Perth Day Trips

It’s about time I made a list of places near Perth that you can visit for the day. Having grown up in Perth I know there is plenty to do, and here are a few ideas:

Serpentine National Park

Serpentine National Park is about a 50 minute drive from Perth. You have a choice of 3 picnic areas to visit – Serpentine Dam, Serpentine Falls and the Pipehead Dam. Each of these are worth visiting, and you can comfortably do all in a day. If you want to swim, Serpentine Falls is an awesome place to visit. There are plenty of BBQ’s and toilets provided at each area. This is definitely worth checking out. If you want more information, see Serpentine National Park.

Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo is a great way to spend a day. Whilst it may not be as impressive as some of the massive zoos littered throughout the world, it has a lot of animals which are only found in Australia. Being so close to the city it is easy to get to, and you would easily spend a day walking around looking at all of the animals. To find out more, have a look at Perth Zoo.

 

Cottesloe Beach

Cottesloe is my favorite beach, for a number of reasons. It is very popular and clean, and you will find plenty of places to grab a bite. Surfers are common on the south side of the groin, and on a hot summers day there are thousands of people swimming in the water. The sunsets at Cottesloe are magnificent, and you will have a great day at the beach.

Fremantle

Fremantle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Perth. It has a lot of history and culture, and attracts people from all over the world. Whether you are going just for a walk around the water, a meal of fish and chips, to see the markets or to watch the ships drive into port, you will find enough to do for a day in Fremantle.

AQWA

AQWA stands for the Aquarium of Western Australia, and is certainly worth a visit. There are plenty of aquariums to see with all sorts of marine life, and even a massive one with a conveyor going around at the bottom. You can literally see huge sting rays and sharks swimming only metres above your head. There is also a touch pool, and an outdoor section where shows are put on from time to time. The kids love visiting AQWA (and so do the adults!). If you are very adventurous, you can swim with the sharks too. To find more information, have a look at AQWA.

Wireless Hill

Wireless Hill is a 40 hectare reserve in Ardross which is popular for picnics. There are a number of lookouts, a playground, BBQ’s and toilets and a considerable amount of history. In spring the wild flowers are very popular as there are a number of tracks that meander through the bush. If you want a relaxing afternoon overlooking the Swan River it is certainly a good spot. To find out more information have a look at Wireless Hill

Marapana Wildlife Park

Marapana Wildlife Park is a privately owned property south of Perth which has been set up for visitors to wander around the area and meet the animals. The biggest difference is that you are walking in the enclosures of many of the animals, and feeding them too. You can pat many of the animals and get much closer to them than you can anywhere else! If you want more information have a look at Marapana Wildlife Park

Penguin Island

Penguin Island is a popular ecotourism destination. From swimming through to tours, bird watching and spectacular scenery you will have a great day out on the island. You pay a fee to get to the island (and back) but it is well worth the money. Remember to take your camera!

Adventure World

Adventure World is Perths theme park. It has a considerable number of water rides, as well as the more extreme rides. There is a large pool to relax in as well as a chair lift which goes from one side of the park to the other. The kids especially love Adventure world, and it is worth a day out. You can find out more at Adventure World.

Carnac Island

Carnac Island is a small piece of land in Cockburn Sound. You can get to it via a private boat, or there are cruises which visit the island. It is home to a number of seals which are tolerant of humans, but you should be wary and keep your distance. It is also home to a massive variety of marine life for snorkeling and fishing (check the areas you are allowed to fish though!). Most of the island is fenced off, but you can get onto the beach on one side to have a picnic. You can find out more at Carnac Island

 

Rockingham

Rockingham is a coastal town 30 minutes drive from Perth. It has some great beaches, reefs and plenty of room to relax. There is a large water skiing area, plenty of designated walk ways and a number of islands that you can look at. It is also popular for those doing Kite Surfing or Wind Surfing. You can find out more at Rockingham Foreshore

Swan River

The Swan River is Perth’s main river. It runs from near Fremantle inland many kilometers. There are plenty of walkways, designated ski areas, places to relax and eat and also some good fishing. It is also very popular for boating, yachting and other water sports.

Caversham Wildlife Park

Caversham Wildlife Park is yet another privately owned wildlife park, which is open every day of the year (except Christmas day). It is home to around 200 different species of animals, and is set up so you can walk through the area and look at the animals.

Swan Valley

The Swan Valley is home to a vast array of accommodation, wineries, breweries, national parks, wildlife parks and the list goes on. It is a very pretty area to visit, and taking a camera is a must! There is plenty of opportunity for shopping and other leisurely activities!

Scarborough Beach

Scarborough Beach is located further north than Cottesloe, but is also a very nice beach to visit. In fact, every beach in WA is spectacular when compared to beaches in other parts of the world. Scarborough is popular for a number of water based activities, plenty of places to eat and a considerable night life.

Hillarys Boat Harbour

Hillarys Boat Harbour is a very popular attraction north of Perth. It is build around the coast and has more than enough to keep you busy for a day. A number of tours leave from Hillarys Boat Harbour, and it is popular for boating too (many boats are stored here). There is plenty of shopping and accommodation to enjoy as well.

Kings Park

Kings Park is usually one of the first places that tourists visit. It is located on the top of a big hill, just west of Perth. There are plenty of walking trails to enjoy, wildflowers, cafes, playgrounds, BBQ’s and toilets. A lot of people visit Kings Park for a picnic, and there is plenty of lawn to relax on. The kids love the playgrounds and the view is spectacular (looking over part of the city and the Swan River).

Burswood

Burswood is a popular area to visit, and is quite picturesque too. The Swan River runs right through Burswood, and the entertainment complex is very popular. This houses a casino, restaurants, hotel, golf course, bars and night clubs. A lot of people enjoy walking and cycling around Burswood. It is where a number of concerts and shows are held too.

SciTech

Scitech is an educational science centre located right in the middle of Perth. It is designed to be engaging and fun, and to provide entertainment for the entire family. It is very popular for school excursions, but there is something to be learnt by everyone!

Whiteman Park

Whiteman Park is a giant recreational park north of the river. It is home to a number of attractions ranging from Birds of Prey displays through to wildlife parks, childrens amusements, craft centres, museums, train and tram rides, art galleries and even a lolly shop. There are plenty of BBQ’s and toilets around for a good day out.

John Forrest National Park

The John Forrest National Park is yet another natural beauty worth visiting. It is set up with BBQ’s and toilets, along with plenty of walk trails, mountain bike trails and room to do some serious wildlife watching and photography. Above all, its just a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle in Perth!

Lancelin

Lancelin has always been a favorite place of mine. Being only 1.5 – 2 hours drive away from Perth, it is definetly worth a mention. Lancelin is popular for swimming, surfing, fishing, diving, kite and wind surfing, four wheel driving, motorbike riding and boating. The sand dunes are well known and are always used by motorbike riders and four wheel drivers. It is well worth a look and you can find more information at Lancelin.

Araluen

Araluen is located in the Darling Ranges, some 30 minutes away from Perth. It is most well known for the Tulips which grow in Spring. It is surrounded by natural bush land and is set up for picnics (toilets and BBQ’s are provided). In many ways, this is similar to Kings Park. To find out more information, have a look at Araluen.

Mandurah

Mandurah is another popular coastal destination, about an hours drive from Perth. Once it was purely known for its crabbing, prawning and holidays, but now it is a massive, thriving city. Boating and fishing is popular, and plenty of seafood is still regularly caught. It has plenty of great places to eat at, a lot of walkways to stroll down and plenty of room for some entertainment.

Fremantle Prison

Fremantle Prison is WA’s only listed heritage site. It holds a considerable amount of history, and since 1992 it has been open to the public. There are a number of different tours that are offered, ranging from a basic tour through to a tour of the tunnels or a tour by torch light. There are plenty of great reviews from the Fremantle Prison – definitely worth checking out.

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a must for anyone staying more than a few days at Perth. You can go over for a day, or stay a few nights (there is plenty of accommodation). Rottnest is well known for pristine beaches, stunning marine life and flat calm water. The surfing and fishing is popular, and thousands of tourists visit the island each year. Quokkas are the native animals (sort of a cross between a wallaby and a rat) which are very friendly and inquisitive. You can find more information at Rottnest Island

Bibbulmun Track

The Bibbulmun Track is a long distance walking track (spanning nearly 1000km). It runs from Kalamunda to Albany. Many people choose to walk the whole track, but the most common option is to do a few sections at a time. There are 48 shelters built along the track which have a rain water tank, pit toilet and 3 sided shelter. The track meanders through some of WA’s most pristine bush land and is well worth the walk.

Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail is being extended as I write this, but currently it is a 500km offroad bike trail. Much like the Bibbulmun Track, it offers some amazing sights through Western Australia. The track runs from Mundaring to Nannup, and is planned to go down to Manjimup. There are a number of campsites and tent sites set up, which are very welcomed after a hard days riding.

Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is an interesting attraction. You can go on guided tours where they explain the history of the mint, and you can also watch gold pour from molten temperatures into a solid bar. There are plenty of exhibitions to keep you occupied.

WA Maritime Museum

The WA Maritime Museum is located in Fremantle and houses a massive variety of galleries that explore the relationship WA has had with the sea over the years. A lot of school excursions visit the museum to learn some history.

Check out these top 15 Popular Waterfront Hotels in Perth by HotelsCombined for more exciting day adventures and activities in Perth

 

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