On the banks of the sparkling Swan River in Western Australia, Perth is one of the world's most isolated capital cities, but just around the corner you'll find a dazzling array of natural wonders. Stunningly beautiful deserts, glistening beaches, wildlife-rich islands and the agricultural bounty of the Swan Valley and Margaret River are rewarding day trip destinations. The distances between attractions can be vast, but the scenery is worth it. Impressive rock formations rise from the golden sand deserts, and wildflowers sprout from the scorched earth in a dazzling blaze of color from September through November. Closer to the city, sun worshippers can enjoy off-white beaches with beautiful turquoise bays, while Perth's port city of Fremantle offers a pleasant counterpoint to all the natural attractions with its rich maritime and convict history, art exhibitions and heritage trails. Wildlife is also a highlight, both at sea and on land. Not far from the city, you can swim with wild dolphins, watch humpback whales on their annual migration, kayak with sea lions and see quokkas (small marsupials) on dazzling Rottnest Island. See all the highlights with our list of the best day trips from Perth:


1. Rottnest Island



One of the best short trips from Perth and a popular weekend getaway, Rottnest Island is a sandy speck at automobile speed, with an enticing mix of sun-drenched beaches, historic attractions and wildlife. In 1696, Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh landed on the island's dazzling shores and called it paradise. But he mistook the cute, Wallaby-like quokkas for rats and named the island Rotte Nest ("rat's nest"). Today, these sweet marsupials are one of the island's main attractions, along with its beautiful reef-lined bays and beaches lapped by turquoise seas. In addition to swimming, other popular activities include nature walks, exploring the Parker Point Marine Snorkel Trail, fishing, Segway tours, and admiring the ocean views from Vlamingh Lookout and Wadjemup Lighthouse. For a fascinating dose of the island's history, stop by the Rottnest Museum, housed in an old mill and hay store, and visit the island's historic sites.

Ferries to Rottnest take about 25 minutes to Fremantle, 45 minutes from Hillarys Boat Harbour and 90 minutes at Barrack Street Wharf in Perth. Better yet, you can cover all the highlights and maximize your time by hopping aboard a Perth speedboat on the Rottnest Island Day Tour. This eight-hour trip includes a cruise down the Swan River along Millionaire's Row, home to some of the city's most expensive real estate; a high-speed wildlife cruise around the island's secluded beaches and bays; and time to explore all of its natural and historic attractions.


2. Fremantle



About 30 minutes drive from the CBD, at the mouth of the Swan River, Fremantle is Perth's port and a repository of maritime and convict history. It was the first settlement site for Swan River settlers in 1829, and today exudes an easy, free bohemian vibe; many artists and creative types make their home here. A great way to get acquainted with "Freo," as the locals call it, is to take a guided streetcar tour of the city. Once you know the lay of the land, most of the major attractions are within walking distance in the city center. Fine buildings with richly decorated facades, such as the Italianate-style City Hall, bear witness to the city's late 19th-century wealth, when it was a commercial center and a gateway for gold miners traveling to inland cities. For more history, don't miss a tour of Fremantle Prison, the only state World Heritage building. Built by convicts, the Western Australian Maritime Museum proudly displays the America's Cup winning yacht, Australia II, while the Western Australian Museum Shipwreck Galleries showcase the sobering remains of ships that found their match along the coast.

Other major attractions include heritage trails; exhibitions and concerts at Fremantle Arts Center; and Fremantle Markets, where stalls have been selling handicrafts, fresh produce and ethnic street food since 1897. Popular whale watching cruises also depart from Fremantle. A fun way to access the city from Perth is on a Swan River Cruise.


3. Caversham Wildlife Park



Caversham Wildlife Park, about 30 minutes drive from the city, is a hit with animal lovers young and old. This is a great place to take the little ones to see all the quintessential Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, kookaburras, echidnas and wombats. Those who want a more interactive experience can hand-feed the kangaroos and visit Molly's Farm, with a full cast of barnyard animals. The park also offers a dose of Australian culture, with sheep shearing and whip-whipping demonstrations, and talks with zookeepers give little ones a chance to learn about the resident critters and get up close and personal with them.


4. Yanchep National Park



About 50 kilometers north of Perth, Yanchep National Park promises a fun, family day out with walking trails, wildflowers and plenty of wildlife. Scenic nature trails fan out across the coastal plain and surround the large lake, with wildlife viewing opportunities. Kangaroos are common throughout the park, and koalas cling to trees along a short trail on the boardwalk.The park's forests and wetlands are also home to many species of birds, including black cockatoos, rainbow parrots, and kinglets. Nearby, the limestone caves are home to an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites. To learn about the park's Noongar aboriginal heritage, you can sign up for a guided cultural tour. Yanchep National Park is also the perfect setting for a picnic after a relaxing day enjoying all the natural sights.


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5. Swan Valley



About 14 kilometers from Perth's central business district, Swan Valley is a foodie's paradise. The journey to this picturesque pastoral region is as much fun as the destination. From Perth, you can hop on a ferry and enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Swan River to the fertile farm country of Australia's oldest wine region. You can also drive there in approximately 25 minutes. While exploring the region, be sure to sample some of the fresh local produce and artisanal foods such as grapes, asparagus, melons, strawberries, nuts, honey, citrus fruits, nougat, chocolate and cheese. The area is also home to several excellent art galleries and antique furniture stores. The main center of Guildford is also a lovely place to enjoy a Devonshire tea and admire the elegant 19th century architecture. After exploring the region, enjoy lunch at one of the acclaimed restaurants highlighting delicious fresh farm produce. This is a relaxing day trip and an easy hop from the city center. Most ferries and river cruises depart from Barrack Square Jetty.


6. Margaret River



Although three hours is a long drive for a day trip, the Margaret River is one of Perth's most beloved city getaways. Dazzling beaches, fantastic surf spots, scenic trails and excellent restaurants and galleries are among the many attractions here. A great way to soak up the scenery is to hike the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse walking trail, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Other attractions include dense karri forests and limestone caves, such as Mammoth Cave, Lake Cave and Jewel Cave, with impressive stalactites and ancient fossils. In addition to swimming and surfing, major outdoor activities include fishing, kayaking, whale watching tours, rock climbing and mountain biking. After a fun day of sightseeing, be sure to savor some of the region's produce and artisanal foods, such as fresh seafood, grass-fed meats, cheeses, and heirloom fruits and vegetables.


7. Pinnacles Desert



In Nambung National Park, about a three-hour drive north of Perth, the Pinnacles Desert is a photographer's dream. Golden sands, wind-sculpted red spires and deep blue skies create a striking canvas for capturing images, and you can explore this otherworldly landscape on walking trails or a scenic drive. Emus and kangaroos are among the wildlife that inhabit the park, and from August to October, colorful wildflowers cover the parched land. It's worth a visit to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Center while you're here to learn about the natural history and ecology of these absolutely beautiful landscapes. The park is also surrounded by dazzling stretches of white sand beach, where you can swim, snorkel and surf.

After exploring the desert, stop by the nearby fishing village of Cervantes, about 23 kilometers north of the Pinnacles, for a delicious lunch. The beaches here are also beautiful, with many water sports on offer, including diving, swimming, surfing, fishing and sailing. Just south of Cervantes, Thetis Lake is home to a colony of rare marine stromatolites or living fossils, and about 26 kilometers north of Cervantes is the town of Jurien Bay, with more pristine beaches, diving opportunities, sea lions, migrating whales from June to October, and wildlife-rich national parks.

To pack all the highlights of the region into one day, the Pinnacles Desert 4WD day trip from Perth is a great option. This 11.5-hour tour also includes an exciting desert sandboarding adventure and a visit to Caversham Wildlife Park, where you can get up close to koalas and kangaroos.


8. Shoalwater Bay: dolphins, sea lions and penguins



At beautiful Shoalwater Bay in Rockingham, about 50 kilometers south of Perth, Australian sea lions and pods of dolphins swim in the crystal clear waters of Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, allowing close encounters with wildlife. Over the decades, the crew of a customized dolphin-watching boat inhabited more than 200 wild bottlenose dolphins, who willingly swim and interact with visitors. The boat is equipped with a large rear platform, so you can put on your snorkel gear and dive into the water. Those who prefer to stay dry can opt for a wildlife cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat. Cruises skirt the rocky shores of Seal, Penguin, and Bird Islands and offer the opportunity to see nesting ospreys and pelican rookeries. You can also visit these wildlife-rich islands on a guided kayak tour. As you paddle through crystal clear waters, sea lions and bottlenose dolphins often splash around you at close range. After paddling with the pinnipeds, some tours offer the opportunity to watch little penguins feeding. Diving and snorkeling are also excellent on the surrounding reefs.

The Swim with Dolphins day trip from Perth is a great way to see some of the wildlife. It includes a professional guide, snorkeling gear and light lunch.


9. Wave Rock



Driving east from Perth for almost four hours through the wheat belt, you will eventually come to one of Western Australia's most striking natural landmarks, Wave Rock. Named for its distinctive shape, which resembles a frozen wave in motion, the 15-meter-high rock reveals the fascinating forces of Mother Nature. From here, a ten-minute walk along well-marked trails takes you to Hippo's Yawn, another oddly shaped rock formation with more photo opportunities. After this, you can return to your car to drive 15 kilometers to The Humpbacks, Precambrian granite domes, and Mulka's Cave, an eroded granite rock. Bring a flashlight to see the ancient aboriginal handprints on its surface. Other attractions near these rugged rock formations include a wildlife park, a wildflower store, and a somewhat incongruous collection of antique lace. Although this is a long drive for a day trip, venturing into the state's arid interior gives you a sense of Perth's isolation and the vast wilderness on its doorstep.

The best way to see all the major sites in one day is on the Rock and Aboriginal Wave cultural tour from Perth. This full-day tour includes a visit to the ancient village of York in the Avon Valley, followed by stops at all the key attractions and rock formations, including Hippo's Yawn, Wave Rock and the Aboriginal sacred site of Gnamma Holes. You can learn all about the attractions from your expert guide, and the tour includes a country-style lunch, entrance fees and hotel pick-up and drop-off.


10. Whale Watching Cruise, Hillarys Boat Harbour



Hillarys Boat Harbour, on the Sunset Coast about 20 kilometers northwest of Perth, is the departure point for popular two-hour whale-watching cruises during the migration season. Humpback whales swim in these waters from mid-September to late November, and you can take a front row seat to watch these gentle giants as they make their way along the coast. After the cruise, spend some time exploring the restaurants, stores and tourist attractions of this great marina. A great family attraction here is the Western Australian Aquarium, with an underwater glass tunnel and more than 200 species of sea creatures such as dolphins, sharks and manta rays. Hillarys Boat Harbour is also a lovely place to stroll and picnic with its quiet beaches and walking trails. Ferries to Rottnest Island also depart from here.