Australia is one of the most coveted destinations in the world right now. Fantastic natural landscapes with dramatic coasts, lush forests and an endless-looking stretch of red are what awaits you if you decide to visit this continent, with great variety and a vastly different experience depending on which corner of it you are headed to. While Sydney and Melbourne have sure earned their reputation as some of the best cities to visit in the world, Western Australia should not be neglected either. While it gets less attention, you can find equally if not more stunning views and unforgettable adventures on this part of the continent as well. Perth is the fourth most populous city in Australia and while it might be the most isolated capital out there, there is a lot to see and do near it. Here are some of the top day trips from Perth if you have decided to take your holiday to the west coast.
The Pinnacles
If you want to see a landscape that looks like it’s out of a fantasy movie or even from another planet, you can head to Nambung National Park, located just a little over two hours north of Perth if you are traveling by car (about 255 kilometers). What you will find here is an intriguing desert that is colored in golden shades and boasts thousands of pillar-shaped rock formations. These limestone pillars are what gave the name to the Pinnacles Desert, and they are rather a unique sight, especially towards sunset when their shadows stretch with every passing minute. You can take on a walking trail here that is not too long and is suitable for most people, or you can check out the discovery center that will give you an insight into these interesting formations.
Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is definitely one of the most popular day trip destinations for the people of Perth, as it is merely a stone’s throw off the coast but is a lovely place for wildlife lovers. You can comfortably take a ferry from Perth and in 90 minutes, you will find yourself on the island of quokkas – a marsupial that is dubbed Australia’s cutest animal thanks to its adorable smile that tourists just can’t get enough of. While you mustn’t feed or touch these cute little furballs, taking pictures is allowed so you might manage to snap one of those famous quokka selfies too. But that’s not all there is to Rottnest Island. This small piece of land has its fair share of lovely coves and lighthouse views all waiting for you to explore.
Margaret River
About 270 kilometers south of Perth, you can find Margaret River, an amazing city that the people of Perth just love escaping to. While it’s a little farther than most of the other destinations on this list, you can turn to reliable private jets for hire in Perth and you’ll be there in a blink of an eye with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. There is an overwhelming number of things you can do here, including scenic seaside walks, lighthouse visits and cave exploration, so you might even end up prolonging your stay. In addition, Margaret River is a true paradise for wine connoisseurs, as the Margaret River wine region has a worldwide reputation and over 180 wineries all over the place. So, if you are planning a visit to Margaret River, make sure to at least try some of the local wines with your dinner and you won’t be disappointed.
Shoalwater
Still, if you’d rather stay closer to the city, you can also have a great time exploring some of the outer suburbs such as Shoalwater on the southwestern tip of Perth. The main attraction here is definitely the wildlife – you can see a number of species at the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, including friendly dolphins that you can even swim with if you want. There is also Penguin Island just off the shore, where you can see many little penguins as they are being fed every day. You can also take a dip in the clear waters and even snorkel to explore the underwater world.
Fremantle
Finally, a treat for those who are more interested in historic places than nature, Fremantle is a great day trip destination. It is also near the city center, in fact, less than half an hour’s drive from it. It’s a port city with a colorful maritime and convict history that is clearly visible as you walk the streets and see all the historic buildings that tell stories of another time. If you want a more in-depth experience, you can even visit the Fremantle Prison and join a tour to learn about Fremantle’s dark past. Pubs, breweries and charming coffee shops abound, too, so you can enjoy a relaxed afternoon checking out some of those and enjoying the sunny views of the harbor once you’re done with your tour.
Perth and its surrounding wonders are well worth checking out, so if you have the chance to spend some time in this city, don’t be afraid to break away from the center and explore the suburbs as well as the amazing national parks and cities located nearby.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
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