing exotic and cool-climate plants. This is attributed to the area’s loam soil, high rainfall and cold winters.

The glory of nature is on spectacular display during every season. The internationally acclaimed garden offers 15 hectares of Tea Roses, Camillas, Tulips, and Magnolias, just to name a few. The Araluen Botanic Park’s many Marri trees help make the area ideal for bird watching.

 

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8. Jewel Cave

• Distance: 320 km south of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, guided tours available daily
• Highlights: Largest show cave in Western Australia, crystal formations, 1-million-year-old limestone

The Margaret River Region is home to a number of caves open to the public for touring. One of the largest and most breathtakingly beautiful of these caves is Jewel Cave. The largest show cave in Western Australia boasts three immense chambers gleaming with crystal ornaments throughout.

The cave’s age has been debated for years, but recent tests reveal the limestone is over 1 million years old. Opening in December of 1959, Jewel Cave has been amazing and delighting tourists ever since.

 

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9. Ningaloo Reef

• Distance: 1,200 km north of Perth CBD
• Best Time to Visit: March to July for whale shark season, April to October for diving
• Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, coral reefs, swimming with whale sharks, marine biodiversity

The Ningaloo Reef stretches offshore from the coast of Carnarvon to the islands off Exmouth.

Located 1,200 Km from Perth Central Business District, the reef is not a local attraction. However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning natural wonder often overshadowed by the Great Barrier Reef on Australia’s eastern coast.

The home to over 500 species of marine life, Ningaloo Reef is 260 Km long. Because it is one of the longest fringing reefs in the world, visitors can count on various adventures in different areas of the reef. Such adventures include witnessing the humpback whales’ migration, diving tours, and the chance to swim with massive whale sharks.

 

10. Shipwreck Museum

• Distance: 19 km southwest of Perth CBD in Fremantle
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Historic shipwreck artifacts, 1629 Batavia relics, maritime archaeology exhibits

Widely considered one of the leading maritime archaeology museums, the Shipwreck Museum gives an up-close look at fascinating seafaring history.

Located in the meticulously restored 1850s Commissariat building, the museum holds artifacts from doomed ships wrecked on the rugged Western Australian coastline. Among the premier examples of salvaged historical relics, you will see original timber from the 1629 wreck of the Batavia.

 

The toughest part about planning your getaway will be choosing where to visit first. To make your adventure more enjoyable, contact Aries Car Rental. We will make sure you get on your way in comfort with the security of knowing you’re driving a carefully maintained vehicle. Planning your itinerary may challenge you, but Aries makes sure getting there won’t.

 

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