Do you hail from Perth? If so, we hope you don’t buy into that stereotype of being isolated from the rest of Australia—or from the rest of the world. A lot of us do live along the East Coast, but just because Perthies lag a few hours behind doesn’t mean they’re behind the times. In fact, there are enough places to visit in Perth and things to do in Perth to keep any local entertained. Here are some of our favourite weekend getaways not far from Perth.
Dunsborough
Dunsborough is set in the heart of Western Australia’s top beachside holiday destination. Combine that with the Margaret River’s wine region and you’ve got yourself a ripper of a holiday. Located 254 kilometres south of Perth, Dunsborough is not exactly a ‘last-minute’ getaway. However, being just under a three-hour drive away, it is still close enough to visit at relatively short notice. And what awaits you on the other side? Beachside bliss, washed down with a glass of fresh, locally sourced wine? Sign us up!
One of the many beaches in Dunsborough.
It goes without saying that Dunsborough is a beach lover’s dream. Many beaches dot the Western coastline, but perhaps the most notable is Geographe Bay: host to Dunsborough itself. This bay in particular is a great spot for whale watching. Of course, there is ample opportunity for classic beach activities, too, such as swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Geographe Bay is also a great diving location. Ranging from nine to thirty-two metres, peak ‘diving season’ is mid-September to mid-May. This season is recommended more for advanced divers.
The Margaret River Wine Region
Are you a beer lover or wine connoisseur? You need to check out one of the many wineries or breweries of the Margaret River Wine Region. Say ‘cheers!’ to beers from the Margaret River Brewhouse: the most central brewery in town. Try one of its eight ever-present beers, or try beers here for the season.
Despite its alcoholic theme, the Margaret River Brewhouse is rather suitable for families. Whilst you’re kicking back with a bev, the kids can enjoy the large sandpit and playground outside. There is also a menu suitable for all ages—kids included—sometimes including the option of the Pony Pallet. What is this alliterative equine addition, you ask? It’s the option you choose when you can’t choose between eight beers. Vary up your pony palate with eight different beer samples.
Get on the beers!
The Margaret River Region has its wine-swilling down to an art, boasting over 80 local wineries. There are wineries to suit almost all preferences, so—take your pick, really. Stella Bella Wines is a 4.8-star winery situated super close to Margaret River’s town centre, slightly south of Margaret River itself. This cellar door has wine coursing through its veins. Drink in every note of this passion as you sample their Stella Bella, Suckfizzle, and Luminosa varieties. It’s almost like experiencing one of their five vineyards firsthand.
Get on the…cheers?
If you’re wanting to set up camp in the Dunsborough/Margaret River area, there are many camping sites available. Why not hit up the Yallingup Country Farm Stay, the Olive Farm RV Ground, or The Peninsula? Check out some of the top recommendations here.
Cervantes & Jurien Bay
Two hours north of Perth, you will find the resort town of Cervantes. This town is the gateway to the Pinnacles Desert, which is part of the beautiful Nambung National Park.
The Pinnacles Desert features weathered limestone pillars up to 12 metres tall. These truly are pinnacles of beauty. As you wander through the pillars, you may experience a sense of déjà vu—or perhaps the Force? Some say the Pinnacles Desert reminds them of Star Wars. Will this iconic location appeal to your inner sci-fi geek? Visit the Pinnacles Desert during spring you’ll be greeted by a display of wildflowers in the heathland surrounding the desert.
The Pinnacles Desert: in Western Australia, or a galaxy far, far away?
While you’re in the area, be sure to take a stroll down the Cervantes Art Trail. Feast your eyes upon the artistic models, murals, and paintings representative of the town’s history. As you progress down the trail, see which artworks grab your eye the most. Will it be the ‘doofish’ Dhufish quaintly stacked atop a brick wall? Or will it be artist Lindsay Brooks’s painted interpretation of the Pinnacles themselves? Perhaps you’ll go ‘cray-cray’ for the oversized crayfish that contrasts against a weathered, beige wall.
Venture northward from Cervantes and you will find Jurien Bay: a hot tourist destination popular for fishing and holidaying. Located 226kms from Perth, the journey makes for a two-hour drive along Indian Ocean Drive. With its forever-reaching coastal views, this scenic journey is almost as fun as the destination itself. Highlights of Jurien Bay include wildflower watching at Lesueur National Park, spotting and swimming with sea lions, and taking a dip in the bay itself (or by the surrounding islands).
Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay.
Wanting to stay in Jurien Bay? Jurien Bay Tourist Park has a range of powered camping sites, unpowered caravan sites, and unpowered camping and caravan sites available. What better place to park your Explorer—the affordable Aussie-made off-roader from Cub Campers? This camper trailer will suit people wanting to set themselves up somewhere slightly off-route, too. The best part? It’s family-friendly and light enough to attach behind a medium-sized SUV.
Ready to further explore Australia’s west coast?
This is just a sample of some of the places to visit in and around Perth. The west coast of Australia is something of an untapped resource, and we hope we have inspired you to explore some weekend getaways from just outside Perth. Whether you’re a beach lover wanting to soak up the surf, sand, and sun, or are keen to explore some of the surrounding parks or nature trails, we’re sure you’ll find plenty of things to do in or around Perth. Pack up the Explorer and cruise along a coastal drive until you find your Western Australian bliss.
