10 Best Weekend Getaways from Perth: Locals Favourite Adventures 2024

Weekend getaways from Perth are perfect if you are stressed or want to spend quality time with a loved one.

As a local for over 20 years, I’ve had many great weekend trips leaving Perth, ranging from coastal towns to rural farms. I’m always being asked for recommendations, so this is my list of the best Perth weekend getaways.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Key Takeaways

Top 10 Weekend Getaways Perth

There’s nothing like a weekend escape from Perth with friends and family to recharge the batteries and clear your head. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or something more exciting, there are plenty of options.

Destination	Distance from Perth (km)	Drive Time	Best Time to Visit	Main Activities & Interests
Ferguson Valley / Collie	177	1hr 50m – 2hr 10m	Spring, Summer, Autumn	Scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, etc.
Harvey	140	1hr 40m	Spring, Autumn	Scenic drives, walks, fishing, etc.
Lancelin / Ledge Point	126	1hr 25m – 1hr 40m	Summer	Beach, sandboarding, surfing, etc.
Perth Hills	45	Less than one hour	Spring, Autumn	Wineries, scenic drives, nature, etc.
York	98	1hr 15m – 1hr 40m	Spring, Winter, Autumn	Hiking, history, nature
Chittering Valley	70	1hr	Spring, Autumn, Winter	Hiking, wineries, nature, etc.
Dwellingup	107	1hr 15m	All seasons	Camping, kayaking, hiking, etc.
Guilderton (Moore River)	92	1hr 10m	Summer, Spring	Beach, water activities, nature, etc.
Mandurah	70	1hr	Christmas, Summer	Beach, water activities, nature, etc.
Rottnest Island	– (ferry ride)	Varies by departure	Summer	Beach, water activities, wildlife, etc.

1. Ferguson Valley / Collie, Australia’s South West

Distance: 177 km
Drive Time: 1 hour 50 mins to 2 hours 10 mins
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Summer, Autumn (needs to be a sunny for Black Diamond Lake)
Interests: Scenic drives, hiking, mountain biking, water activities, nature, history, art, wineries, breweries, food

Ferguson Valley and Dardanup are just over two hours away from Perth. They offer a beautiful weekend getaway with lush green hills and farmland.

Things To Do & See in Ferguson Valley/Collie

• Scenic Drive
• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Wellington Dam Mural
• Gnomesville
• Black Diamond Lake
• Collie town

Where to stay in Ferguson Valley

Ferguson Valley Farm Stay

2. Harvey, Australia’s South West

Distance: 140 km
Drive Time: 1 hour 40 mins
Best Time To Visit: Go in Spring for wildflowers and oranges, Autumn for walks. April is great for Harvey Agricultural Show and September to May is the season for Trout fishing
Interests: Scenic drives, walks, fishing, nature, history, wineries, food

Harvey is known for its beef, milk, and oranges, but there’s more to this farming town than food.

Things To Do & See in Harvey

• Harvey Dam
• Hikes
• Trout Fishing (Sep-May)
• Big Orange
• Stirling Cottage & Gardens

Where to stay in Harvey

Harvey Hills Farmstay chalets

3. Lancelin / Ledge Point / Wedge, Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 126 km
Drive Time: 1 hour 25 mins to 1 hour 40 mins to Lancelin
Best Time To Visit: Summer (for the beach)
Interests: Beach, sandboarding, surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, fishing, diving

Things To Do & See in Lancelin

• Lancelin Sand Dunes
• Buggy, Quad Bike, Motocross and Sandboard tour
• Surfing/ Wind Surfing/ Kite Surfing
• Fishing
• Diving
• Wedge Island

Stop in at Yanchep National Park on the way from Perth to Lancelin.

Where to stay in Lancelin

Lancelin Lodge

4. Weekend Getaways Perth Hills

Distance: 45 km
Drive Time: Less than one hour
Best Time To Visit: Spring (for Araluen tulip festival & wildflowers), Autumn (for waterfalls & hikes)
Interests: Wineries, scenic drives, nature, food, hikes, astronomy, mountain biking

The Perth Hills are one of our favourite places to visit on a day trip and for a relaxing weekend getaway. There’s so much to do, and has something for everyone.

Things To Do & See in Perth Hills

• Lake Leschenaultia
• Araluen Botanic Park
• Bickley Valley Wine Trail
• Perth Hills Cider & Brews Trail
• Bickley Valley Harvest Festival
• Hikes
• Perth Observatory
• Mundaring Weir

Perth’s best waterfalls are in the Perth Hills, such as Lesmurdie Falls, 60 Foot Falls, and Serpentine Falls.

Where to stay in Perth Hills

Tasman Holiday Park Serpentine Falls – we’ve stayed in their cabins a few times.

5. York, Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 98 km
Drive Time: 1 hour 15 mins to 1 hour 40 mins
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Winter, and Autumn
Interests: Hiking, history, nature

As Western Australia’s first inland European settlement, you’ll see heritage buildings like the York Town Hall and the Old Gaol & Courthouse.

Things To Do in York

• York Motor Museum
• Walks
• Historic Buildings
• Wildflowers (September to November)
• Canola Fields (mid-August to mid-September)

Where to stay in York

York’s Lookout Lodge Bed And Breakfast

6. Chittering Valley, Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 70 km
Drive Time: 1 hour
Best Time To Visit: Spring (wildflowers), Autumn (local produce & orchards), Winter
Interests: Hiking, wineries, nature, food, scenic drives, wildflowers

The country towns of Chittering, Bindoon, Moora, and Muchea are part of the Chittering Valley region and the gateway to the Wheatbelt.

Things To Do in Chittering

• Wildflowers
• Chittering Spring Festival (September)
• Chittering Farm Flavour Trail
• Roadside stalls selling produce
• Djidi-Djidi Ridge Hike

Where to stay near Chittering

Bindoon Valley Escape

Family Weekend Getaways Perth

Some of the best family weekend getaways from Perth are:

• Dwellingup
• Guilderton
• Mandurah
• Rottnest Island

7. Dwellingup, Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 107 km
Drive Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Best Time To Visit: Summer (camping & swimming), Spring & Autumn (hiking & mountain biking), Winter (canoeing)
Interests: Camping, kayaking/canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, trains

Dwellingup is a popular camping spot surrounded by forest – Lane Poole Reserve is one of the best.

Things To Do & See in Dwellingup

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Kayaking
• Hotham Valley Tourist Railway
• Treetops Adventure

Where to stay in Dwellingup

Camp at Lane Poole Reserve

8. Guilderton (Moore River), Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 92 km
Drive Time: 70 mins
Best Time To Visit: Summer (water activities & beach), Spring (wildflowers)
Interests: Beach, water activities, nature, fishing, wildflowers

A popular place for family getaways from Perth, Guilderton (also known as Moore River) offers sheltered, calm water and sandy beaches for kids to play.

Things To Do & See in Guilderton

• Kayaking
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Swimming/ Surfing
• Walks
• Fishing

Where to stay in Guilderton

Moore River Cottage or Guilderton Holiday Park

9. Mandurah, Perth & Surrounds

Distance: 70 km
Drive Time: 1 hour
Best Time To Visit: Christmas, Summer (beaches, watersports, crabbing)
Interests: Beach, water activities, nature, fishing, wildlife

Mandurah is an ideal weekend trip from Perth, especially for families. Couples or friends can use it as a base to explore the Peel wine region too.

Things To Do & See in Mandurah

dolphin tour to see the resident bottlenose dolphins playing in the water or hire a boat to explore the canals. Families enjoy theand the Eco-BBQ Boats.

• Dolphin Cruise
• Pirate Ship Cruise
• Hire an Eco-BBQ Boats
• Kayaking
• Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
• Surfing
• Crabbing and Fishing (crabbing season runs from 1st December to 31st August, but the best time is January).
• Lake Clifton Thrombolites
• Penguin Island
• Peel Wineries

Where to stay in Mandurah

Seashells Mandurah

10. Rottnest Island, Perth & Surrounds

Distance:  25 mins ferry from Fremantle, 45 mins from Hillary’s, and 90 mins from Barrack Street Jetty, Perth city
Best Time To Visit: Summer (beaches, water activities)
Interests: Beach, water activities, fishing, wildlife, cycling, walks

Rottnest Island, a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Western Australia.

Things To Do & See on Rottnest Island

• Wildlife (best place to see Quokkas)
• Walks
• Swimming & Snorkelling
• Diving
• Skydiving over Rottnest
• Surfing
• Fishing
• Cycling

Rottnest Express leaves from Fremantle (this is who we book with). They have standard fares and can include bike hire and an Adventure Boat Tour.

Where to stay on Rottnest Island

Karma Rottnest resort or Discovery Rottnest Island Glamping Tents. Read this guide on Rottnest Island accommodation for more information.

Places to go for Long Weekend Getaways

If you’re looking for a long weekend getaway, you may be able to travel as far as Denmark. Make an early start on your first day to make the most of your time.

There are a variety of accommodation options in Denmark to choose from.

Another fantastic family weekend trip is Busselton. This coastal town is close to Margaret River and Dunsborough with lots to do in Busselton and surrounds. Perth to Busselton is about two and a half hours.

Action-Packed Weekend Getaways from Perth

For adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts, Perth is as a fantastic starting point for a variety of action-packed weekend getaways.

Kick off your weekend by heading to Lancelin, the sandboarding and 4WD capital of Western Australia. If water sports are more your style, Margaret River isn’t just for wine lovers; it’s also a renowned surfing destination.

Luxury Retreats: Indulgent Weekend Getaways Near Perth

There are plenty of luxurious weekend getaways if you’re seeking a lavish escape without venturing too far from Perth. Consider a stay at a high-end resort in Margaret River (like Smiths Beach Resort), where you can sip on the region’s finest wines while enjoying gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs.

Swan Valley isn’t just for day-trippers; treat yourself to a weekend at the Upper Reach Spa Cottage in the Upper Reach Vineyard.

For a blend of nature and opulence, a glamping experience in the Perth Hills can give you the best of both world.

Foodie-Focused Weekend Getaways from Perth

Margaret River is a foodie’s paradise, renowned for its wine, cheese, and chocolate, as well as a range of fine-dining establishments that serve locally-sourced fare.

A trip to Swan Valley is another excellent option; it’s a feast for the senses with its wineries, breweries, and artisanal food producers. Don’t miss the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail, which covers 12 attractions including wineries and breweries.

If you can drive a bit further, Albany has a growing food scene. You’ll find everything from local oysters to grass-fed beef.

For a unique experience, consider a truffle hunting weekend in Manjimup, where you can unearth these culinary treasures yourself.

Unique Weekend Getaways Close to Perth

The following towns offer their own unique attractions, whether it’s the twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison with their charming atmosphere and beautiful beaches, or during the wildflower season in areas like Mingenew and Three Springs.

Towns 3 Hours North of Perth:

• Dongara & Port Denison
• Green Head & Leeman
• Eneabba
• Mingenew
• Three Springs
• Carnamah
• Coorow

Budget-Friendly Weekend Escapes from Perth

Exploring the beauty of Western Australia doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you’re based in Perth.

Consider a camping trip to Yanchep National Park, where you can get close to nature and spot some local wildlife. A drive down to Mandurah can provide a change of scenery, with affordable boat rentals for a leisurely day on the water.

The Pinnacles Desert offers a surreal landscape that’s both Instagram-worthy and budget-friendly.

Lastly, don’t overlook the simple pleasure of a Swan Valley day trip, where you can enjoy wine-tasting and local produce without the hefty price tag.

With so many options, you can find a weekend escape from Perth that is both affordable and enjoyable.

Romantic Weekend Getaway Ideas

Couples might enjoy the scenic beauty and vineyards in the Margaret River region, a secluded beach retreat in Jurien Bay, or a hot air balloon flight in Northam.

What Towns are 2 Hours North of Perth?

Here’s a list of towns that are approximately 2 hours north of Perth. These places offer a variety of attractions, from beaches and sand dunes in Lancelin to the famous Pinnacles in Cervantes.

Note that travel times can vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Holiday Destinations 2 Hours North of Perth:

• Lancelin
• Cervantes
• Jurien Bay
• Gingin
• Guilderton (Moore River)
• Badgingarra
• Seabird
• Wedge Island
• Yanchep

How Far Should I Travel For a Weekend Getaway?

It depends on your preferences, but generally, locations within a 2-3 hour drive from Perth are convenient for a weekend trip.

A Weekend Getaway Without a Car

Rottnest Island can be reached by ferry and trains run from Perth to Mandurah.

My Thoughts on Perth Weekend Getaways

So there are a few options for a weekend away from Perth. My favourites are Port Denison, Busselton, and Wildflower Country.

What’s your favourite? Join our Facebook Group and share your thoughts with our community.

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Plan Your Perth Getaway