The Perfect Perth Itinerary – How To Spend 5 Days in Perth, WA

If you’re visiting Perth for the first time and wondering how to plan your days, we’ve got you covered! This epic five day Perth itinerary will take you through all of the best attractions in and around the city, ensuring you don’t miss a single highlight.

Located on the coast of Australia’s south west, WA’s capital city is often overlooked by tourists who favour the bigger east coast cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. I’ve been lucky enough to call this beautiful city home for the better part of a decade and let me tell you, there’s no where else on earth I’d rather live.

Life is easy in Perth. The beaches are incredible, the weather is sunny and warm (for most of the year), and the natural scenery is simply stunning. There’s also an infinite number of attractions and natural landmarks within close proximity to the city; think world-class wine regions and a paradise island only 30 min from the CBD!

Read on to plan your very own Perth itinerary and discover all of the reasons why this sunny coastal city deserves a spot on your Australian bucket list!

The Perfect Perth Itinerary – How to Spend Five Awesome Days in Perth, WA

Where to Stay in Perth

Before we dive into our Perth itinerary, you’ll want to find somewhere to stay first. While there are plenty of great places to stay in Perth, basing yourself somewhere central is the best option. Here are some of our top picks for Perth accommodations:

• Doubletree by Hilton
• Great Southern Hotel
• The Melbourne Hotel
• Travelodge Hotel Perth
• Crown Towers Perth
• Metro Hotel Perth

►Browse more accommodation options in Perth◄

Best Time to Visit Perth

For sunny and warm weather I would recommend planning your trip to Perth during the summer, from Nov – Feb. Perth sees very little rainfall throughout these months and you’re pretty much guaranteed to have blue skies and sunshine. This is ideal for hitting the beach which is one of the best things to do in Perth!

The summer can also see some extremely hot days of temperatures in the high 30’s and even 40’s. If you’re sensitive to heat, visiting Perth during the shoulder season in October or March would be a better idea.

Getting Around Perth

Perth and its surrounding suburbs are fairly spread out. If you’re spending five or more days in Perth, I would highly recommend hiring a car. This will give you much more flexibility and allow you to explore further afield as well as take day trips. Check prices and availability for your car rental here.

In terms of getting around the city, travelling to Fremantle, going to the beach, and visiting Rottnest Island, this is all easy to do via train, bus or ferry. Find more info about planning your journey and booking your tickets on the official Transperth website.

You might be interested in purchasing tickets for the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. This ticket lasts for 48 hours and includes unlimited access to the double decker bus that stops at all of the city’s top attractions. It also covers your entry to the Bell Tower which includes a guided tour and the chance to ring one of the bells yourself!

►Book your Perth Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus ticket here◄

Best Perth Tours

Taking an organised tour is the best way to see a number of attractions in a day without having to stress about train or bus schedules. Let an experienced tour guide take you to some of Perth’s best sites. All you have to worry about is having a good time. Find some of the best Perth tours below.

Perth City Highlights, Wildlife Park and Swan Valley

This full day tour from Perth includes a visit to Kings Park followed by Caversham Wildlife Park and then lunch at a Swan Valley Winery. The tour ends with a scenic coastal drive.

If you’re limited for time and want to see a few of Perth’s main highlights, this tour would be a great option. Hotel pickup/drop off is also included. Find more info and book your tickets here.

Perth City Walking Tour – Art, History and Culture

Get an intro to Perth by taking this 2.5 hour informative city walking tour. Your local tour guide will take you around the city stopping at a number of key landmarks such as Elizabeth Quay, King’s Square, Stirling Gardens and more. You’ll also get some insider’s tips on the best places to eat and drink during your stay. Find more info and book your tickets here.

Perth Guided Bike Tour – Matilda Bay and Kings Park

This 3 hour guided cycling tour passes through some of Perth’s iconic spots. Cycle along the South Perth foreshore stopping at the Blue Boat House, Matilda Bay, Kings Park and John Oldham Gardens. There will be plenty of scenic photo opportunities along the way. The tour includes a rental bike and helmet. Find more info and book your tickets here.

Perth Foreshore and City Segway Tour 

A great way to explore the city and cover more ground than walking is taking a 1.5 hour Segway tour. Your local guide will lead you along the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay, Kings Park, and the Old Swan Brewery. Learn some insider facts about the city from your guide as you cruise along. A headset is provided in order to hear the guide clearly. Find more info and book your tickets here.

Five Day Perth Itinerary

Day One – Perth City/Kings Park

Perth city centre is jam packed full of great things to see and do. Your first day in Perth is all about familiarizing yourself with the city and seeing some the most iconic landmarks. Below are some of Perth’s must-see attractions all located near the CBD.

You may not have time to see everything listed here, but ticking off a few of these highlights will make a great start to your time in Perth.

Elizabeth Quay

Taking a stroll around Perth’s scenic waterfront complex offers the perfect intro to the city. Located right on the banks of the Swan River, Elizabeth Quay is home to many popular bars, restaurants, art installations and various events throughout the year. If you hop on the ferry from Elizabeth Quay, you’ll end up at the South Perth foreshore which an excellent spot to take a photo looking back at the city and river.

Bell Tower

A short walk from Elizabeth Quay will bring you to the Bell Tower, one of Perth’s most famous icons. From the top of the tower you’ll see a stunning panoramic view over the Swan River. Learn the fascinating history behind the collection of bells that dates back to 14th century London. They were gifted to Western Australia on the Bicentennial celebration of 1988.

Purchase your ticket to the Bell Tower online before you go. The ticket also includes the chance to participate in the interactive bell ringing experience. You can’t leave Perth without a photo to prove you rang a bell in the Bell Tower!

Swan River Cruise

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Perth from a different perspective. Sit back and relax with a drink and take in the amazing views as you cruise along the Swan River listening to the captain’s commentary. Taking a Swan River Cruise is a must when visiting Perth!

Cruises depart at multiple times throughout the day from either Barrack Street Jetty in Perth or Fremantle. I recommend booking this activity online in advance during peak season. Check cruise times and ticket availability here.

If you don’t get a chance to do a river cruise, a stroll along the Swan River is also a great way to take in the scenery. Make your way to the river and follow the path that takes you along the river’s edge. You can choose to walk, cycle or roller skate here. The full Swan River Loop is 10 km, you can easily do a short section and then continue on with your sightseeing. See this map for more info.

Kings Park

A visit to Perth is not complete without spending some time in the one of the world’s largest inner city parks. Perched high on a hill, overlooking the city and Swan River, the views from King’s Park truly couldn’t get any better.

Getting to King’s Park is pretty easy as it’s conveniently located close to the city. Catch the 950 bus from the city centre or walk for 25 minutes to reach the entrance of the park.

There are many awesome lookouts, walking trails and beautiful scenery making Kings Park a popular place for both locals and tourists. Here are some of the top things to see and do while visiting:

• Go for a walk – With no shortage of walking and cycling paths to choose from, Kings Park is an excellent place to get in your daily step count. The bonus is that you’ll have a beautiful view to look at as you go. Two of my favourites are the “Law Walk” and the “Bushland Nature Trail”, see the official site for a map and more info.
• Botanic Gardens – Showcasing the unique flora of Western Australia, this huge garden features beautiful collections of flowers and plants from all over the state. You’ll see plants and flowers growing year round but the best time to visit is during spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The Botanic Gardens are free and open 24 hrs per day.
• Catch a view – One of the very best views in Kings Park is undeniably found at the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. This amazing arched bridge is suspended through the tree tops of the Botanic Gardens. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the park and an the perfect spot to capture a memorable photo.

• State War Memorial – At the top of Kings Park, this war memorial features an obelisk and a continuously burning flame. It was built in 1929 to honour all Australian soldiers who fought and died in the service of their country.
• DNA Tower – Don’t leave Kings Park without a quick climb up the spiral staircase for yet another panoramic view. It’s the highest view point in the park and it can be reached by walking about 15 minutes from the War Memorial.
• Festivals/Events – Through the summer there is always something fun happening at Kings Park. From outdoor concerts and movies to festivals and seasonal events, find an upcoming Kings Park event here.
• Sunset picnic – Kings Park is hands down one of the best spots for a romantic sunset picnic in Perth. It’s been one of our go-to picnic spots for years, the scenery and views here just never get old!

London Court

In the middle of the city, between Hay Street Mall and St George’s Terrace is one of the best heritage listed attractions in Perth. Dating back to the 1930’s, this quirky alley is lined with buildings that were inspired by Tudor England.

Take a step back in time as you make your way through London Court, browsing the shops and perhaps grabbing a coffee along the way. It won’t take long to see it but it’s definitely worthy of a quick stop.

Blue Boat House

Not far from Kings Park is yet another classic Perth icon. The Blue Boat House has become an increasingly popular photography location in recent years. It’s no surprise that it happens to be one of the best Instagram spots in Perth! At any given time of day, you’ll find people lining up to snap their very own “I’ve been to Perth” shot.

Insider’s Tip: Everyone takes photos here during the day. Visit the boat shed during sunrise or sunset to capture a more unique and dramatic scene. See our own version of the famous Blue Boat House photo below!

Heirisson Island

Located in the middle of the Swan River, Heirisson Island is an awesome spot to meet some local wildlife. This is where you’ll come face to face with the many kangaroos who call the island home. It’s also lovely spot to go for a peaceful nature walk practically in the middle of the city!

The good thing about visiting Heirisson Island is that it’s very close to the city centre making it easy to reach. Simply hop on the 960 bus from the Perth Busport and get off at Victoria Park Transfer Stn, Heirisson Island is a short walk away. An added bonus is that it’s free to visit!

Perth Cultural Centre 

If you have some time left in the day and still keen to explore a bit more, make your way over to the Perth Cultural Centre. This open space is only a short walk from the city centre. You’ll often find various events and exhibitions held here, see their website for up to date info.

It’s also home to the WA Museum and the WA Art Gallery, both of which will give you a great insight into WA’s history and culture. The museum has a number of permanent collections to see but also hosts temporary exhibits from other countries. For example, if you visit from June – November 2021, you’ll find the fascinating “Ancient Greek History” on display at the WA Museum.

Tickets: Free entrance to both attractions however donations are welcomed.

Opening Hours: WA Museum 9:30am – 5pm daily, WA Art Gallery 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Monday

Roof Top Bar

Finish off the first day of your Perth itinerary by finding a rooftop bar and sipping a few well deserved sunset cocktails. Perth has many great rooftop bars to choose from but these are a few of my favourites:

• The Aviary
• Prince Lane
• The Reveley
• Mechanic’s Institute

Check out this 3-hour small bar tour which takes you to some of Perth’s best small bars where you’ll taste some of their signature food and drinks. Your local guide will share plenty of useful tips on where to eat and drink during your time in Perth. Find more info and book tickets here.

Day Two – Wildlife Park/Beach Day

Caversham Wildlife Park

You simply can’t visit Perth without getting up close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Perth has a few wildlife parks to choose from but Caversham Wildlife Park is without a doubt the best one. It is more expensive to visit this park, but knowing that they have extremely high standards when it comes to the animal’s care makes it all worthwhile.

Caversham is located in the eastern suburbs of Perth. It’s easy to get to from the city centre by car or Uber however public transportation is also possible, it just takes longer. If you catch the bus from the CBD, it will take just over an hour to get there and involves changing buses along the route. See Google Maps to plan your journey.

See this tour if you wish to be taken to Caversham on an organised day trip, hotel pick up is also possible with this option.

The park is divided into different sections that represent each part of Australia and the animals that live there. You’ll find pretty much every type of animal that’s native to Australia: exotic birds, crocodiles, dingos, wombats, emus, Tasmanian Devils, penguins, snakes and so much more!

It’s quite a big wildlife park and easily takes half of a day to see the entire thing. Get a feel for the park and plan out your visit by checking out this map before you go.

Caversham provides many opportunities to interact with the animals, this is where you can feed and pet kangaroos, hold koalas, and take selfies with wombats. There are also a number of daily shows and feedings to watch, check out their website for more info on events and times so you don’t miss out.

Opening Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm daily (last entry at 3:30pm)

Tickets: $32/adult, $25/student, $15/child

Cottesloe Beach

Once you’ve finished up at Caversham Wildlife Park, make your way straight over to the beach. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the white sand and taking a refreshing dip in the ocean. Located in the western suburbs, Cottesloe is one of the best beaches in Perth and a great place to spend a chilled out afternoon.

Cottesloe Beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing. There are plenty of restaurants and bars near the beachfront so it’s easy to grab lunch or dinner without having to return all the way to the city. You should definitely plan to stay here to watch the sunset, after all Perth is the only Australian city where you can watch the sunset over the ocean!

Make sure to bring a picnic mat with you as there is a large grassy area where you can relax and eat without sand getting in your food. Head to one of the fish and chip shops near the beach to grab some dinner and you’re set for the perfect evening! Just watch out for those sneaky seagulls who are never afraid to hop over and steal your chips.

Day Three – Fremantle

Day three of your Perth itinerary will take you to the beautiful port city of Fremantle. Only 30 minutes from Perth by train, this charming seaside city is rich in history and home to some of Western Australia’s oldest buildings. It’s also known for having a great selection of popular waterfront restaurants and bars.

There are so many fun things to do in Fremantle, it’s definitely worthy of spending an entire day taking in the sights and learning the history. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Fremantle really has something for everyone. If you’re catching the train from Perth, plan to arrive early in the morning and begin working your way through Fremantle’s top highlights listed below.

Fremantle Markets

Kick off your day in Fremantle with a visit to the markets but try not to eat much beforehand so you can sample the delicious food! The famous Fremantle Markets have been open every weekend for over 100 years. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of these vibrant markets as you explore over 150 different stalls.

You’ll find a huge variety of things being sold here from fresh food and coffee to hand-made clothing and jewellery and so much more. The Fremantle Markets are an awesome place to pick out a souvenir to remember your time in Perth. If you’re shopping for the perfect gift for a friend or family member back home, this is where you should look!

Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Fremantle Prison 

The only UNESCO listed building in WA happens to be located in Fremantle! Fremantle Prison dates back to the year 1850 when it was built as a maximum security prison to hold convicts from the UK. It was used continually until 1991. During that time, many fascinating and shocking things unfolded at the prison.

Learn the chilling tales of the events that took place at Fremantle Prison by taking a tour. There are several tours to choose from but the best one is the Torchlight Tour. It operates every night but it’s quite popular so booking ahead is essential. Click here to find more info about opening hours and booking a prison tour.

The Roundhouse

Perched on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean, this historic building is the oldest in the state. It was originally used as a prison in 1831 and nowadays it’s open to the public for daily tours. Make sure to plan your visit for 1pm to watch the cannon fire, a traditional practice that first began in the early 1900’s.

Opening Hours: 10:30am – 3:30pm daily

Tickets: Free/Donations

WA Maritime Museum

Learn about WA’s seafaring history with a visit to the incredible Maritime Museum. Located on Fremantle’s waterfront, this museum is home to a number of fascinating displays and historic artefacts. Throughout the year, you will see some temporary events and exhibits showcased from around the world. Find info about upcoming exhibits here.

Don’t leave without taking a tour of the HMAS Ovens, the Cold War era submarine. It’s one of the Maritime Museum’s most popular permanent features. Explore the tight quarters of the vessel to learn what life was like for the people who once lived on board during wartime. Get more info and book your submarine tour here, note there is an additional cost to enter the HMAS Ovens.

Opening Hours: 9:30 – 5pm daily (closed public holidays)

Tickets: $15 adults, free for children under 15

Esplanade Park

As you make your way toward the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour, you’ll pass by the large green space that separates the city and the waterfront. Besides being a nice place to relax and have a picnic in the grass, there are a number of things to see and do here.

The Skyview Ferris Wheel is one of Fremantle’s most iconic landmarks. Take a ride in one of the enclosed red gondolas for epic views over Fremantle, Perth, and even Rottnest Island in the far distance! The Skyview Ferris Wheel runs daily until 9pm and costs $12/adults, $10/children, $10/couples.

Esplanade Park is also home to a large shaded playground, perfect to let the kids blow of some steam while you take a break in the shade. This is also where a number of events and festivals take place throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Fremantle BeerFest which runs every year in November.

Spend the day tasting from a huge selection of WA’s best craft beer producers. There are also many amazing food trucks, live music and even ciders and cocktails (for those who aren’t into beer). Find more info and get your ticket to the next Fremantle BeerFest here.

Little Creatures Brewery

Located along the popular strip of restaurants that lines Fremantle’s waterfront, this is arguably the most popular place to dine for lunch or dinner in Fremantle. If you’re a fan of craft beer, you won’t want to miss this gem!

Little Creatures Brewery has established a name for itself, not just in WA but people all over Australia enjoy their brews. It’s such a popular spot for locals that if you visit during the weekend, it’s often hard to find yourself a table to sit at. They operate on a first come first serve basis and bookings cannot be made.

In my opinion, the beer and food (especially their pizza) is worth the potential waiting time. For those fascinated by the beer brewing process, a guided brewery tour is available to be booked online. An expert will show you around the brewery and you’ll get a chance to taste their amazing range of beers. Check tours times and availability here.

Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour

When it comes to highly rated seafood restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice at the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour. This is the best place to round off your full day of explorations in Fremantle. The best part? You get to enjoy your meal with a beautiful harbour view. The following are some popular restaurants to keep in mind when searching for a place to eat.

Bather’s Beach House – Located directly on the beach, this laid-back restaurant offers the option to dine indoors or right on the beach. It’s an awesome spot to end the day with a sunset view and a cocktail in hand. See what’s on the menu here.

Kailis Fishmarket Cafe – One of Perth’s most well-known seafood restaurants, their large menu is guaranteed to have something for everyone. Dining here will set you back a little more than some of the other options however the quality is always top notch. Their wine list is also great, you really can’t go wrong here!

Cicerello’s – Nothing but the freshest fish to be found here! This is where you’ll find that classic fish n’ chip meal but if you’re in the mood for something different, their menu has many more seafood options to choose from.

Day Four – Rottnest Island

Hop on a 30 minute ferry ride from Perth and you’ll be transported to one of the most beautiful islands you’ve ever laid eyes on. With stunning beaches, adorable animals and laidback vibes, Rottnest Island will make you feel a world away from the busy city. Taking a day trip from Perth to Rottnest is the best way to spend a hot summer’s day and an absolute must on your Perth itinerary!

If you’re visiting Rottnest during the height of peak season, you’ll want to make sure to grab your ferry ticket beforehand. You’d be surprised at how quickly they book out, especially during weekends. Cycling is one of the most popular activities on the island, so most ferry companies offer the option to include bike hire in your ferry ticket.

►Book your Rottnest Island ferry and bike tickets here◄

Best Rottnest Island Day Tours

If you’d prefer to sit back and let an expert guide take you around to all of the island’s best spots, then you might consider booking a full day tour. Check out some of our top picks for Rottnest Island tours below.

Rottnest Island Bus Tour – Discover Rottnest Island and learn about its history on this full day tour from Perth. The day begins with a coach tour around the island stopping at a few popular landmarks, followed by some free time to yourself. The tour includes round trip ferry tickets, guided coach tour, lunch (option to add-on), Rottnest Island Authority fees. Check tour prices and availability here. 

Rottnest Island Speed Boat Tour – Once you arrive on the island, enjoy a 90-minute speed boat tour that takes you to some of Rottnest’s best beaches and bays. Keep an eye out for wildlife like dolphins, seals and birds as you go. After lunch you’ll have some free time to spend swimming, snorkelling or exploring the island by bike.

This tour includes a round trip ferry ticket, 90-minute speed boat cruise, Rottnest Island Authority fees, and the option to add-on lunch. Check tour prices and availability here.

Rottnest Island Guided Tour with Lunch – This popular tour departs Perth and begins with a 3.5 hr guided coach tour stopping at Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Cathedral Rocks lookout, Cape Vlamingh and a ride on the historic train. You’ll learn a lot about the island’s fascinating history from your guide’s commentary. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore Rottnest at your own pace or simply relax on a nice beach.

This tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Perth, morning tea and lunch, round trip ferry tickets, and Rottnest Island Authority fees. Check tour prices and availability here.

Cycle Around the Island 

The island is relatively small and car-free making it an ideal place for a cycle. The spectacular coastal scenery that you’ll see along the way is certain to leave a lasting impression.

Rottnest has plenty of hills, if you’re not into cycling you also have the option to take the “Island Explorer” bus that loops around the island. Bus tickets cost $20/adult and $15/child. Find more info about booking your bus ticket here. Alternatively, pop into Pedal and Flipper to hire an electric bike.

Some popular stops and viewpoints you should add to your cycling route include:

• Wadjemup Lighthouse & Bathhurst Lighthouse – Historic lighthouses with panoramic views
• The Salt Lakes – Certain times of the year you’ll find a pink lake!
• The Basin – Beautiful spot for swimming/snorkelling
• Little Salmon Bay – Popular beach for relaxing and swimming
• Cathedral Rocks – Watch the seals playing in the ocean from the viewing platform
• Wadjemup Museum – Learn the history of Rottnest Island

Download this free map of Rottnest to plan out your cycling route

Snorkelling and Swimming

With some of the best beaches in Western Australia, there’s really no better place to spend a day at the beach. Your choices are truly endless with over 60 amazing beaches to pick from on Rottnest. There are many coral reefs around the island making it an awesome place to get out the snorkel and fins.

Whether you choose to cycle or take the bus, beach hopping around Rottnest Island is sure to be a highlight of your time spent in Perth. Below are some of the most popular and scenic Rottnest beaches to keep in mind.

• The Basin
• Pinky Beach
• Little Salmon Bay
• Little Armstrong Bay
• Little Parakeet Bay
• Henrietta Rocks
• Catherine Bay

Meet the Quokkas

The unique wildlife on Rottnest Island is one of the things that makes this place so special. More specifically, it’s the quokkas! These tiny marsupials are completely unique to Rottnest Island and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Quokkas roam free all over the island and aren’t afraid to approach people hoping for a hand out. Taking a “quokka selfie” is ok but it’s important to remember that touching or feeding them is not allowed.

There are fines in place for anyone who breaks the rules and the rangers won’t hesitate to enforce this if they catch you. You can get up close to them, take photos with them but please respect them, this is their home after all!

Where to Stay On Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a pretty special place, if you have any extra time to spare you won’t regret spending a night. This a great way to sneak in a little holiday within your holiday! On previous trips to Rottnest, we’ve always had a great stay at Karma Rottnest. It’s centrally located, has comfortable rooms with a pool and a restaurant/bar.

Another highly rated option that’s located near the beach is Discovery Rottnest. These glamping style tents allow you to camp in luxury only steps from the white sands of Pinky Beach. Right next door is the popular Pinky’s Beach Club where the sunset cocktails always go down a treat.

If you’re travelling with family and friends, booking a self-contained cabin/villa is a great way to go. The Rottnest Island Authority offers many beachfront villas, check prices and availability here.

Day Five – Day Trip From Perth

On day five on your Perth itinerary, it’s time to explore some of the amazing natural wonders that surround the city. From lush wine regions to spectacular deserts and world-class beaches, you certainly won’t be short of choices!

Spend your last day by choosing one of the following day trips from Perth. All of the locations listed below are easy to reach by booking an organised day tour, read on to find our top recommendations.

Pinnacles/Lancelin

A visit to the otherworldly landscape of the Pinnacles Desert is certainly one of the most popular day trips from Perth. It only takes two hours to get there from the city but there are a few other key sights to see along the way.

Be sure to include a stop at the vast sand dunes in the seaside town of Lancelin. The best activity at the dunes is renting a sandboard for a few hours and flying down the white sandy slopes.

Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding Tour – This highly rated day tour begins with a visit to the Caversham Wildlife Park to meet the koalas, wombats and kangaroos. Next up will be a stop in the fishing town of Cervantes to have lunch at the famous Lobster Shack.

The afternoon will bring you on a scenic journey through the Pinnacles Desert followed by a chance to try sandboarding at the Lancelin sand dunes. You’ll also have the option to ride through the dunes in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Swan Valley

Just 25 minutes from Perth will bring you to the scenic Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region. This is an easy and enjoyable way to spend the day. With over 40 world-class wineries and 11 breweries to pick from, you won’t be short of choice!

You can drive there from Perth however that would limit the amount of delicious wine you can taste throughout the day. The easiest and most popular way to see the Swan Valley is by booking an organised tour. See below for one of the best Swan Valley day tours.

Full Day Swan Valley Cruise and Wine Tasting Tour – This action packed day trip takes you on a cruise along the Swan River followed by an afternoon of wine tasting and lunch in the beautiful Swan Valley.

Step aboard the boat near Perth’s CBD and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river before switching to a bus in the Swan Valley. Enjoy a visit to 2x wineries, 2x breweries and a stop at the Margaret River Chocolate Company.

This full day tour includes a river cruise, lunch, all wine and beer samples, cheese board, chocolate tasting and return journey to Perth. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Wave Rock

Wave Rock is an incredible natural rock formation and one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Considering its distance from the city (4 hour drive each way), it’s definitely easier to visit on a weekend trip from Perth. However, if you’re pressed for time but still eager to see the famous rock, you’ll be glad to know that there are day tours available.

If you choose to drive there on your own, make sure you don’t miss some of the other fascinating formations in the area. The Hippo’s Yawn, Mulka’s Cave and Lake Magic are a few highlights to keep in mind. Check out our Perth to Wave Rock road trip guide for more detailed info when planning your trip.

Wave Rock, York and Wildflowers Tour from Perth – This full day tour will pick you up from your accommodation first thing in the morning and begin the journey toward Wave Rock. Along the way, you will stop in the historic town of York to break up the drive and have morning tea.

Once you arrive in the Wheatbelt town of Hyden, you’ll get the rest of the day to see the amazing rock formations. The tour will take you to Wave Rock, Hippo’s Yawn, the Humps and Mulka’s Cave to see the aboriginal rock art. The tour includes hotel pick-up, lunch, transportation, entry fees to attractions. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Rockingham

Only 45 minutes south of Perth, this seaside town is often overlooked when it comes to tourism. Rockingham is home to a long stretch of beautiful coastline and plenty of unique things to see and do. Not to mention, it’s an awesome destination for those who love water activities.

Come face to face with tiny penguins, swim alongside wild dolphins, go snorkelling/scuba diving, or try sky diving over the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. There is no shortage of exciting adventures to be had here!

Rockingham isn’t too far from the city making it an easy day trip with less time spent in the car. If you’re travelling with children or simply don’t feel like a long car ride, this might be the best option for you. Below are some great organised tours that will show you the highlights of Rockingham and nearby islands.

Wild Dolphin Swim and Cruise – This full day tour departs from Perth by coach and begins with a boat cruise around Rockingham’s islands and bays. During the cruise you’ll encounter some local dolphins and have the opportunity to jump in the water and swim with them.

Swimming with wild dolphins is one of those magical bucket list experiences that you’ll never forget! This day tour includes hotel pick up/drop off in Perth, lunch and drinks, wetsuit and snorkel, dolphin cruise and swim. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

1-hr Shoalwater Islands and Penguin Island Tour – This one hour tour departs from Rockingham and takes you on a tour of the scenic Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in a glass bottom boat. You’ll get to see wild dolphins, Australian sea lions, pelicans and many other sea birds.

The highlight of the tour however will be stopping at Penguin Island to watch the penguin feeding. You will have some time to spend on the island before returning to the mainland at your own leisure. The tour includes a one hour glass bottom boat cruise, penguin feeding show, and return ferry ride. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Margaret River 

The Margaret River region is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, award-winning wineries, and picture-perfect beaches. It has everything you need for an unforgettable day trip from Perth. Located in southwest corner of WA, it takes around 3 hours to drive there from Perth.

Some of the highlights of your day trip will be vineyard hopping and wine tasting, exploring an ancient cave filled with impressive formations, checking out one of the beautiful beaches, and perhaps taking a tour of the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. There are so many great things to do in Margaret River, you certainly won’t be bored if you choose to spend longer than one day!

Margaret River, Caves, Wine and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Tour from Perth – See the very best of Margaret River on this exciting full day trip from Perth. The day begins with a pick up from your hotel in Perth before you make your way south via coach.

The tour includes wine tasting at one of the town’s historic vineyards, cider and beer tastings at a popular brewery, a gourmet lunch platter, a guided tour of the amazing Mammoth Cave, and a visit to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.

On the way to Margaret River, the tour briefly stops in the town of Bussleton to see the longest wooden jetty in the southern hemisphere. During the day you’ll get some free time to browse the quaint shops and cafe’s around town. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Spending More Time In Perth?

Perhaps you have more time to spend in WA and you’re seeking some adventures beyond the city. Check out some of our detailed guides and road trip itineraries to start planning your next adventure in WA!

• 15 Epic Day Trips From Perth
• 6 Awesome Weekend Getaways From Perth
• Perth to Esperance Road Trip – 11 days
• Perth to Exmouth Road Trip – 10 days
• Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip – 5 Days
• Perth to Albany Road Trip – 5 Days
• Perth to Busselton Road Trip – 1-3 Days

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