1. Take day trip to Rottnest Island
Just a short 45 minute ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island offers a relaxing escape from city life. Hardly any vehicles are allowed on the island so you can either hire a bike, hop on the explorer bus or just meander at your own pace on foot. Spend your day swimming at one of the 60 beautiful beaches, snorkelling or diving the shipwrecks and coral, learning about the island’s military history on one of the walk trails or looking for the cute and photogenic local quokkas!
View this post on Instagram
2. Spend the day with penguins
Home to over a thousand of the world’s smallest penguins, Penguin Island is located 30 minutes south of Perth and a five minute ferry ride from the mainland. Join one of the three daily penguin feedings, swim or snorkel in the pristine island waters, or enjoy a coffee and lunch in the café.
View this post on Instagram
3. Taste wine and cheese in the Swan Valley
Whether you want to sample beer, wine, spirits, cheese, honey, small goods, chocolate, nougat or fresh local produce this area has it all. Break up all the food and wine tasting with a game of Supa Golf or head into the neighbouring historic suburb of Guildford to wander amongst the colonial architecture and browse the vintage shops.
View this post on Instagram
4. Head to the hills
Enjoy beautiful scenery, quaint villages and gorgeous scenic drives in the Perth Hills, just 45 minutes east of the city. Visit Araluen National Park to enjoy the beautiful gardens and if you happen to be there in spring, you’ll be wowed as over 100,000 tulip bulbs come into bloom. Pick up a map and visit wineries, cider orchards and fruit farms along the area’s food and wine trail. Have a look at the impressive Mundaring Weir or browse the many local art studios and galleries. If you enjoy hiking, there are many trails to choose from.
View this post on Instagram
5. Spend a day in Fremantle
You can’t help but feel relaxed in this laid back and chilled out city. Join a tour of the old Fremantle Prison or brave the evening torchlight tour, if you are game! Learn about the fascinating history of the area at the Maritime Museum and the Round House or simply wander the harbour stopping in at Little Creatures Brewery for a cold drink on the way. The area is also full of local boutiques, buzzing cafés, lively small bars and renowned restaurants.
View this post on Instagram
6. Explore the Avon Valley
An hour’s drive east of Perth takes you to Australia’s first inland settlement. Visit the towns of Northam, York, Toodyay and Beverley to explore historic buildings, local culture and beautiful scenery. Time it right and you can marvel at the stunning, endless fields of bright yellow canola crops. For the more adventurous, book a sunrise hot air balloon or experience the thrill of skydiving.
View this post on Instagram
7. Marvel at the natural beauty of Kings Park
This large and beautiful park adjacent to the CBD offers some of the best views over the Swan River and the city and is a very popular place to picnic with family and friends on weekends. Walk through the lush green vegetation of the Botanic Gardens, follow the treetop walk with amazing views over the forest, have fun at one of the many playgrounds, experience the peace and reverent beauty of the State War Memorial, climb all 101 steps of the spiralling DNA tower and browse the unique artwork in the gallery shop.
View this post on Instagram
Want access to the best free camps, top walks, events, local secrets (and more) in the Perth region? Click here to get your Big Lap Bible now.
