Weekend getaways from Perth
- Written by Times Media
You Are in Perth, Australia and You Want to Get Away for the Weekend: What Are the Options?
Perth is one of the most isolated cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean its residents lack options for a quick escape. In fact, Western Australia is a state of vast contrasts—turquoise oceans, rolling vineyards, desert landscapes, and charming historic towns—all within reach of a weekend trip. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a touch of luxury, there are plenty of destinations just a short drive or flight away from the WA capital.
1. The Coastal Escapes
Margaret River
Just three hours south of Perth, Margaret River is the quintessential weekend getaway. Known worldwide for its award-winning wines, it’s also home to stunning beaches, towering forests, and a vibrant food scene. A perfect itinerary includes wine tasting at iconic estates like Vasse Felix, indulging in local chocolate and cheese, then watching the sun set over Surfers Point in Prevelly. For the adventurous, there’s also caving, surfing, and bushwalking.
Rottnest Island
A ferry ride of less than an hour transports you from city life to a holiday paradise. Rottnest Island is famous for its crystal-clear bays, car-free streets, and of course, the world-famous quokkas. Cycling around the island is a highlight, and so is snorkelling in The Basin or Parakeet Bay. You can stay overnight in eco-friendly cabins or even indulge at the new Pinky’s Rottnest luxury resort.
Esperance (by flight)
If you’re willing to hop on a short flight (just over an hour), Esperance offers some of Australia’s most breathtaking beaches. Lucky Bay, with its resident kangaroos lazing on the sand, is often voted the whitest beach in the country. A weekend in Esperance could combine beach hopping, coastal hikes, and a drive out to Cape Le Grand National Park.
2. The Wine and Country Retreats
Swan Valley
If you want a shorter drive, Swan Valley is only 30 minutes from Perth. It’s WA’s oldest wine region, offering boutique wineries, craft breweries, distilleries, and gourmet producers. It’s a great option if you don’t want to spend hours on the road but still want to feel like you’ve escaped the city.
Bickley Valley
A hidden gem just outside the Perth Hills, Bickley Valley is perfect for a tranquil country weekend. Think orchard visits, cider tastings, small-batch wineries, and beautiful bushland walks. In autumn, the valley comes alive with golden leaves, while spring brings wildflowers and blossoming fruit trees.
Pemberton
About four hours south, Pemberton offers a cool-climate escape surrounded by towering karri forests. You can climb the famous Gloucester Tree, canoe along the Warren River, or sample boutique wines and truffles. For couples seeking romance, forest chalets with log fires make it an idyllic retreat.
3. Adventure and Nature
Kalbarri
A six-hour drive or a short flight, Kalbarri rewards you with dramatic coastal cliffs, river gorges, and abundant wildlife. The highlight is the Kalbarri Skywalk, offering sweeping views of the Murchison River Gorge. Combine hiking, abseiling, or fishing with a stop at the coastal lookouts like Nature’s Window and Z-Bend Gorge.
Shark Bay & Monkey Mia
For those happy to go a little further, Shark Bay (around 9 hours by car or a short flight) is one of WA’s natural wonders. It’s famous for its friendly wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, ancient stromatolites, and the surreal Shell Beach made entirely of tiny white shells. This trip works well for a long weekend.
Wave Rock
Four hours inland lies Hyden, home to the striking Wave Rock. This natural rock formation looks like a giant frozen wave about to crash. The area also has caves, wildflowers in season, and a quirky country charm that makes it a great road trip destination.
4. City Breaks and Short Flights
Broome
If you’re craving warmth and a touch of the exotic, Broome is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Perth. Famous for Cable Beach sunsets, camel rides, and its pearling history, Broome feels like another world. Between May and October, the natural phenomenon “Staircase to the Moon” draws visitors from across Australia.
Geraldton
A four-and-a-half-hour drive north (or a one-hour flight), Geraldton offers a mix of history, beaches, and seafood. It’s also the gateway to the Abrolhos Islands, an untouched marine paradise perfect for diving and fishing.
Bali
It may seem ambitious for a weekend, but Perth’s location makes Bali one of the easiest international getaways. With a flight time of around 3.5 hours, many Perth locals treat Bali like an extension of WA. Think affordable luxury villas, vibrant nightlife, and world-class surf—all packed into a quick overseas break.
5. Relaxation Close to Home
Sometimes the best weekend escape doesn’t require hours of travel. Perth itself has beachside stays in Cottesloe and Scarborough, luxury hotels along Elizabeth Quay, and nearby wellness retreats in the hills. If all you need is a change of pace, booking a local staycation with spa treatments, rooftop dining, or a simple sunrise walk on the coast can feel just as rejuvenating.
Final Thoughts
Living in Perth means being a little farther from Australia’s eastern hubs, but that distance comes with a reward: a treasure trove of destinations within reach that few others get to experience so easily. From world-class wine regions to untouched beaches, desert wonders, and even international escapes, the hardest part is deciding which option suits your mood. Whether you’ve only got two days or can stretch it into a long weekend, the options are as vast and diverse as Western Australia itself.
