Travel & Touring | WA Destinations
One night is all you need at these locations to kick back, relax and leave the working week behind.
If you need a weekend break away from the city but can only spend one night away, a short drive in any direction from Perth can land you in some interesting and entirely different places.
Within a couple of hours, you could be in a historic town, discover an unspoiled fishing mecca, drive gate-to-gate between local farms, or reconnect with nature on a hiking or mountain biking trail.
All you need to decide now is which direction to head in first.
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1. Bickley Valley – 40min (27km)
The rolling hills and sloping farmland of the Bickley Valley will make you feel like you’re in another part of the state without travelling too far. Home to boutique wineries, microbreweries, scenic bush trails, fruit orchards, and plenty of cosy family-run restaurants, it’s the perfect escape for foodies and nature lovers alike.
For first-time visitors, the Bickley Valley Wine Trail is a good place to start. It traces the valley's cellar doors, winery restaurants, and brewers, with 15 stops along the way, including Myattsfield Vineyards, Plume Estate, and Core Cider House.
Other must-sees in the valley include the 120-year-old, heritage-listed Perth Observatory, the Bickley Valley Asparagus Farm (prime picking season is from August to November), the nearby Lesmurdie Falls and a picturesque section of the Bibbulmun Track.
Accommodation options: Cottages, family-run B&Bs and retreats.
2. Chittering Valley – 50min (60km)
The Chittering Valley region is filled with hobby farms, fruit orchards, pretty picnic spots, and a bakery with quite a reputation amongst local foodies. The region encompasses the towns of Bindoon, Muchea and the historic Wannamal.
Start your visit with a freshly baked treat from the award-winning Bindoon Bakehaus. Almost all the bakery’s ingredients are sourced from surrounding growers and producers, so no matter which goodie you go for (donuts, pies and pastries are popular options) you’ll be supporting locals.
Hit the self-drive Chittering Farm Flavour Trail next; a 120km route that takes you past farm gates, olive farms, and wineries throughout the valley. Sample fruit, honey, asparagus and cheeses at stop-offs,
including Oversby’s Citrus and Nesci Estate Wine Farm.
Close out the day with a stroll around Spoonbill Lake. Bring a picnic basket with you, as there are plenty of spots on the banks of the lake to roll out a rug and watch local wildlife pass by.
Accommodation options: Farm stays, cottages, guest houses and caravan parks.
3. Northam – 1hr 25min (95km)
Located within the picturesque Avon Valley, there are plenty of activities and attractions in Northam to fill a weekend trip with.
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a ride in a hot air balloon to hover over the valley and the Avon River, which flows through the middle of the town. Balloon operator Windward Balloon Adventures, also offers a champagne breakfast once the balloon lands. As you’ll need to board the balloon in the early hours of the morning, it’s worth booking an overnight stay in town.
There are no hire facilities in town, so if you’re eager to paddle down the Avon River you’ll need to bring gear with you. The river’s famous winter rapids are best suited for experienced paddlers, so if you’re uncertain, stop in at the Visitor Centre for advice on launch areas that match your experience level.
Another vantage point of the river is from the suspension bridge, which is one of Australia’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges. It was constructed in 1975 with the ability to withstand strong winds, so it’s locally known as the ‘swinging bridge’.
Accommodation options: Motels, hotels, chalets and caravan parks.
4. York – 1hr 30min (98km)
Being the state’s oldest inland town, York has plenty of stories to tell and lots to see.
To get a sense of its rich history, take a walk around the town centre to see the York Town Hall and the York Courthouse Complex. The complex houses the old police station, cell block and courtroom and now also hosts an art gallery and cultural centre. Stop in at Penny Farthing Sweets to pick up a few old-fashioned lollies and admire the ‘shoppe’s’ eclectic memorabilia.
Plan a pit stop at the award-winning York Motor Museum to view its extensive range of vintage racing bikes, classic cars and motorcycles. One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the original ‘Never Never Tours’ Valiant ute that was used in the film Crocodile Dundee - it’s even signed by Paul Hogan himself.
In pleasant weather, the 7.5km-return hike up to the Mount Brown Lookout will provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside. Or, if you’d prefer an easier walk, complete the 1.5km Avon River Trail that weaves past the river and departs from the Swinging Bridge.
Accommodation options: Caravan parks, hotels, cottages and farm stays.
5. Dwellingup – 1hr 31min (102km)
Some of WA’s most beautiful forest campgrounds are less than two hours’ drive away. Dwellingup, in particular, is a picturesque spot for canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower-spotting in springtime.
The Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Information Centre is a great first stop to get your bearings and create a shortlist of trails to complete during your trip. The King Jarrah Walk Trail is a popular option, taking you through lush forest and past the 300-year-old King Jarrah tree. Or, if you’re a keen mountain bike rider, the 8km Marrinup MTB Loop features hill climbs and an easier shortcut for kids or beginner riders.
Other popular activities in and around the township include fishing or canoeing in the Murray River, stocking up on fresh fruit and veg at Vergone’s Fruit Stall, climbing aboard the Hotham Valley Tourist Railway or exploring the Forest Discovery Centre.
If you’re hoping to stay at a campground in the forest, book ahead at Lane Poole Reserve. There are more than 140 sites to choose from, including Baden Powell, Nanga Mill and Stringers.
Accommodation options: Forest campgrounds, forest cottages or a hotel in the town centre.
6. Guilderton (Moore River) – 1hr 20min (120km)
A popular spot for families, the shire of Guilderton (often referred to as Moore River) is surrounded by giant sand dunes, sheltered waters, and a national park that bursts with wildflowers each spring.
There are plenty of water activities to try on the river, including stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, fishing and canoeing. You can hire a paddleboat, kayak or canoe at the river mouth, or if you’d prefer to explore the coast, there are great swimming and beach fishing spots nearby at Ledge Point and Lancelin.
Wildflower enthusiasts flock to the Moore River National Park and Nature Reserve in spring to spot everlastings, the rare rose fruited banksia and even WA’s own Christmas Tree (nuytsia floribunda). Other notable hotspots include the green kangaroo paws at Gingin Cemetery, and the canopy of red gums on Dewar Road.
Accommodation options: Holiday park with chalets, caravan sites and campsites.
7. Preston Beach - 1hr 20min (122km)
It may just be an overnighter, but even a short stay at this little beachside gem is enough to help you shake off the working week in no time.
There is not a lot here, which is why it’s a great escape, with just a general store for supplies, although the bar and restaurant at Footprints Preston Beach resort are open to the public.
But the drawcard here is of course the beach, for swimming and also fishing, with Preston Beach having hosted some high-profile fishing events in the past.
Close by is Yalgorup National Park, where there are 10 lakes, many walk trails and a boardwalk at Lake Clifton from which you can see the ancient thrombolites – rock-like structures made up of microorganisms that are one of the oldest life forms on Earth.
Accommodation options: Resort (Footprint Preston Beach), B&Bs, private short-stay accommodation, camping.
8. Myalup – 1hr 45min (143km)
Just 20min further south of Preston Beach, Myalup is another perfect coastal retreat for those seeking quality beach-time away from the crowds.
Swim, paddle and relax on the stunning and expansive coastal stretch.
Fishers casting out from the shore can expect to hook bream year-round, and tailor, herring and whiting in the warmer months.
The general store has a bit of everything, from groceries to takeaway food and coffee.
You’ve also got Myalup’s Miami Bakehouse on your doorstep for fresh bread, delicious desserts, gourmet pies and other savoury pastries.
Accommodation options: Chalets, Caravan park, private short-stay accommodation.
9. Harvey – 1hr 52min (143km)
It may be best known for its oranges, milk and beef, but Harvey also has some surprising gourmet food and wine experiences, along with its rolling farmlands and lush jarrah forests.
As one of the state’s most prolific farming towns, there are plenty of unique farm experiences on offer, most notably the option to spend the night on a working farm. Take your pick between the Blue Hills Farmstay or the Harvey Hills Farmstay Chalets; both offer animal feeding sessions and picturesque farmland to stroll around.
Visit the Harvey Dam for a spot of trout fishing (in-season with a valid fishing licence), climb 62 steps to the top of the Big Orange, take a stroll along the Harvey Heritage Trail and visit Stirling Cottage, a replica of the home of May Gibbs, creator of the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie book series during the 1880s. If visiting in summer, take a dip in or paddle on Lake Brockman.
Accommodation options: Farm stays, homesteads, retreats, campsites and cottages.
10. Pinjarra – 1hr 20min (86km)
Your trip to Pinjarra will no doubt revolve around the Murray River. The town has an attractive foreshore area at Murray River Square where you can walk, cycle or picnic and just watch the river flow by.
The river is a popular destination for paddlers with a 16km point-to-point trail that winds from Pinjarra to Ravenswood. At Herron Point, near the caravan par, you can try scooping for blue swimmer crabs.
Dining options range from the award-winning and legendary Pinjarra Bakery, to the artful Jarra Infusion café, where there’s an attractive outdoor garden area that’s also dog-friendly, or indulge in some French treats at Café Cherie.
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy. At Ranger Reds Zoo there are more than 150 animals, with some that can be handfed. The town has two well-equipped playgrounds - Cantwell Park on the banks of the Murray and Adventurescape Park where they can ride the flying fox, try a rope climb and even splash in the lake when it’s warm.
Pinjarra is also an equine hotspot, with horse racing at the state’s only 1000 grass straight at Pinjarra Park and harness racing at Pinjarra Paceway.
Accommodation options: Caravan parks, B&Bs, private short-stay accommodation, hotels, farm stays.
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*Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. Visit our Parks & Resorts website for more information.
