Western Australia is Australia's largest state, covering more than one-third of the continent and offering an extraordinary range of landscapes from pristine coral reefs and red outback deserts to verdant wine regions and cosmopolitan coastal cities. Home to Perth, one of the world's most isolated yet vibrant capital cities, Western Australia rewards adventurous travellers with World Heritage sites, unique wildlife, and some of the planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Rottnest Island
Western Australia's most beloved day trip destination — a car-free island paradise 19km off Fremantle populated with friendly quokkas, 63 beaches and bays, crystal-clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkelling, and a fascinating WWII military history. Most visitors hire a bicycle at the ferry terminal and pedal around the island at their own pace.
Highlights: Quokka selfies and encounters · The Basin swimming area · Little Salmon Bay snorkelling · Oliver Hill WWII Battery heritage tour · Geordie Bay beach relaxation · Wadjemup Lighthouse walk
The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) and Cervantes
One of WA's most surreal and spectacular landscapes — thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden desert sand at Nambung National Park near Cervantes. The 4km self-drive loop through the pinnacle field, or a walking loop, allows visitors to weave through the extraordinary formation. Combine with Cervantes lobster tasting for a perfect day trip.
Highlights: Pinnacles Desert self-drive loop · Sunrise or sunset light on the pillars · Cervantes lobster and seafood tasting · Turquoise Coast views from the pinnacles lookout · Hangover Bay swimming beach near Cervantes
Wave Rock and Hyden
WA's most ancient and extraordinary granite formation — a 15-metre-high wave of rock stained in vivid bands of red, grey, and ochre, estimated at 2.7 billion years old. Located near the small wheatbelt town of Hyden, Wave Rock is best combined with nearby Hippo's Yawn (another granite formation) and Mulka's Cave Aboriginal rock art site. The long drive through WA's wheatbelt is scenic in wildflower season.
Highlights: Wave Rock wall and catwalk walk · Hippo's Yawn granite formation · Mulka's Cave Aboriginal stencil art · Hyden townsite and local history museum · Wildflowers in surrounding bush (August-October)
Fremantle
WA's historic port city is the most accessible and popular day trip from Perth. With its extraordinary convict-era architecture, vibrant Fishing Boat Harbour seafood restaurants, heritage Fremantle Prison, craft beer at Little Creatures, weekend markets, and bohemian maritime atmosphere, Fremantle can fill a full day with ease. Best on a Friday (market evening) or weekend.
Highlights: Fremantle Prison (day or Torchlight Tour) · Fremantle Markets (Fri-Sun) · Little Creatures Brewery · Fishing Boat Harbour seafood · The Shipwreck Galleries maritime museum · Fremantle Arts Centre street art
Swan Valley Wine Region
WA's oldest wine region and the closest winery destination to Perth, the Swan Valley stretches along the Swan River from Guildford to Herne Hill. Over 40 wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers cluster along West Swan Road and Great Northern Highway. Highlights include Sandalford Wines, Houghton Winery (WA's largest), the Cheese Barrel, Whistler Chocolates, and several craft breweries.
Highlights: Sandalford Estate cellar door and restaurant · Houghton Winery (WA's largest and most historic winery) · Cheese Barrel artisan cheese tastings · Whistler's and Mondo Nougat chocolate and confectionery · Mandoon Estate winery restaurant with river views
Margaret River Wine Region
WA's world-famous wine region is best as an overnight or 2-night trip, but a very early Perth departure makes a long day trip possible. Visit 2-3 wineries for tastings, have lunch at a winery restaurant, and explore one of the spectacular limestone caves (Jewel Cave or Lake Cave) before the return drive.
Highlights: Vasse Felix cellar door tasting (WA's oldest winery) · Leeuwin Estate or Cullen Wines winery lunch · Jewel Cave limestone cave tour · Yallingup surf beach · Margaret River Providore gourmet food shopping
Mandurah and Peel Inlet
Mandurah is WA's second largest city and a charming waterfront destination on the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary. Famous for its blue manna crabs (the 'Mandurah blue' is sought after by seafood lovers), excellent dolphin-watching cruises through the canals, and a pleasant waterfront foreshore. The Mandurah Ocean Marina has good restaurants and cafes.
Highlights: Dolphin-watching canal cruise · Mandurah Estuary blue manna crab fishing · Mandurah Ocean Marina foreshore · Crabbing from the jetty (bring your own net) · Peel Heritage House and local history
York Historic Town
WA's oldest inland town (founded 1831) is a perfectly preserved 19th-century colonial streetscape 97km east of Perth. The main street (Avon Terrace) is lined with extraordinary heritage limestone and brick buildings including the 1893 Town Hall, 1855 Old Gaol, Sandalford York Winery, and the York Motor Museum. Combine with a detour to Avon Valley National Park.
Highlights: Avon Terrace heritage streetscape walk · York Town Hall (1893) and Old Gaol · York Motor Museum (Australia's largest historic vehicle collection) · Sandalford York Winery cellar door · Avon Valley National Park scenic drive
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.