Nestled into the southern coast of Western Australia is the state’s capital of Perth/Boorloo. Embrace the road and the adventure that awaits with this guide to some of the best day trips to do from Perth city. With golden beaches, quaint country towns, wine regions and more, all you need to do is grab your Hertz rental car and get on your way.
Step Back in Time
The village of York, located about an hour and a half’s drive east of Perth, delivers all the old-world charm you could want in a country town. Immaculately maintained and carefully preserved, visiting this historic area is like travelling back in time. From the Town Hall to the Castle Hotel to the York Gaol, a day spent in York is perfect for wandering around the town and soaking up the heritage buildings that still stand, holding within them the history of all those who came before. Walking down the main strip of York is enough to fill a history lesson, however if you want to see the beauty of the town from afar, make sure to head to Mount Brown Lookout/Wongborel for a sprawling snapshot of the region before you. York is also known for its wide expanses of golden canola fields, so make sure to have your camera ready as you traverse this scenic area.
Embrace the Beach and Bush
Only an hour’s drive north of Perth’s CBD is a pocket of Western Australia that delivers both the best of the bush and the sea. Yanchep National Park boasts walking trails and sprawlings stretches of greenery, as well as fascinating caves. Take a guided tour of the Crystal Cave to find out more about the magic of this natural wonder or follow the koala boardwalk trail for the chance to spot Australia’s favourite furry animal. The national park also offers anAboriginal Cultural Experience tour that is led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you through the park and teach you about local Noongar culture. When you’re ready to cool off, head down to Yanchep Lagoon Beachto discover stretches of white-washed sand framed by the beautiful turquoise of the ocean.
Wine and Dine
Western Australia’s Swan Valley is a region home to some of the best wineries in the state. Sitting just northeast of Perth city, Swan Valley is an easy twenty-five-minute drive from the CBD—perfect for a day of sipping on award winning wines. As delicious as those wines are, it’s important to always remember to drink responsibly and make sure you have a designated driver. In Swan Valley, make sure to try Sandalford Wines for lunch in their restaurant with a view of their magnificent vineyard as it stretches out before you. As one of the state’s oldest wine producers, you’ll be sure to find a glass that you love with the help of Sandalford’s knowledgeable staff. If you’d prefer a bistro-style lunch, check out Upper Reach Winery and their delicious menu produced from almost entirely local ingredients. For a break in between tastings, stretch your legs with a bush walk through Bells Rapids along the River Walk trail. While Swan Valley is famous for its wines, it’s also home to a beautiful expanse of nature that you can explore as you move between the vineyards.
Discover a Different Side
Only a thirty minutes' drive east of Perth’s CBD sits the historic town of Kalamunda. Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a day in this laid-back inland town. A gateway to the Kalamunda National Park, you can fill the day between exploring the quaint village of Kalamunda and embracing the nature that sits right on the town’s doorstep. Known as the Perth Hills, there are a variety of nature walks on offer for you to discover the lush bush and untouched scenery of this pocket of outer Perth. Try the Carmel Walk trail for a route that takes you through the Korung National Park and amongst all the unique flora and fauna native to this area. For when you get hungry, indulge in a hearty meal at the town’s historic Kalamunda Hotel. Spread out over two levels, you’ll find a menu filled with all the pub classics and a view from the balcony of the town below you. Situated right next to the old railway station, Kalamunda Hotel is an iconic venue beloved by both locals and visitors alike and is the perfect place to sit back and relax after you’ve explored surrounding areas.
.jpeg)
From quaint country towns to sprawling hillside wineries, the expansive area that surrounds Perth is filled with a range of exciting experiences that can be explored in day trips in your rental car.
