Travel
Top 10 Scenic Places to Visit From Perth by Car
· 14 min read
Western Australia rewards travellers who are willing to get behind the wheel. Within a few hours of Perth, the city gives way to vineyards, jarrah forest, historic country towns, white dunes, sheltered bays and the rugged coastline of the South West.
Having your own vehicle means you can leave early, stop when the view catches your eye and build a trip around your family rather than a tour timetable. If you are arranging car rental in Perth, these 10 destinations are a practical starting point.
Drive times below are approximate from Perth CBD in normal conditions. Traffic, roadworks, weather and your exact starting point can change them, so check your route before leaving.
What Are the Best Scenic Places to Drive to From Perth?
The best scenic places to visit from Perth by car include Swan Valley, the Perth Hills, Serpentine Falls, York and the Avon Valley, Lancelin, the Pinnacles, Bunbury and Ferguson Valley, Busselton, Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste, and Margaret River. The closest suit half-day trips; the South West destinations are better with at least one night away.
Quick destination guide
Swan Valley: 25–30 minutes. Best for food, wineries and countryside. Allow a half or full day.
Perth Hills, Kalamunda and Mundaring: 30–45 minutes. Best for forest, lookouts and walks. Allow a half or full day.
Serpentine Falls: About 1 hour. Best for bushland, picnics and families. Allow a full day.
York and the Avon Valley: About 1.5 hours. Best for heritage and country scenery. Allow a full day.
Lancelin: About 1.5 hours. Best for white dunes and Indian Ocean views. Allow a full day.
Pinnacles Desert: 2–2.5 hours. Best for unusual landscapes and photography. Allow a long day or stay overnight.
Bunbury and Ferguson Valley: 2–2.5 hours. Best for coast and green countryside. Allow a full day or stay overnight.
Busselton: About 2.5 hours. Best for beaches, the jetty and family trips. Stay overnight if possible.
Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste: 2.5–3 hours. Best for bays, headlands and coastal walks. Stay overnight if possible.
Margaret River region: About 3 hours. Best for coast, forest, food and wine. Allow 2–3 days.
1. Swan Valley: An Easy Scenic Drive Close to Perth
Swan Valley is the easiest country escape on this list. Around 25 to 30 minutes from central Perth, it combines vineyards, breweries, cafés, local produce, galleries and family attractions within a compact area.
From TAK8’s East Perth location, Guildford Road provides a straightforward approach towards historic Guildford and the southern end of the valley. Starting in Guildford also makes it easier to follow a loop through places such as Caversham, West Swan and Henley Brook without backtracking all day.
What to allow time for
• A walk or coffee stop in historic Guildford
• One or two pre-selected food or produce venues
• A family attraction if travelling with children
• Extra time between bookings on weekends
A compact automatic, sedan or hybrid is suitable for this sealed-road trip. If your day includes wine, beer or spirit tastings, nominate a driver who will not drink or arrange another safe option.
Practical tip: Choose a small number of stops before leaving. Trying to visit everything usually means spending more time parking and rushing than enjoying the valley.
2. Perth Hills, Kalamunda and Mundaring
First-time visitors are often surprised by how quickly Perth’s suburbs give way to forest and elevated views. Kalamunda, Mundaring, Lesmurdie and the surrounding hills offer walking trails, picnic areas, dams and seasonal waterfalls within easy reach of the city.
Mundaring Weir is a worthwhile anchor for the eastern side of the hills, while Lesmurdie Falls is popular after winter rain. Conditions can change with heat, fire weather and prescribed burns, so check alerts before travelling.
Know before driving the Zig Zag
Zig Zag Scenic Drive is a narrow, one-way shared space in Gooseberry Hill. At the time of writing, vehicle access is from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, stopping is permitted only in designated areas, and the gates are locked outside those hours. Check the City of Kalamunda page on the day in case access conditions have changed.
Practical tip: Build either a Kalamunda–Lesmurdie route or a Mundaring route for a half day. Trying to cover both sides of the hills in a short visit can turn a relaxed drive into unnecessary backtracking.
3. Serpentine Falls and Serpentine National Park
Serpentine National Park is a good family day trip when you want bushland, picnic space and a short change of scenery rather than a long road journey. The granite setting and falls are generally most impressive after rain.
This destination needs more planning than its distance suggests. The falls area can fill to capacity on weekends and public holidays. The park currently recommends arriving before 10:00 am, park entry fees apply and vehicle access closes before the park’s final closing time.
Check the current Serpentine National Park visitor information before leaving Perth, including opening times, alerts and any restrictions.
For families carrying a pram, picnic supplies and extra bags, an SUV may be more comfortable than a compact car. The drive itself does not require a large or off-road vehicle.
Practical tip: Treat the waterfall as one part of the day, not a guaranteed swimming stop. Water levels, access and safety conditions can change.
4. York and the Avon Valley
Drive east from Perth and the landscape gradually opens into farmland and broad Wheatbelt skies. York sits about 97 kilometres from Perth in the Avon Valley and is one of WA’s best-known heritage towns.
The journey usually takes around 90 minutes, making York manageable as a full-day trip. Allow time to walk around Avon Terrace, see the town’s heritage buildings and enjoy the rural scenery rather than arriving, having lunch and immediately turning back.
York is especially suitable for:
• Couples wanting an unhurried country drive
• Families looking for an easy regional day trip
• Photographers and architecture enthusiasts
• Overseas visitors who want to see rural Western Australia
• Travellers who prefer country towns to beaches
A compact car, sedan or hybrid is suitable. On the return journey, avoid leaving so late that most of the regional driving is after dark.
Practical tip: Check York’s events calendar before choosing a date. Festivals and community events can add to the experience, but they can also make accommodation and parking busier.
5. Lancelin Sand Dunes and the Indian Ocean Coast
Lancelin’s white dunes sit just inland from the coast, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes within a day’s drive of Perth. The town is about 90 minutes north via the coastal corridor and works as either a standalone trip or a stop on the way to the Pinnacles.
The contrast between the dunes, blue water and open sky is the main attraction. You can also allow time for the beach, foreshore and a meal in town rather than treating Lancelin only as a photo stop.
A compact, sedan, hybrid or SUV is suitable for the normal sealed-road journey to Lancelin. A standard rental vehicle should not be driven onto dunes, beaches or off-road tracks unless your rental agreement specifically permits it.
Practical tip: Park in the appropriate signed area and explore the dunes on foot or through an authorised activity provider. Do not assume an SUV is automatically approved for sand driving.
6. The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park
The Pinnacles are thousands of limestone formations rising from the yellow sand of Nambung National Park. The landscape feels remote, yet it is only a few hours north of Perth near Cervantes.
A popular self-drive plan is:
Perth → Lancelin → Pinnacles → Cervantes → Perth
It is possible in one day, but expect roughly four to five hours of driving in total before stops. Leave early, keep the Lancelin visit focused and allow enough daylight for the return journey. An overnight stay near Cervantes creates a much easier pace.
The Pinnacles area includes a discovery centre, walking options and a 4.5-kilometre drive trail. Park entry fees apply. Check Nambung National Park information, current alerts and your rental conditions before choosing how to explore the site.
Practical tip: If you are travelling with young children or older family members, an overnight stay can be worth more than trying to squeeze every stop into one long day.
7. Bunbury and Ferguson Valley
Bunbury gives you coastal scenery, city facilities and an easy gateway into the green hills of Ferguson Valley. It is around two hours from Perth, while Dardanup and the start of Ferguson Valley are roughly 15 minutes inland from Bunbury.
This combination suits travellers who want variety without driving all the way to Margaret River. You can spend part of the day around Bunbury’s foreshore or Koombana Bay, then continue into the valley for rolling farmland, small producers, cafés and forest scenery.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip is possible, but it will involve at least four hours on the road. Staying overnight gives you more time and makes Bunbury a useful first stop on a longer South West trip.
Practical tip: Decide whether the coast or the valley is your priority. Doing one properly is usually better than racing through both.
8. Busselton and Geographe Bay
Busselton is one of the South West’s easiest family destinations. Its sheltered foreshore, Geographe Bay and famous jetty provide plenty to do without requiring constant driving once you arrive.
The drive from Perth is about two and a half hours in normal conditions. Although a return day trip is technically possible, an overnight stay is more enjoyable and reduces the temptation to rush back after a full day at the coast.
Choosing a vehicle for Busselton
• Compact automatic: best for a couple travelling light
• Sedan or hybrid: comfortable for two adults or a small family
• SUV: useful when carrying a pram, beach gear or several bags
• 7-seater: helpful for larger families, but check luggage space with the third row raised
• 8-seater: practical for extended families or groups travelling together
TAK8’s guide to 7-seater car hire in Perth explains the passenger-and-luggage trade-off in more detail.
Practical tip: During school holidays and long weekends, book popular attractions and accommodation before collecting the car.
9. Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste
Continue west from Busselton and the coastline becomes more rugged. Dunsborough is a useful base for Geographe Bay, Meelup, Yallingup and Cape Naturaliste, while the cape offers ocean views, coastal heath and several walking options.
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is around 12 kilometres from Dunsborough. Nearby, the 3.4-kilometre Cape Naturaliste to Sugarloaf Rock section of the Cape to Cape Track offers coastal views and is accessible for wheelchairs and prams for most of the route. Check current Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park alerts before setting out.
Although Dunsborough can be reached from Perth in about three hours, returning the same day means spending much of your visit watching the clock. Stay overnight if possible and combine it with Busselton, Yallingup or a second day in the Margaret River region.
Practical tip: Choose two or three coastal stops and allow time for parking. Trying to visit every beach between Busselton and the cape rarely makes for a relaxed day.
10. Margaret River Region: The Classic Road Trip From Perth
Margaret River is much more than a wine destination. The wider region combines forests, farmland, caves, beaches, coastal cliffs, cellar doors and small towns, with scenic roads linking them together.
The town of Margaret River is around three hours from Perth, but the region stretches well beyond the town. Two to three days is a practical starting point; longer is better if you want time for walks, booked experiences and a slower return journey.
A simple three-day itinerary
Day 1: Perth → Busselton → Dunsborough
Day 2: Cape Naturaliste or Yallingup → Margaret River region
Day 3: Margaret River → Perth
For a three-hour drive each way, comfort and luggage capacity matter. A hybrid can suit fuel-conscious travellers, an SUV gives a family more room, and a 7-seater or 8-seater can keep a larger group together. Always match the vehicle to both passenger numbers and luggage—not seats alone.
Practical tip: Share the driving where possible and plan your last day so the return to Perth is not a tired late-night run.
Which Rental Car Is Best for a Perth Road Trip?
The best car is the smallest vehicle that comfortably fits your passengers, luggage and travel plans. A larger car is not automatically safer or more suitable, and paying for unused space can add unnecessary rental and fuel costs.
Quick vehicle guide
• Compact automatic: Best for solo travellers, couples and short day trips. Keep in mind that luggage space is limited.
• Sedan: Best for couples and small families on highway trips. Check boot capacity before booking.
• Hybrid: Best for longer sealed-road drives and fuel-conscious travellers. Availability varies by date.
• SUV: Best for families carrying prams, bags or beach equipment. Higher fuel use can offset the extra room.
• 7-seater: Best for larger families and small groups. Using the third row reduces luggage capacity.
• 8-seater people mover: Best for extended families and groups. Confirm space for every suitcase as well as each passenger.
• Ute: Best for travellers who genuinely need carrying capacity. It is not a substitute for an off-road-approved vehicle.
If you are comparing cheap car hire in Perth, look beyond the headline daily rate. Check the total for your dates, included kilometres, vehicle conditions, excess, passenger capacity and where the vehicle may be driven. TAK8’s Perth car rental tips cover these checks in more detail.
Flying Into Perth? Arrange the Vehicle Before You Arrive
If you are flying into Western Australia, reserve the right vehicle before departure—especially during school holidays, long weekends and major events.
Before booking, confirm:
• The number of adults and children travelling
• The number and size of suitcases
• Whether you are carrying a pram or bulky equipment
• Whether child restraints are required
• Your expected travel distance
• Whether a 7-seater or 8-seater will still have enough luggage space
TAK8 is based at 17 Regal Place, East Perth, close to Perth CBD. Perth Airport pickup arrangements may be available depending on timing, availability and the conditions confirmed for your booking, so arrange this before you fly rather than assuming airport collection is included.
Essential Tips Before a Scenic Drive From Perth
• Check the weather, Main Roads travel map and WA park alerts before regional travel.
• Carry drinking water, particularly during warmer months.
• Start with enough fuel and identify fuel stops on longer routes.
• Avoid packing too many destinations into one day.
• Take regular breaks and do not drive tired.
• Be alert for wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk.
• Download maps before entering areas with weaker mobile coverage.
• Confirm that your rental terms permit every road and location on your itinerary.
• Keep standard rental vehicles off beaches, dunes and off-road tracks unless written permission says otherwise.
• Allow extra time during public holidays and WA school holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest scenic day trip from Perth?
Swan Valley and the Perth Hills are the easiest scenic trips because both can be reached in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Swan Valley is best for food and countryside; the hills are better for forest, lookouts and walking.
Can you visit the Pinnacles from Perth in one day?
Yes. A Perth–Lancelin–Pinnacles return trip is possible in one long day, but it involves about four to five hours of driving before stops. Leave early, check park conditions and consider staying near Cervantes if travelling with children or if you prefer a slower pace.
What is the best family road trip from Perth?
Busselton is one of the easiest family choices because the foreshore, sheltered bay and jetty are close together. Swan Valley and Serpentine National Park suit shorter family outings, while Dunsborough and Margaret River are better for a multi-day trip.
Do you need a four-wheel drive for these destinations?
No. The normal town and highway routes in this guide can be reached in a standard passenger vehicle. Some park roads, lookouts, beaches, dunes and tracks may be unsealed or off-road, so check current road conditions and your rental agreement before leaving sealed roads.
Start Your WA Road Trip From East Perth
TAK8 Car Rental is a locally owned Perth business offering compact automatic cars, sedans, hybrids, SUVs, 7-seaters, 8-seater people movers and utes, subject to availability.
Choose daily, weekly or long-term rental from our East Perth location, with simple online booking, clear pricing and no hidden booking fees. Long-term rates start from $25 per day for rentals of 28 days or more, subject to vehicle availability and terms and conditions.
Browse available vehicles and check your dates before finalising your itinerary.