Some of the best things about a Perth trip lie just beyond the city. In a day, you can cycle a car-free island, wander a historic port, taste wine among the vines or walk through a desert of limestone pillars. This hub brings together our guides to the best day trips from Perth.
18 km
Rottnest from Fremantle
By ferry
1897
Fremantle Markets
Historic market hall
3.5 m
Tallest Pinnacles
Nambung National Park
Our guides
Rottnest Island
Rottnest (Wadjemup) is a 19 square kilometre, car-free island about 18 km off Fremantle. Cycle between turquoise bays, snorkel and meet quokkas. Read our Rottnest guide.
Fremantle
Settled in 1829, Fremantle (Walyalup) is a port city of heritage streets, the Fremantle Markets, the World Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison and the Cappuccino Strip. Read our Fremantle guide.
Swan Valley
Perth's closest wine region, registered as a geographical indication in 2003, also has breweries, chocolate and produce. Read our Swan Valley guide.
The Pinnacles
Thousands of limestone pillars, some up to 3.5 metres tall, rise from yellow sand in Nambung National Park. Read our Pinnacles guide.
Compare day trips
| Day trip | Getting there | Allow | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rottnest Island | Ferry | Full day | Beaches, cycling, quokkas |
| Fremantle | Train | Half to full day | History, markets, food |
| Swan Valley | Train plus tour, or car | Half day | Food and wine |
| The Pinnacles | Car or tour | Full day | Landscapes, photography |
| Perth Hills | Car | Half day | Bushwalks, waterfalls |
Planning tips
Day trip checklist
0 of 6 done
Ticks are saved in this browser only.
Combining trips
Stay overnight in Fremantle and take an early ferry to Rottnest. Combine the Swan Valley with the Perth Hills. Spend the night in Cervantes to see the Pinnacles at sunset and sunrise.
Seasons
Summer is ideal for Rottnest's beaches but hot for the Pinnacles. Spring brings wildflowers on the drive north. Autumn suits the Swan Valley around harvest. Winter is quieter, with cooler days.
Tours or self-guided?
Tours take care of the driving and often include extras, such as sandboarding at Lancelin on Pinnacles trips. Self-guided trips are more flexible. Rottnest and Fremantle are easy to do yourself by ferry and train.
With children
Rottnest's calm bays and quokkas are a hit with kids. Fremantle's museums and beaches suit families. The Swan Valley has chocolate and ice cream. The Pinnacles are a fun adventure.
Where to stay
Fremantle is a great base for Rottnest. Cervantes suits a Pinnacles overnight. Guildford and the Swan Valley have accommodation among the vines.
Further afield
With more time, consider Margaret River in the South West, the wildflower regions, or the Coral Coast to the north. These are best as overnight trips.
Respecting Country
Many places on these trips have deep meaning to the Noongar people, including Wadjemup (Rottnest) and Walyalup (Fremantle). Learning about their history adds depth to a visit.
Guides in this section
Day trips
Rottnest Island day trip
Plan a Rottnest Island day trip from Perth or Fremantle: ferries, cycling the island, the best bays for swimming and snorkelling, quokka etiquette and tips.
Read · 4 min
Day trips
Fremantle day trip
Plan a day in Fremantle from Perth: the train, Fremantle Markets, the World Heritage-listed prison, the Cappuccino Strip, the harbour, beaches and tips.
Read · 4 min
Day trips
Swan Valley day trip
Plan a Swan Valley day trip from Perth: wineries, breweries, chocolate and produce, getting there without driving, river cruises, tours and responsible drinking.
Read · 3 min
Day trips
Pinnacles day trip
Plan a Pinnacles day trip from Perth to Nambung National Park: the limestone pillars, the drive north, park fees, best times, stargazing and safety tips.
Read · 3 min
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Perth?
Rottnest Island is the most popular, with clear bays, cycling and quokkas. Fremantle is the easiest by train.
Which day trips can I do without a car?
Rottnest (ferry), Fremantle (train) and the Swan Valley (train to Guildford plus tour or taxi) are easy without a car. The Pinnacles are best by car or tour.
How far are the Pinnacles from Perth?
The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are roughly two hours or more north of Perth by car.
Can I combine Fremantle and Rottnest?
Yes. Ferries to Rottnest leave from Fremantle, so many visitors stay in Fremantle for an early start.
Are tours available?
Yes. Tours run to all these destinations. Book ahead in peak season.
What should I pack for a day trip?
Water, sun protection, comfortable shoes and swimwear for Rottnest. Check opening hours and timetables before you go.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Rottnest Island — Rottnest Island Authority
- Nambung National Park — Parks and Wildlife Service WA
- Transperth — Transperth
- Tourism Western Australia — Tourism Western Australia