Did you know? Perth holds the title of the most isolated major city in the world, with the closest big city being Adelaide over 2,000 kilometres away in South Australia!
The remoteness of this coastal city has its pros and cons, but one thing’s for certain. This strategic positioning makes Perth the primary launching point for many natural attractions in Western Australia. The vast landscapes that surround the city are home to untouched wonders and striking scenery, making it one of the most memorable and top road trip destinations in Australia.
If you find yourself giddy at the thought of exploring Australia’s largest state, read on. We’ll cover some of the best road trip ideas in the region as you pass through ancient rainforests, ochre formations, rugged coastlines, and more.
So pack your bags and get a move on; let’s dive deep and see the beauty hidden an arm’s length away from Perth.
4 Best Road Trip Routes From Perth
Perth to Margaret River
The drive from Perth to Margaret River is one of the most famous road trips in Western Australia. Along this 270-kilometre route, you’ll pass by all sorts of natural terrain and landscapes—lush forests, wineries, picturesque coastlines and surf spots, waterfalls, ancient limestone formations, and everything in between.
You can easily spend a weekend driving by this route, but if you want to take it nice and slow, then you can extend your trip to three days or more. If you time your visit right, you can even see migratory whales playing by the coast.
Some notable spots in this route include the Yallingup Beach, a surf spot with stunning turquoise waters and nearby limestone caves. Hamelin Bay is another seaside location that’s worth a visit, especially if you’re fond of stingrays. Niglgi Cave is another culturally significant landmark that features ancient limestone formations.
Along the way, be sure to look up as you pass by the Boranup Karri Forest, as you can see the beautiful contrast of the towering karri trees and scenic coastline. Towards the end of your leg, indulge yourself and sample one of the many award-winning wineries along the Margaret River.
If you don’t have a friend or relative driving you along the route, consider hiring a car rental with Redspot or other local car hire companies based in Perth. This is the most affordable and available option for doing road trips in Western Australia.
Perth to The Pinnacles
The drive from Perth to the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park is a coastal, 200-kilometre drive that takes you through Perth’s scenic northern roads. This road trip brings you to an array of sights unique to Western Australia, and it caps off at the otherworldly desert and limestone spires in the Pinnacles.
Before reaching that final destination, you’ll pass through several noteworthy sights that are surely worth your time.
The Yanchep National Park an hour’s drive away from Perth offers underground caves and native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos, making it a great stopover if you’re into quintessential Australian biodiversity.
If you want to enjoy jaw-dropping views, be sure to stop by the Nilgen Lookout to see unobstructed panoramic views of the coastal plains in WA. Another scenic area to stop by is Hangovr Bay, a quiet beach where you can take a quick dip, snorkel, or fish by the shore.
Another highlight of this drive is the stopover at Cervantes. Here, you can feast on famous rock lobsters in one of the town’s local eating spots. You can also consider sandboarding or riding a 4WD in Lancelin if you’re craving a more adventurous activity.
In any case, this drive is one of the best road trips in Western Australia. You can stop your road trip at the Pinnacles and head back to Perth. But many people choose to continue on over to Geraldton too, which can bring you to even more magnificent sights.
Perth to Wave Rock
Perth to Wave Rock is a fascinating road trip that sets itself apart from the other two because it brings you up close and centre to Australia’s rugged Outback.
This 340-kilometre road trip doesn’t only bring you to the quirky Wave Rock formation—which is 2.7 billion years old—but it also immerses you in rich Australian First Nations history.
Some must-visit stops along the way include York, which is WA’s oldest inland town steeped with heritage buildings and a has a brilliant view of the Avon Valley; Mulka’s Cave, a First Nations rock art site, and Lake Magic, a naturally occurring salt lake that changes colours throughout the day.
Near Wave Rock, you can also take a short walk to Hippo’s Yawn, another unique rock formation that resembles its namesake—a hippo yawning.
Once you’ve reached the end of the journey, you’ll see the iconic granite formation in its full glory. Wave Rock is special because it resembles a swell of water frozen in time, despite the place having no traces of water within the area anymore.
This entire trip can be covered in two to three days and is beautiful year-round. So if you want to drive through the roads less travelled, this road trip route is a great one to consider for a family weekend getaway.
Perth to Albany
If you want to end your road trip in a decently sized town, Perth to Albany is the best road trip route to consider. This town is 418 kilometres southwest of Perth and is teeming with incredible views and wildlife, scratching any adventurer’s itch for excitement.
Not only that, this route also has the convenience of being a decent base to spend the night before heading back to Perth or onwards to your next destination.
Of course, before you reach Albany, you’ll come across some other cool spots along the way. Some must-visit spots include The Gap and Natural Bridge, offering stunning views of granite formations set against the southern ocean. Torndirrup National Park is sandwiched between the two urban areas and offers great trekking options.
If you crave a seaside adventure, you can stop by Middleton Beach and lounge on its white sandy shores. Here, June to October are the best months too to potentially see humpback whales during their migration. Finally, the Albany Wind Farm is a great stopover to take in the coastline from an elevated angle alongside giant wind turbines.
General Perth Road Trip Tips
Going on a road trip can lead to enchanting experiences and lifelong memories. That said, it’s not something you can just plan on a whim. It requires careful preparation to ensure that it’s safe, smooth, and enjoyable for you and everyone else joining the ride.
Here are some general tips to ensure your road trip goes off without a hitch:
- Fuel up frequently: Start your road trip with a full gas tank (or full charge) and map out service stations along the way. Fueling spots are infrequent in regional areas, so if you find one, consider fueling if your gas tank or battery percentage is below half.
- Research your route: Ideally, you should know the road conditions, weather, and route you’re planning to take before the trip. This way, you’ll not be lost or delayed in your itinerary due to unexpected surprises along the way.
- Pack enough for the trip: If you’re driving for three or more days, then ensure that you’ve packed everything you need. This includes food, water, clothing, electronics, chargers, and things related to the activities you’re planning on doing.
- Drive carefully: You should be mindful and focused when driving roads in Western Australia. An accident can lead to an early end to your trip. Watch for speed signs, wildlife crossing the road, and adjust your driving speed accordingly.
- Download offline maps: It’s not uncommon to drive past long stretches of road without mobile coverage. Download offline maps or bring a physical map of the region to ensure you don’t get lost.
- Familiarise car features: If you’re renting a car, get familiar with the various features in its dashboard. This helps ensure that you’re using the car the way it’s intended to be used.
By keeping these Perth road trip tips in mind, you can drive through Western Australia’s stunning landscape and road network with ease. We hope this guide will serve you well in your next adventure.
Drive safe!
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