The Best Perth Day Trips To Take This Summer

After what we hope has been a fantastic Christmas and New Year celebration, many of you will be lucky enough to have a little bit of time off work over the holiday period. You may be heading down south for a bit of a getaway, but as we all know, at this time of year it can be difficult to book accommodation with half of Perth seeming to have the same holiday plans.

That’s why sometimes it’s nice to just head out for a day trip in the Mazda 3.

We’re lucky to have so much surrounding our isolated little city, and while some of it may be a bit far if you’re not spending the night, there’s still plenty to see and do in a one day trip from Perth if you don’t mind hitting the road.

Let’s take a look at some of the best day trips Perth has to offer that will also see you home in time for dinner.

1. Rottnest Island

   

   90-minute ferry ride from Fremantle.

   Let’s start with an obvious one. Rottnest—or ‘Rotto’ as we like to call it—is one of Perth’s most beloved getaway destinations. Famous for its ridiculously photogenic Quokkas, Rotto has become so popular that even some of the most famous celebrities and sports stars in the world have made it one of their go-to Perth day trips. Some of these celebrities include Roger Federer, Chris Hemsworth and Matt Damon.

   Once you’re on the island you can go on a guided tour, or simply jump on your bike or hit the walking trails and go exploring for yourself. As popular as it is, there are still plenty of pristine beaches where you can go snorkelling and see some of its unique marine life.

2. Swan Valley

   

   25km northeast of Perth.

   Just a stone’s throw from Perth, the Swan Valley is one of the most underrated spots for the perfect day trip. While it may only be a short drive and easy day trip, it has a distinctly holiday-like ‘vibe’, and the best part is that predictably, Western Australia’s premier wine-making region has no shortage of locations to sample a glass or two. There are also plenty of breweries and pubs if that’s more your thing. Either way, it’s the perfect place to indulge with a few drinks and a fantastic meal.

   And don’t forget to drop into Caversham Wildlife Park on your way back to meet some of the cute and furry animals!

3. Araluen Botanic Park

   

   30km south of Perth.

   Located amidst the Roleystone Perth Hills, Araluen Botanic Park is a wonderful place to visit if you have a bit of a green thumb. The developed gardens cover 14 hectares, and feature an impressive array of exotic plant species, most famously their tulips, which come out every spring.

   Even when its impressive gardens aren’t on full display, it’s simply a beautiful place to relax and unwind in the fresh hills air. It also boasts one of Perth’s best golf courses so take your clubs if that’s more your thing.

4. Rockingham and Penguin Island

   

   50km south of Perth.

   Every year from early September to early June, pods of dolphins come to play in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Rockingham, and you can join them for a swim if you book a day tour with a boat charter. You’ll be led by an experienced crew member as the dolphins swim and frolic around you for an unforgettable experience in one of the best places WA has to offer.

   You’ll then be taken to Penguin Island for a chance to spot some adorable wild penguins.

   Once you’re finished in the ocean, pop into Rockingham’s restaurant and nightlife precinct to finish off the day with a drink and some fresh seafood.

5. Shoalwater Islands Marine Park

   

   50km south of Perth.

   If you prefer to do your own exploring rather than jumping on the Penguin Island and dolphin swimming charters, then perhaps a trip to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park is the best way to experience Rockinghams’s spectacular marine life. This hotbed of biodiversity is home to Australian sea lions, penguins, dolphins and a variety of sea-faring birds. There are plenty of stretches of quiet and pristine beaches to explore and to find the perfect spot to relax on for some fresh coastal air. And if you want to move on, Point Peron and Cape Peron are also popular spots, both just a few kilometres north.

6. Chittering and New Norcia

   

   125km north of Perth.

   As far as day trips from Perth go, we’re probably reaching the upper end in terms of distance with this 3-hour round trip. Despite the distance, it’s a great place and the drive is definitely worth it.

   Chittering is one of a few quaint little towns with plenty to see as it nestles along the northern hills of the Darling Range. It’s covered in lush bushland, wetlands and vineyards, and during the spring months, it’s also covered in incredible wildflowers and orchards.

   Further north you’ll end up in New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town. One for the history buffs, it’s filled with striking historic buildings from the 1840s, built by Benedictine monks. Visit the Museum and wind your way along the dusty old streets before grabbing a snack at the New Norcia Roadhouse which is still owned and operated by the Benedictine Community.

Explore Western Australia with Mandurah Mazda

Some of these unforgettable day trips involve a fair bit of driving, especially if you’re travelling from the Perth CBD, so you’ll want to make sure you have a good, comfy car that’s in good shape for the open road. Here at our Mandurah Mazda dealership, we have a great range of the latest 2022 models. Otherwise, bring your car in to keep up with your Mazda service schedule so we can get you safely on your way to some of the best places WA has to offer.