Road trips are often associated with longer journeys but can also be shorter and just as enjoyable.
Living in Perth (Boorloo) offers short road trips or day trips to diverse locations such as the Swan Valley and the Perth Hills.
We collaborated in case you are short on time or do not want to drive long distances.
Living in Perth offers the opportunity to explore diverse nearby destinations, such as the Swan Valley and Perth Hills, which provide unique experiences just a short drive away.
We have partnered with Pinnacles Tour to provide convenient and efficient transportation options to showcase the best of both destinations, all within an hour’s drive from the CBD.
How to get there
Both regions are accessible from Perth by car, with the Swan Valley being a short 25-minute drive northeast from the CBD or 10 minutes from the airport. The Perth Hills are slightly farther away, approximately a 45-50 minute drive southeast of Perth.
The optimal time of year to visit
The Swan Valley and the Perth Hills offer a range of attractions year-round. Late winter to early spring is ideal for chasing waterfalls in the hills and enjoying a cozy pub experience. Spring to early summer is perfect for hiking among colourful wildflowers. The Swan Valley is great for sunny beer gardens and picnics with fresh produce in warmer months.
Things to do in the Swan Valley
The Swan Valley in Western Australia is known for being the oldest wine-growing region in the state, spanning from Guildford to Chittering. It offers a range of attractions such as beer gardens, local produce, wineries, hiking trails, and more for visitors to enjoy.
Sandalford Wine Cellar Experience
Sandalford Wines is known for producing premium wines and being sustainable. The Sandalford Bar & Restaurant offers modern Australian dining with a touch of contemporary Italian cuisine, best enjoyed in their outdoor area. Visitors can enjoy various experiences such as wine blending tours, food and wine pairings, and winery tours. The ultimate experience is a four-hour package that includes wine blending, a three-course meal, and more.
Whiteman Park
Visitors can enter the bushland oasis for free and choose between paid and free attractions. Caversham Wildlife Park is a paid option where visitors can take a photo with a wombat. The Motor Museum is popular with car enthusiasts, while the Children’s Forest is great for younger kids to search for fairy doors. There are also playgrounds and open spaces, including Pia’s Place, which is suitable for children of all ages and abilities.
Swan Valley Trails
Visitors to the Swan Valley can explore nine-themed trails, including tours of wineries, breweries, and cideries, as well as family-friendly activities like markets and art studios.
Fresh produce finds
The Swan Valley offers a variety of local producers, including Mondo Nougat, House of Honey, SubZero Gelato, Whistler’s Chocolate Co., Morish Nuts, Old Young’s, Sin Gin Distillery, and options for cider and craft beers.
Pup-friendly pubs
The Swan Valley in Western Australia welcomes pets at various pubs, wineries, and cideries such as Valley Social, Funk 2.0, Lamonts, Talijancich Wines, and Old Young’s Kitchen.
Antique discoveries in Guildford
James Street in Guildford, Western Australia, is a historic area with attractions like the Museum of Natural History and antique stores like Dr Russell’s Imaginarium.
Swan Settlers’ Market
The Swan Settlers’ Market in the Swan Valley is a popular attraction for visitors, offering a variety of vendors selling vintage items, arts and crafts, and global cuisine. Visiting on an empty stomach is recommended to enjoy the experience fully.
Things to do in the Perth Hills
The Perth Hills offers a variety of attractions such as wineries, markets, an arts scene, and natural experiences, making it a great destination for day trips or weekend getaways.
Bickley Valley Wine Trail
The Bickley Valley, located near the Swan Valley, is also known for its boutique wineries and cideries. The region offers beautiful views of vineyards, orchards, and forests, making it a picturesque area to explore. Many of the cellar doors in this region are run by local families and innovative winemakers. Having a designated driver or joining a tour is recommended when visiting this area. Use the provided map to plan your route.
Bibbulmun Track
The Bibbulmun Track is a popular 1,000km hiking route between Kalamunda and Albany, with its first section starting in the hills. The Northern Terminus in Kalamunda serves as a showcase for the track, featuring interpretive sculptures and information on the Noongar seasonal calendar.
Starting from the Northern Terminus, a 9km day hike to the Camel Farm provides a good introduction to the track. This hike takes you through the hills of Kalamunda National Park, past the wildflower-lined Piesse Brook (best seen in winter through spring), and offers a side trip to Rocky Pool. The trail is well-marked, with the yellow and black Bibbulmun Waugyl guiding your way.
Heritage pub and hike combo
For those interested in hiking and visiting heritage pubs, the Perth Hills offers plenty of opportunities. Follow the pub walks provided by Parkerville Tavern or explore the trails near Kalamunda and Mundaring Hotels.
Araluen Botanic Park
Araluen Botanic Park is a beautifully manicured garden just a short drive from town. It is open most days of the year and showcases various exotic plants landscaped to perfection. The park is especially vibrant during wildflower season and is highly recommended for visitors.
Araluen Botanic Park offers a large expanse of land with pathways, recreational areas, streams, and natural scenery to explore. Visitors can enjoy picnic and BBQ facilities and find souvenirs at The Roundhouse Gift Shop.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls, a popular day trip spot in Perth located 55kms southeast of the city, is recommended to visit early to avoid crowds. It is a great destination year-round, including in the summer, with visitors advised to check the water suitability for swimming on the Shire website.
Perth Observatory
The Perth Observatory has been a significant institution in our understanding of the cosmos for the past century. Established in 1900 on Mount Eliza in King’s Park before relocating to Bickley in 1965, the Observatory now focuses mainly on education, offering over 200 events yearly, such as tours, public talks, and a museum on site.
Enjoying a leisurely lunch at Millbrook Winery
The state’s highly regarded restaurant, known locally and nationally by the New York Times, features a one-acre garden with 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables. Located at Chestnut Farm, the menu, crafted by Executive Chef Guy Jeffreys and Head Chef Justin Wong, highlights seasonal ingredients, especially during their popular Monday specials to reduce waste. Reservations are recommended due to high demand.
Core Cider
Core Cider in Perth offers a variety of activities for families, including farm-to-table dining, cider tastings, and a play area for children. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the Garden Bar and participate in orchard tractor tours during harvest season.
