15 of the best road trips from Perth

By: Monique Ceccato

Be it a sea change, tree change, or rustic outback vistas that you’re after, these 15 road trip itineraries – each departing from Perth – have got you covered. While the destinations are incredible in their own right, it’s the journey there and the places in between that really make these holidays special.

So, where will you be off to next?

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1. Perth to Esperance

After a long journey through the outback, there’s no greater feeling than arriving at an idyllic beach for a refreshing dip, without so much as another soul around. Set the GPS for Esperance, and that’s what you’ll get. Pull in at any beach in Cape Le Grand National Park, and you’ll have a substantial patch of sand all to yourself. There is the exception of Lucky Bay, where you may have to share your claim with the local kangaroos.

Take your time getting to the coast, exploring the tiny towns (with plenty to offer) along the route. Follow the Tin Horse Highway through Kulin, playing ‘spot-o’ as you pass quirky sculpture after quirky sculpture, and make a few stops to take snaps at Wave Rock and the mural-covered silo in Ravensthorpe.

• Distance: Approximately 697km / 7hr 45min

• How long to go for: Allow at least 4-5 days

• When to visit: Visit from June to October for some whale watching, or September to November for perfect hiking and wildflower walk weather. Want to swim? Head down between November and March.

• Highlights: Kulin’s Tin Horse Highway, Wave Rock, Silo art in Ravensthorpe, Lake Dumbleyung, Lucky Bay.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Esperance Road Trip

2. Perth to Albany

Secluded white beaches, scenic walking trails and stunning historic sights are just some of the reasons to visit Albany.

Visit at the right time of year, and you might spy whales passing through King George Sound or head to the award-winning Historic Whaling Station for a unique and educational experience into Albany's intriguing past.

Nature lovers can find plenty of great walks and hikes right across this region, from the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock to the Bald Head walking trail in Torndirrup National Park. There are even sections of the mighty Bibbulmun track that run through. Not into hiking? Try swimming at Little Beach or Greens Pool instead.

• Distance: 418km / 4hr 45min

• How long to go for: Allow 4-5 days

• When to visit: The beaches and hiking trails are at their best from December to April. From June to September, the landscapes are lush and green, fires are roaring, and truffles are dug up by the bucket load.

• Highlights: Castle Rock Granite Skywalk, Misery Beach and Bald Head walking trail, the Gap and Natural Bridge, National ANZAC Centre.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Albany Road Trip

3. Perth to Margaret River

The route from Perth to Margaret River is one of the most famous road trips in the state, and for good reason. Not only is it one of the shortest routes you can take, but Margaret River seemingly has it all – gourmet producers, world-famous surf breaks, and a thriving wine industry, just to name a few.

There are towering karri forests and hidden waterfalls for nature-lovers to find, the undergrowth studded with delicate orchids and flame peas come springtime. Beaches and surf breaks run right the way up the coast, and its waters play host to migratory whales for six months of the year. In fact, there’s so much to see in this region that you could easily extend your trip out to a week or more.

• Distance: 270km / 3hr 10min

• How long to go for: it can be done in a weekend, but give yourself 3-4 days to take it slow

• When to visit: Visit in summer to make the most of the coastline. Winter is less crowded and a lot greener. Head down any time between June and December to see the whale migration.

• Highlights: Dolphin Discovery Centre, Busselton Jetty, Dunsborough, Surfer’s Point, Boranup Karri Forest.

4. Perth to Gracetown

Clean barrelling waves, quiet beach coves, and a barefoot dress code: Gracetown is an ocean lover's perfect escape. It’s only a few hours’ drive from Perth, but there’s a lot to see on the road in between. Call into Lake Clifton to see the 350-million-year-old thrombolites, then make your way down to Bunbury for a long lunch on the water. Before pulling in at your destination, do a spot of sightseeing and photo-taking at the famed coastal formations of Canal Rocks and Injidup Spa.

• Distance: 271km / 3hr

• How long to go for: at least 2-3 days

• When to visit: The summer months are best for water lovers, with plenty of swimming, snorkelling, and water activities. Autumn for the best hiking or in spring to see the wildflowers and Quinninup Falls. There are fewer crowds in winter, and it’s the perfect time for whale watching and cosying up by the fire at a cellar door.

• Highlights: Lake Clifton Thrombolites, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Cowaramup, Canal Rocks.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Gracetown Road Trip

5. Perth to Pemberton

Keen to trade out the service station sausages for plenty of gourmet food? Head deep into the thickly forested Pemberton region, where towering karris, truffles, and Chardonnay are front and centre.

Even if gourmet food isn’t necessarily your thing, a road trip down this way is worth it just to be surrounded by such lush natural landscapes. See the forest-flanked Blackwood River by canoe or on a short cruise or take a four-wheel drive eco tour of the massive Yeagarup Dunes. Best of all, you can loop your way through the world-renowned Margaret River region on the way home.

• Distance: 326km / 3hr 45min

• How long to go for: enjoy the trip and spend about 4-5 days

• When to visit: Autumn provides the perfect conditions for mountain biking and hiking, while spring is prime wildflower-spotting time. But, visit in winter, and the rivers and falls are at their finest, perfect for a spot of canoeing or white water rafting.

• Highlights: Lake Kepwari, Blackwood River, Beedelup Falls, Big Brook Dam, Southern Forests growers and vineyards.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Pemberton Road Trip

6. Perth to Wave Rock

There’s so much more to a road trip out to Wave Rock than the iconic formation itself. You’ll drive through a tiny country town with Australia’s smallest bank and a handful more towns with wonderfully preserved 1920s architectural charm. Once in Hyden, Hippos Yawn rock formation and the Wave Rock Salt Baths are just a short drive from the main, crest-shaped attraction, worthy of a few extra minutes in the car.

• Distance: Approximately 331km / 3hr 45min

• How long to go for: give yourself 3 days

• When to visit: Wave Rock is great at any time of year. Though visit in spring and there are plenty of wildflowers scattered about the Golden Outback.

• Highlights: York, Wave Rock, Wave Rock Salt Baths. Hippos Yawn, Kulin’s Tin Horse Highway.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Wave Rock Road Trip

7. Perth to New Norcia

Leave the city behind for the peace, quiet, and calm of Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia. Originally established by two Spanish monks in 1847, the ex-mission site has a long Stolen Generations history, some of which can be learned at the New Norcia Museum. Visit the woodfired bakery and gift shop on your way out, and pick up a souvenir or two of your time in the town.

On the return trip, you’ll pass through the lush green vines of the Swan Valley wine region and, depending on the time of year, kilometre after kilometre of golden canola fields. One of WA’s most iconic bakeries is on the route, too, just in case the hunger pangs strike.

• Distance: 126km / 1hr 30min

• How long to go for: road trip over a weekend

• When to visit: Visit New Norcia year round. August to October is wildflower season

• Highlights: Bindoon Bakehaus, New Norcia Benedictine Monastery, Wongan Hills Pioneer Museum, Slater Homestead, Swan Valley.

• Full itinerary: Perth to New Norcia Road Trip

8. Perth to Geraldton

Looking for a family-friendly beach holiday? Look no further than Geraldton, a swimming, snorkelling, and kitesurfing hotspot. Though the drive from Perth is relatively short, there’s plenty to see along the way. On the fringes of Perth, you can head underground to wander amongst the stalactites, stalagmites and helictites of Crystal Cave in Yanchep National Park. Further north, stop at Cervantes for a crayfish-laden lunch and then at the Pinnacles Desert to stretch your legs with a view.

Once in Geraldton, the beachside fun can begin. Hop from sandy stretch to sandy stretch in town, then take a fast ferry to the Houtman Abrolhos Islands. Spend the day exploring the stunning deserted islands and snorkelling the colourful reef.

• Distance: Approximately 415km / 4hr 30min

• How long to go for: allow at least three days

• When to visit: Geraldton comes to life in the summer months. The weather is perfect for the beach, surfing, and kitesurfing.

• Highlights: Crystal Cave, Lancelin, Dongara, Museum of Geraldton, Abrolhos Islands

9. Perth to Karijini

Spend your days hiking through gorges in search of emerald-green swimming holes before dozing off under a canopy of glittering stars in Western Australia’s second largest national park, Karijini. Make your way up there on the inland route, passing through the monastic town of New Norcia along the way.

Keep your eyes peeled for the rare wreath flower as you near Dallwallinu and remnants of the Rabbit-Proof Fence, too. Opt for a scenery change on the way back, tracking towards Perth along the coastal road from Exmouth.

• Distance:1,380 / 14hr 45min

• How long to go for: Set aside at least 10 days

• When to visit: Temperatures are at their mildest in Karijini between May and September. It’s also the dry season, so rain is minimal. Wildflowers along Australia’s Coral Coast and in the Golden Outback are on show from July to October.

• Highlights: Dallwallinu wildflowers, Circular Pool, Hammersley Gorge, Shell Beach, Shark Bay

• Full itinerary: Perth to Karijini Road Trip

10. Perth to Kalbarri

It takes only a few hours to drive from Perth to Kalbarri, but the coastal town’s otherworldly landscapes will leave you feeling as though you’re so much further away. Slow your road trip right down with some pitstops at the striking Pinnacles Desert and fuchsia-hued Hutt Lagoon – they’re natural wonders so unbelievable, you’re going to need to take a few snaps as visual proof.

At your destination, explore the base of the red gorges in Kalbarri National Park, or stand many metres above them on the Kalbarri Skywalk. Finish the day with a cooling dip at Chinaman’s beach.

• Distance: Approximately 575km / 6hr 15min

• How long to go for: it's doable in a couple of days, but allow more time to explore more thoroughly so at least 4 days

• When to visit: Mild weather and an abundance of wildflowers from June to August make it the perfect time to go hiking through the national park. Visit from September to November to see the humpbacks migrating through the waters.

• Highlights: The Pinnacles Desert, Central Greenough Historic Settlement, Geraldton’s Yamatji Drive, Hutt Lagoon, the Kalbarri Skywalk

• Full itinerary: Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip

11. Perth to Monkey Mia

Though most drive up to Monkey Mia to catch a glimpse of the town’s resident dolphin population, there’s plenty more to see while you’re up there. Monkey Mia sits on the edge of the Shark Bay World Heritage area, one of the world’s greatest wilderness areas. On the way to your destination, take a short detour out to Shell Beach, where, instead of sand, thousands of tiny white shells line the shore.

Equally as mesmerising are the dusty red dunes of Francois Peron National Park and their contrast with the purple Shark Bay daisies that cover them come wildflower season.

• Distance: 847km / 9hr

• How long to go for: allow at least 4-5 days

• When to visit: Make the most of the still, clear beaches and bays from December through February.

• Highlights: The Lobster Shack in Cervantes, Jurien Bay, Hutt Lagoon, Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, Francois Peron National Park

12. Perth to Kalgoorlie

Follow a self-drive trail along the historically significant, 560km-long water pipeline from Mundaring to the ex-Goldrush town of Kalgoorlie. As you go, you’ll spy a few giant murals (on the side of giant grain silos), fields of gold, and plenty of charming Colonial-era towns.

In Kalgoorlie, immerse yourself in the town’s rich mining history with a wander through the Museum of the Goldfields and a day trip out to the Kalgoorlie Super Pit. Finish up your stay with a feed at the local brewery, and an art-led mural wander through the CBD.

• Distance: Around 620km / 6hr 40min

• How long to go for: allow approximately 4 days

• When to visit: The heat subsides in the Goldfields from May to September, and the region’s wildflowers also come out in full force.

• Highlights: Bilya Koort Boodja Interactive Centre, Silo art in Northam and Merredin, Kokerbin Rock, Museum of the Goldfields, Kalgoorlie Super Pit.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Kalgoorlie Road Trip

12. Perth to Wave Rock

There’s so much more to a road trip out to Wave Rock than the iconic formation itself. You’ll drive through a tiny country town with Australia’s smallest bank and a handful more towns with wonderfully preserved 1920s architectural charm. Once in Hyden, Hippos Yawn rock formation and the Wave Rock Salt Baths are just a short drive from the main, crest-shaped attraction, worthy of a few extra minutes in the car.

• Distance: Approximately 331km / 3hr 45min

• How long to go for: give yourself 3 days

• When to visit: Wave Rock is great at any time of year. Though visit in spring and there are plenty of wildflowers scattered about the Golden Outback.

• Highlights: York, Wave Rock, Wave Rock Salt Baths. Hippos Yawn, Kulin’s Tin Horse Highway.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Wave Rock Road Trip

13. Perth to Mullewa (via Cervantes)

Come spring, Western Australia erupts into a brilliant display of colour. The blooming wildflowers that cover the outback and forest floors are a sight to be seen.

Nowhere is more spectacular during wildflower season than Mullewa, known for its endless carpets of pink, yellow, and white everlastings. Just nearby, at Pindar, are the rarest of West Australian wildflowers, the wreath flower. As you make your way up from Perth, be sure to stop at Coalseam Conservation Park and Mingenew Hill to see even more floral displays. Even the Pinnacles Desert is in bloom, a very different look from the usually stark, moon-like landscape.

• Distance: 472km / 5hr

• How long to go for: give yourself at least 3 days

• When to visit: July to October is peak wildflower season

• Highlights: The Pinnacles Desert, Lake Thetis thrombolites, Coalseam Conservation Park, Mingenew Hill, Pindar wildflowers.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Mullewa Road Trip

14. Perth to Exmouth

Exmouth is the final stop on what is, arguably, Australia’s most beautiful drive. It is stunning country, where deep, red gorges give way to white sand bays and blue-green waters; and carpets of delicate wildflowers cover the sunburnt land in spring.

Amble your way up there along the Coral Coast Highway, stopping in at Monkey Mia to watch the dolphins come into the bay. Take an extended break with a spot of snorkelling on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, accessible from the shore at Coral Bay. Before setting off on your return trip to Perth, a bucket-list whale shark swim off Exmouth is a must.

• Distance:1,248km / 13hr 10min

• How long to go for: Allow at least 6-7 days

• When to visit: Visit from June to October to see the wildflowers, April to July to swim with the whale sharks, or March to October to make the most of peak produce season in Carnarvon.

• Highlights: Dolphins at Monkey Mia, Carnarvon’s Fruit Loop Trail, Coral Bay, Charles Knife Canyon, Whalesharks at Ningaloo Reef

• Full itineraries:

  • Perth to Exmouth Road Trip along the Coral Coast

  • Perth Exmouth Road Trip via Karijini

15. Perth to Broome

Watch as the scenery changes from cityscapes to heathland to vibrant red desert flats as you embark on a multi-week trip to the northern reaches of the state. Follow along WA’s seemingly endless coastline – with a detour inland to Karijini National Park – before landing in Broome, a town rich with Aboriginal culture and pearling history. Stay a while, exploring Cape Leveque and the Dampier Peninsula, heading out on some Aboriginal-run tours while you’re there.

Meander your way back down along the inland route, or take the spectacular Coral Coast Highway again, stopping in at any towns you may have missed on the way up.

• Distance: 2,045km / 22hr 40min

• How long to go for: Allow a good 14+ days to complete this epic road trip

• When to visit: Typically, May to October (dry season) is the most popular time to visit. The sky is clear, and the average temperature hovers around 30 degrees.

• Highlights:Karijini National Park, Cable Beach in Broome, Cape Leveque, The Mackerel Islands, Cape Range National Park.

• Full itinerary: Perth to Broome Road Trip