Perth is surrounded by some amazing destinations that are only a couple of hours out of the city. If you’re looking for something to do during your study-break or on the weekend, why not explore some more of Western Australia? Here are some of our favourite day trips.
Araluen Botanic Park
This stunning park is home to 59 hectares of native Australian bushland and 14 hectares of manicured gardens showcasing exotic plants. In the spring, it features more than 100,000 tulips in full bloom against a backdrop of eucalyptus trees. Visitors can take a train ride around the park to take in the scenery and learn about Western Australia’s native flora. Located in Roleystone, it is only 35km south-east of the Perth CBD.
Source: Department of Parks and Wildlife
Yanchep
This is the perfect place to spot koalas and kangaroos in their natural environments. There are also a number of walking trails, where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, why not visit one of the natural caves?
Gnomesville
Thousands of gnomes live amongst some trees on the side of the road, approximately 195km from the Perth CBD. How Gnomesville originally came into existence is still a mystery; however some people believe one gnome was placed there on its own and then others were added to keep it company. Since then it has become an attraction for both tourists and Perth locals, with visitors from all over the world adding to the community.
Serpentine Falls
Best visited in winter, you can watch the water from the Serpentine river cascade down a granite cliff here. Why not pack a picnic and enjoy lunch surrounded by grey kangaroos? There are also a number of hiking trails in the area that can take from 15 minutes to five hours to complete, depending on how far you want to walk. The falls are located in the Serpentine National Park, which is 55km south-east of the Perth CBD.
Source: Department of Parks and Wildlife
The Pinnacles
Thousands of natural limestone sculptures cover this dessert. Known as the Pinnacles, they can stand up to 5m tall. The best time to visit is at dusk or dawn as the shadows cast by these formations create incredible shapes and patterns across the sand. You might even be lucky enough to spot a wild emu.
Lake Clifton
This lake is home to thousands of thrombolites, which are tiny micro-organisms believed to be some of the earliest life-forms on earth. Follow the boardwalk to get an aerial view of these creatures. They resemble rocks, despite the fact that they’re actually alive. Located in the Peel region, it’s only a short drive from Mandurah and Bunbury if you’d like to continue exploring the state further.
