Looking for an adventure on your next study break? Whether you’ve lived in Perth your whole life, or you’re a Murdoch international student wanting to see some of WA’s world-famous beaches for yourself, a road trip from Perth never disappoints.
If you’re thinking about hitting the road in your next study break, here are some of our favourite road trips from Perth to get you started.
Perth to Margaret River
Approx. distance: 274km one way
Travel time: suitable for a weekend trip - allow three hours
Ideal season: December to February
This is the ultimate adventure if you enjoy wine tasting and delicious food. The Margaret River wine region is home to some of Western Australia’s best wineries and restaurants. It is one of the nation’s largest wine region with more than 200 vineyards to choose from. Margaret River is nestled among tall timber forests and world class beaches including Hamelin Bay, Bunker Bay and Eagle Bay.
If you enjoy the scenic side of travel, you can also visit Injidup Beach and Natural Spa, the Jewel Cave or Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Perth to Albany
Approx. distance: 419km one way
Travel time: suitable for a weekend trip - allow five hours
Ideal season: all year round
Albany combines the convenience of a city with the appeal of a country town. Rich in history, Albany is home to the National ANZAC Centre which pays homage to the men and women who fought for Australia in World War I. You can also visit the Royal Princess Fortress Military Museum to learn about the history of the ships that left Albany for Gallipoli and Egypt.
If you enjoy food, Albany has a farmers market every Saturday which showcases fresh, organic produce and live entertainment. You can also drive to the Albany Wind Farm, just 6km from the town centre or explore Torndirrup National Park, showcasing some of Albany’s most famous attractions.
Perth to Kalbarri
Approx. distance: 570km one way
Travel time: suitable for a study week trip - allow 6.5 hours
Ideal season: June to August
WA’s coral coast has some of the world’s most pristine beaches for swimming and fishing. The trip to Kalbarri is one you cannot miss out on. Kalbarri sits on the cusp of the Murchison River and is home to some of WA’s most rugged walking trails. You can take a hike up to Natures Window at the Kalbarri National Park, visit the Z Bend or take a walk along the new Kalbarri Skywalk.
Along the way, you will get to drive through Jurien Bay, a relaxed beach town; Geraldton, a town renowned for its windsurfing and delicacy, the local rock lobster; Hutt Lagoon, a bubble gum pink marine salt lake that occasionally changes colour and the Pinnacles Desert.
Perth to Esperance
Approx. distance: 697km one way
Travel time: suitable for a study week trip - allow 7.5 hours
Ideal season: December to February
Although a long trip, if you enjoy visits to the beach, Esperance is a must.
Esperance is renowned for its crystal-clear oceans and some of the whitest beach sand in the world. Take a trip along Great Ocean Drive and stop off at Twilight Cove, a shallow bay with turquoise waters. You can explore Cape Le Grand National Park and Lucky Bay, located 50km east of Esperance. Unlike most beaches, the sand at Lucky Bay contains quartz, making it so clean that it squeaks underfoot and shimmers in the sun. You might even come across a friendly Kangaroo lazing on the beach.
You can also enjoy a leisurely hike to Frenchman Peak, a surf at West Beach or a swim in the lagoon at Eleven Mile Beach.
Perth to Exmouth
Approx. distance: 1,249km one way
Travel time: suitable for a study week trip - allow 13 hours
Ideal season: April to July
If you decide to explore WA’s far north, look no further than Exmouth. Nestled among the renowned Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth is known for its clear waters, exotic marine life and the world’s largest fringing reef.
Exmouth is a fantastic place to snorkel or dive, where you will encounter graceful manta rays and turtles. You could also have a face-to-face encounter with a friendly whale-shark; experience humpback whale watching; or visit the Jurabi Turtle Centre during the turtle nesting and hatching seasons.
Since the drive is long, why not break up the trip and stay over night at a town on the way? You could stay in Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Kalbarri or Monkey Mia.
If you enjoy travelling around Perth, why not explore Perth’s walking trails.
