Five of the best day trips you can do from Perth
At first glance, the idea of roadtripping Western Australia can seem overwhelming.
Covering 2.5 million square kilometres, we're talking about covering serious distances sure.
But if your starting point is Perth, you'll be thrilled to know that everything from some of the state's pristine beaches and spectacular islands to dramatic outback destinations are only ever a day trip away.
Here are some of the best to consider.
Access to some of WA's most iconic destinations is made simple by staying in Perth. Getty
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Swan Valley
Fancy a little Verdelho? Located a mere 25 metres from Perth, Swan Valley - WA's oldest wine region - is the place to be.
Home to over 40 wineries (many specialising in Chenin Blanc and fortified wines), 10 breweries, give distilleries, three cideries and a wealth of gourmet products and markets, this is the place to let your tastebuds run wild.
It isn't all about unleashing the gourmand within of course Swan Valley also offers riverside walking trails, historic sites and Swan River cruises.
The Pinnacles in Western Australia are an eerie landscape littered with limestone columns. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Pinnacles
It may only be 190 kilometres north of Perth, but visiting The Pinnacles within Nambung National Park is like being dropped on another planet. A series of striking limestone formations ranging from three to four metres in height and up to 30,000 years old, the best way to explore the area is on foot or via a scenic drive (best undertaken at sunrise or sunset).
You'll often find yourself accompanied by kangaroos, emos and a variety of bird species so you'll never quite feel alone. Just remember to leave a little time to go sandboarding at Lancelin and enjoy a seafood lunch at Cervantes on your drive up.
Nine/Graphic: Polly Hanning
Rottnest Island
Sure, Rottnest Island is home to the grinning quokka, but don't let those cuties distract you from its myriad pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, walking trails and bike tracks.
Located just 19 kilometres off the coast of Perth (via a 30-minute ferry ride), expect to spend the day on this car-free, conservation-minded reserve immersed in nature and ready to tackle all the snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and hiking the body can handle.
Visit during whale watching season (September to December) and you'll enjoy the sight of migrating humpback and southern right whales making the most of the waters surrounding the island.
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Rottnest boasts pristine beaches, aquamarine bays, walking trails and bike tracks. Tourism Western Australia
Fremantle
Make the 20 kilometre journey south of Perth to the vibrant port city of Fremantle and treat yourself to its charming mix of heritage buildings, bustling markets and contemporary cafes.
Most start the day with a stroll around Fremantle Markets, and while the walk can (and should) be extended to take in its 19th century streets, must-visits to put on the list include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison, the WA Maritime Museum and Little Creatures Brewery. Fremantle is also known for its lively music and arts scene so don't plan to return to Perth too soon.
Busselton
Hear the name Busselton and there's little doubt your mind will quickly turn to Busselton Jetty, the longest (and most picturesque) timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching some 1.8 kilometres into the ocean. While the jetty usually tops the list of attractions, it's far from Busselton's only site.
Head inland from the Foreshore, and explore the boutiques and eateries of Queen Street, before checking out Busselton Museum - part of the Busseton Heritage Trail and immersing yourself in Busselton's cafe culture.
Of course, this is primarily a beach town, so after spending a little downtime at Shelter Brewing Co across the road from the Jetty, it's time to hit the water.
Busselton Jetty is the longest (and most picturesque) timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Rockingham
Sometimes you need a relaxed vibe that's all about sun, sand and saltwater.
Rockingham, located just 47 kilometres south of Perth, invites you to enjoy the islands and reefs of the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, enjoy its vast stretches of white sandy beaches (check out Palm Beach), sail within its protected bays or make the most of its picturesque parks, walking trails and foreshore lined with cafes and restaurants.
Sure, we could name attractions on land, but let's face it, much of the action here is in good old-fashioned fun on and in the water. Wild dolphins and sea lions are known to frequent these waters too, so you'll always have excellent company.
Perth Hills
Head a little over 40 minutes southwest of Perth and you'll find a serene escape filled with lush forests, fruit orchards, picturesque waterfalls and charming towns.
Home to the character townships of Mundaring, Armadale and Kalamunda, Perth Hills is the place to go fruit picking, wine tasting (check out the wineries of the Bickley Valley), dining at a historic pub or hiking of the main trails that dot its national parks. On the must-visit list?
The Mundaring Weir for its hiking rails, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive which offers the ultimate in panoramic views, Araluen Botanic Park, swimming at Lake Leschenaultia and historic Perth Observatory.
