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Discover how one of these locations, a short drive from Perth, can be the perfect holiday remedy.
If needing a quick break from the city bustle, a short drive in any direction from Perth can lead you to some exciting and vastly different places, if only for a night.
Within a couple of hours, you could be in a historic town, become a keen angler, farm hop, or reconnect with nature along hiking and mountain bike trails.
All you need to decide is which direction suits your holiday vibe.
Bickley Valley’s rolling hills and sloping farmlands will make you feel far removed from the daily grind. Located a ten-minute drive from Kalamunda, Perth’s best-kept secret is home to boutique wineries, microbreweries, scenic bush trails, fruit orchards, and plenty of cosy family-run restaurants.
For first-time visitors, follow the Bickley Valley Wine Trail. It traces the valley’s cellar doors, winery restaurants, and brewers, with 15 stops along the way, including Myattsfield Vineyards, Plume Estate, and Core Cider.
Other must-sees include the 126-year-old, heritage-listed Perth Observatory, the Bickley Valley Asparagus Farm (prime picking season is from August to November), nearby Lesmurdie Falls, and a section of the Bibbulmun Track.
Accommodation options: Cottages, family-run B&Bs and retreats.
The Chittering Valley region encompasses the towns of Bindoon, Muchea and the historic Wannamal. Within the storybook setting are hobby farms, fruit orchards, scenic picnic spots, and an award-winning bakery that's worth the road trip alone!
Start your Chittering Valley road trip at foodie favourite Bindoon Bakehaus. Almost all the bakery’s ingredients are sourced locally, so no matter which baked treat you go for (doughnuts, pies and pastries), you’ll be supporting farmers and producers.
Still hungry? Hit the Chittering Farm Flavour Trail next. The self-drive route takes you past farm gates, olive farms, and wineries dotting the valley. Fill up your stomach (and car boot) with handpicked seasonal fruits, honey, asparagus, artisanal cheeses and more.
Devour your latest purchases with a picnic sundowner at Spoonbill Lake. Spotting wildlife makes the visit that much sweeter.
Accommodation options: Farm stays, cottages, guest houses and caravan parks.
There are plenty of activities and attractions in Avon Valley’s biggest hub, Northam, to fill a weekend trip with.
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a ride in a hot air balloon to hover over the valley and the Avon River. Balloon operator Windward Balloon Adventures also offers a champagne breakfast once the balloon lands to make the landing extra special.
Test your muscle power paddling down the Avon River, which flows through the town. The river’s famous winter rapids are best suited for experienced kayakers, so if you’re unsure, stop in at the Visitor Centre for advice on launching areas that match your expertise. Please note there are no hire facilities in Northam, so you must bring your own kayak.
Stay dry on land and deepen your knowledge of the region’s Indigenous history at Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge. The world-class cultural centre fringing the Avon River shines a light on the land’s traditional custodians and land management practices through interactive displays and cultural experiences.
Accommodation options: Motels, hotels, chalets and caravan parks.
Feel as if you’ve stepped back in time with a visit to the state’s oldest inland town, York.
Established in 1831, York is renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture along Avon Terrace. Must-sees include York Town Hall and the York Courthouse Complex, with the latter dating back to the 19th century. To further grasp York’s history, grab a map from the Visitor Centre to follow the town’s heritage trail on foot.
Become a rev head for the day at York Motor Museum. The community-owned and operated exhibit is home to an extensive collection of vintage racing bikes, classic cars and motorcycles. It’s Hollywood meets York with the museum’s star attraction, the original ‘Never Never Tours’ Valiant ute, which featured in the Australian classic film, Crocodile Dundee. Its star power still shines with actor Paul Hogan’s signature spotted on the famous ute!
Continue to feel nostalgic, stopping by Penny Farthing Sweets. Treat yourself to old-fashioned lollies and confectionery favourites from around the world while admiring the shop’s eclectic memorabilia.
Accommodation options: Caravan parks, hotels, cottages and farm stays.
Some of WA’s most beautiful forest campgrounds are less than two hours’ drive away. Dwellingup, in particular, is a picturesque spot for canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower-spotting in springtime.
Visit Dwellingup Trails and Visitor Information Centre to first get your bearings and create a shortlist of trails to complete. The King Jarrah Walk Trail is a popular option, with the 18-km-long trek weaving past centuries-old King Jarrah trees. Or, if you’re a keen mountain bike rider, the 8km Marrinup MTB Loop features hill climbs and an easier shortcut for kids or beginner riders.
Other popular activities in and around Dwellingup include fishing or canoeing on the Murray River; stocking up on fresh produce at Vergone’s Fruit Stall; hopping aboard the heritage Hotham Valley Tourist Railway; and visiting the leaf-shaped Forest Discovery Centre.
If planning to camp at Lane Poole Reserve, book ahead as it becomes very popular over school holiday periods. There are eight campgrounds to choose from in the 55,000-hectare reserve, with the Murray River, hiking and mountain bike trails within easy reach from all campgrounds.
Accommodation options: Forest campgrounds, forest cottages or a hotel in the town centre.
A popular spot for families, the shire of Guilderton (often referred to as Moore River) is surrounded by giant sand dunes, sheltered waters, and a national park that bursts with wildflowers each spring.
There are plenty of water activities to try on the river, including stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing and canoeing. Hire a paddleboat, kayak or canoe from Moore River Boat Hire, or, if you’d prefer to explore the coast, there are great swimming and shore-fishing spots nearby at Ledge Point and Lancelin.
See the region in bloom during wildflower season. Visit Moore River National Park and Nature Reserve to spot everlastings, the rare rose-fruited banksia and even WA’s own Christmas Tree (Nuytsia floribunda). Other notable hotspots include the green kangaroo paws at Gingin Cemetery and the canopy of red gums on Dewar Road.
Accommodation options: Holiday park with chalets, caravan sites and campsites.
Preston Beach is a perfect coastal escape from it all. Here, it’s all about soaking up nature, with swimming and fishing its main drawcards. Need a snack? Visit the general store or grab a bite at Footprints Hotel Café, adjoining the resort, Footprints Preston Beach.
A short drive away is Yalgorup National Park. The park is home to ten lakes, including the natural wonder, Lake Clifton. It is populated with ancient thrombolites – rock-like structures composed of micro-organisms, one of the oldest life forms on Earth.
Accommodation options: Resort (Footprint Preston Beach), B&Bs, private short-stay accommodation, camping.
Continue the coastal adventure, driving 20 minutes south of Preston Beach to Myalup. This quiet, under-the-radar beach is perfect for swimming and paddling. Avid fishers can try their luck reeling in bream year-round, with tailor, herring and whiting lurking in Myalup’s waters in warmer months.
Grab snacks and supplies at Myalup General Store, which sells groceries, takeaway food, and coffee. And what’s a road trip without a pie stop? Visit Miami Bakehouse for fresh bread, delicious desserts, gourmet pies and other savoury pastries.
Accommodation options: Chalets, caravan park, private short-stay accommodation.
Although it’s best known for its oranges, milk and beef, Harvey also has some surprising gourmet food and wine experiences hidden within its rolling farmlands and lush jarrah forests.
As one of the state’s most prolific farming towns, there are plenty of unique farm experiences on offer. Become a farmer for a day with Blue Hills Farmstay and Harvey Hills Farmstay Chalets, offering animal feeding sessions for the young and old.
Other unique things to do in Harvey include visiting the Harvey Dam for a spot of trout fishing (in-season with a valid fishing licence); climbing 62 steps to the top of the iconic Big Orange; following the Harvey Heritage Drive Trail; and visit Stirling Cottage, a replica of the home of May Gibbs, creator of the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie book series during the 1880s. If visiting in summer, cool off with a dip at Lake Brockman.
Accommodation options: Farm stays, homesteads, retreats, campsites and cottages.
Your trip to Pinjarra will no doubt include relaxing by the Murray River. The town has an attractive foreshore area at Murray River Square where you can walk, cycle or picnic and enjoy life in the slow lane.
For those keen to exert themselves, the river is a popular destination for paddlers with a 16km point-to-point trail that winds from Pinjarra to Ravenswood. At Herron Point, near the caravan park, you can try scooping for blue swimmer crabs.
Dining options range from the award-winning and legendary Pinjarra Bakery to the artful Jarra Infusion café, where there’s an attractive outdoor garden area that’s also dog-friendly, or indulge in some French delights at Café Cherie.
There’s plenty to keep the kids busy. At Ranger Red’s Zoo, there are more than 100 animal and bird species, with some that can be hand-fed. Pinjarra has two well-equipped playgrounds: Cantwell Park on the banks of the Murray, and Adventurescape Playground, where kids can ride the flying fox, try a rope climb and even take a splash in the lake.
Pinjarra is also an equine hotspot, with horse racing at the state’s only 1000 grass track at historic Pinjarra Park.
Accommodation options: Caravan parks, B&Bs, private short-stay accommodation, hotels, farm stays.
