These weekend escapes from Perth take around an hour or two of worth’s drive on the open road. So prepare yourself for an exciting trip where you can stumble along with old and new vistas in, near, or from Perth.
Perth is perched on a nest between easy-reach travel destinations perfect for a short break. See our list here!
New Norcia
Walk into Australia’s only monastic town and follow the heritage trail. It’s the perfect getaway for those longing for peace and solitude amidst the multitude of commotion in the city. They have a caravan and camping area where you can have Sunday picnics with your family.
You can walk around the township and visit their museum, art gallery, and shops. Explore their library, convent, workshop, or apiary for a life lesson in history. Catch a glimpse of the Benedictine Monks moving to their next spot of worship.
Head down to the local pub and appreciate the town’s finest ale, beers, and wines. Pans and bakeries are available in the visitor center, in case you want one when you get home.
Armadale
Nature lovers can easily drive 40 minutes away from Perth and bask in the great outdoors. This charming region has heritage attractions, parks, and scenic drives one can enjoy. When you’re at Armadale, try doing the following:
- Walk among its 28 hiking trails, dams, and fruit orchards
- Take the young ones on a tractor ride at Roleystone Orchard
- Enjoy the picnic areas near Serpentine Falls
- Delight on local cheese produce and wine selections at Rocksgate Winery or at Baldivis Wine Trail
- Witness local wildlife at Cohonu Koala Park and Armadale Reptile Centre
- Visit the Bert Tyler Vintage Machinery Museum, History House Municipal Museum, and the Minnawarra Park
- Go swimming or canoeing at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre
- Visit the Araluen Botanic Park
Armadale is a local favorite for one-day excursions of many families living in Perth. Take a ride for yourself and see what wonders you can experience there.
Ledge Point
An hour and a half ride from Perth will lead you to Ledge Point, a beautiful stretch of land, rural towns, and historical sites. If you’re in the area, don’t miss sand boarding at Lancelin dunes. You can even opt for quad biking or 4WD adventures if you don’t want to get sandy.
Visit the Nambung National Park and witness the Pinnacles Desert, a natural wonder where limestone rocks stick out of the ground. A few drive away is the Yanchep National Park, where you can explore caves and sightsee wildlife in their natural habitat.
If the waters of Lancelin are what that pull you out of your shell, a day at the beach facing the Indian Ocean is not to be missed. You can go boating, fishing, or swimming along the shallow waters of the ocean.
Kalamunda
If you want a quaint arts weekend escapes from Perth, the Kalamunda township is perfect for you. They have various galleries and studios devoted to local artists and their exhibitions. They have several historical sites worth taking a second look, especially the town library, known to have the largest community-built stained-glass window in the country.
Places of interest include:
- Zigzag Cultural Centre
- Kalamunda History Village
- Stirk Cottage and Park
Other nearby places you can go within five kilometers or so are:
- Lesmurdie Falls
- Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Bickley Valley Wine Trail
Bunbury
When we ask people about Bunbury, there are two things that stood out the most – gnomes and dolphins. They’re not wrong, but Bunbury is so much more than that. From art galleries to zoos, and heritage sites, Bunbury has a lot to offer.
- Sightsee wildlife at Bunbury Wildlife Park
- Visit Bunbury Lighthouse
- Glance upon the Bunbury Harbour and Koombana Bay
- Enjoy the sea and cityscapes at Marlston Hill Lookout Tower
- Know history at Bunbury Museum & Heritage Centre
- Visit this building of interest – Old Railway Station Bunbury
- Walk around Western Australia’s second church, St. Mark’s Church
- Take a stroll at Leschenault Inlet – boardwalk mangrove
- Visit various farmstays and let the kids play
And of course –
- See the eccentric Gnomesville
- Swim with the dolphins or opt for boat cruises at the Dolphin Discovery Centre
Avon Valley
A break to the lush rolling hills and countryside seems like a perfect destination to unwind. Avon Valley is just that region where you can picnic along the banks of the river, relax in historical accommodations and pub, or explore what the quaint township has to offer.
- Visit Avon Valley in spring and take a wildflower walk among its many trails
- Go for a swim, canoeing, boating, white rafting at Avon River
- Get yourself into a heritage walk tour in Northam’s 185 heritage-listed sites
- Visit museums and historical buildings at York like the York Residency Museum and York Motor Museum among many others
- Enjoy the 19th-century architecture and village charm at Toodyay
- Relish local delights of cuisines, wines, beers, or olives
Other weekend escapes from Perth to go when you’re in Avon Valley are Chittering Valley, Goomalling, Beverly, and Brookton.
Margaret River
If you’re planning to have weekend escapes from Perth two to three days away, a visit to this famed wine region shouldn’t be missed. Be dazzled by its beaches, thundering caves, and thick forests within a thriving artistic community.
Expect a ride or hike adventure in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park with a view of the stunning Indian Ocean. Other coastal walks and bike rides include the Meelup Reserve Trail. Opt for a family swimming, diving, or snorkeling at Busselton Jetty where they have great spots just for kids.
Attractions in the area seemed endless as you get to explore over 100 limestone caves in the Margaret River region. Immerse yourself in the region’s art scene and get to create your own masterpiece. What’s more, you get to discover aboriginal and historical culture at Koomal Dreaming or Cape Naturaliste.
Local drinks at the pub and visits in most breweries, distilleries, and cideries are worth noting when you want to dine in this fine wine region. At the end of the day, camp in one of their many accommodations, and enjoy the scenery their forests, reserves, and beaches before returning to the city.
