Perth is a long way from most other big cities, but it is surrounded by day-trip options that range from a short ferry ride to an all-day drive into the wheatbelt. This guide compares the best of them, with distances, what you will see and how to decide between a guided tour and driving yourself.
Rottnest Island
The easiest and most popular day out is Rottnest Island, which lies off the coast west of Fremantle. Ferries leave from Hillarys, Perth and Fremantle, and the crossing takes roughly half an hour to an hour, depending on the departure point. The island is almost car-free, so you explore by bike, on foot or by bus, stopping at bays for swimming and snorkelling and keeping an eye out for quokkas. It is a good choice for first-time visitors, families and couples, and it suits spring to autumn best. Book a late return ferry so you have a full day.
The Pinnacles Desert
About two hours north of the city, the Pinnacles Desert is a field of limestone pillars rising from yellow sand in Nambung National Park. A sunset and stargazing tour is the classic way to see it, because the light turns the pillars gold and the night sky is superb. It is a long day, usually nine or ten hours, and most visitors take a tour because the distance is large and the return is after dark. Some tours combine the Pinnacles with the sand dunes at Lancelin, a koala park or a lobster lunch, so compare itineraries before you choose.
Margaret River
About three hours south, Margaret River is the state's best-known wine and surf region. A day tour is possible, with tastings, a jetty train ride or a cave visit, but it is a long day, and many visitors prefer to stay overnight. If you are short of time, the Swan Valley is a closer alternative, just half an hour from the city, with wineries, breweries and chocolate. Busselton Jetty is a handy stop on the way to or from Margaret River if you are driving.
Wave Rock
For a very different landscape, head east into the wheatbelt to see Wave Rock, a 14-metre granite cliff shaped like a breaking wave. It is about 340 kilometres from Perth, so a day tour is a long haul, often including a stop at the historic town of York. Spring is the best season, when the fields are green and wildflowers appear. If you are interested in Aboriginal rock art, nearby Mulka's Cave is worth the stop, and if you enjoy photography, the rock rewards a low-angle light.
Penguin Island
A shorter outing is Penguin Island, off Rockingham, about 45 kilometres south of Perth. A short ferry crossing takes you to a small marine park with beaches, birdlife and a wildlife centre for little penguins. It is an easy half-day trip, good for families and for travellers who want wildlife without a long drive. Check the seasonal access, because the island is closed for part of the year to protect breeding seabirds.
Choosing between a tour and driving
For the Pinnacles, Margaret River and Wave Rock, a guided tour removes the long drive and the risk of driving after dark, and tastings are easier without a designated driver. For Rottnest and Penguin Island, you only need to reach a ferry terminal, so driving or taking the train is simple. If you rent a car, fill the tank before leaving the city, carry water and check road conditions, because services are sparse on the longer routes.
Where to stay for day trips
Esplanade Hotel Fremantle is a good base for Rottnest, since the ferries leave from Fremantle, while The Westin Perth and ibis Perth are handy for tours that collect from city hotels. Ask about early check-out, luggage storage and parking before you book, and keep one flexible day in your plan in case weather or sea conditions force a change.
How long to allow
Rottnest and Penguin Island fit into a day or less, while the Pinnacles, Margaret River and Wave Rock each take most of a day or more, so avoid stacking two long trips back to back. A sensible week might pair one island day, one big landscape day and one gentler day in the Swan Valley or Fremantle. Start early, carry water, and keep your evening free in case of delays, because long drives and ferry timetables can run late.
