Best Road Trips and Day Trips from Perth by Car
Perth is one of the best cities in Australia for a road trip. Within 30 minutes you can be on a beach; within a couple of hours you can reach wine regions, desert landscapes, historic towns and some of the most striking coastline in the country. The one thing every one of these trips has in common is that you need your own set of wheels to enjoy them properly. Public transport simply does not reach most of Western Australia’s best spots.
This guide breaks down the best drives out of Perth by how far they are, what you will see, and the kind of car that suits each trip. Whether you have a spare afternoon or a full weekend, there is a route here for you. And if you are starting from the southern suburbs, our car hire in Rockingham puts you closer to many of the coastal drives before you even begin.
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Why a Rental Car Is the Best Way to See Perth and WA
Western Australia is vast, and its best attractions are spread out. Tour buses run to a handful of the big-name spots, but they lock you into fixed times, fixed stops and other people’s schedules. A rental car gives you the freedom to leave when you want, stop where you want and stay as long as you like.
Renting is also cheaper than most people expect. With a cheap car rental in Perth, a small hatchback for a day trip can cost less than two return train tickets once you factor in what you actually get to see. For families and groups, splitting the cost of one car makes it the most affordable way to explore by a wide margin.
If you want a full breakdown of daily pricing before you plan, our guide on how much a car rental costs per day in Perth walks through the numbers.
Day Trips from Perth (Under 1 Hour Drive)
These are the easy wins. Leave after breakfast, be home for dinner, and you barely need to plan. Perfect for a first rental day or a relaxed weekend.
Fremantle
Around 30 minutes south-west of the CBD, Fremantle (“Freo” to locals) is a historic port town packed with markets, breweries, street art and cafes. Park near the Fishing Boat Harbour, wander the heritage West End, and finish with fish and chips by the water. It is one of the most walkable day trips once you arrive, so any small car does the job.
Swan Valley
Perth’s oldest wine region sits only about 25 minutes north-east of the city. The Swan Valley is a loop of wineries, breweries, distilleries and produce stalls. Because it is so close, it is a favourite for a lazy day out. If you are drinking, make sure you have a designated driver, since Western Australia enforces a strict 0.05 blood alcohol limit.
Rockingham and Penguin Island
Roughly 45 minutes south of Perth, Rockingham offers calm swimming beaches and a short ferry to Penguin Island, home to a colony of little penguins. It is an ideal family day trip, and if you are already based nearby, our Rockingham rental car options get you on the road faster.
Mandurah
About an hour south, Mandurah is built around a network of canals and estuaries. Take a dolphin-spotting cruise, hire a boat, or just enjoy the foreshore. It pairs perfectly with the drive south past Baldivis, a route many of our Baldivis car rental customers take on weekends.
Half-Day to Full-Day Escapes (1 to 2.5 Hours)
A little more driving, a lot more reward. These trips are comfortable in a single day if you set off early.
The Pinnacles Desert (Nambung National Park)
Around two hours north of Perth via the scenic Indian Ocean Drive, the Pinnacles are thousands of limestone spires rising out of golden sand. It is one of WA’s most photographed landscapes. A sealed loop road lets you drive through the formations, so a standard car is fine, though the desert heat means you should carry plenty of water.
Wave Rock, Hyden
A longer haul at roughly 3.5 to 4 hours east, Wave Rock is a 15-metre-high granite formation shaped like a breaking wave. It is a big day out, so leave early and consider making it an overnight trip. For drives this long, a comfortable, fuel-efficient car pays off.
Dwellingup and the Forest
About 90 minutes south-east, Dwellingup is a small town surrounded by jarrah forest, walking and cycling trails, and white-water rafting on the Murray River. It is a refreshing change from the coast and rarely crowded.
Yanchep National Park
Under an hour north, Yanchep combines coastal scenery with limestone caves, koalas and bushwalking. It is an easy, affordable option that feels far more remote than the short drive suggests.
Weekend Road Trips from Perth (2.5+ Hours)
When you have two or three days, these are the drives worth committing to. A longer rental period usually brings the daily rate down, so ask about weekly deals before you book.
Margaret River Wine Region
Around three hours south, Margaret River is WA’s most famous getaway: world-class wineries, surf beaches, caves, forests and gourmet food. It genuinely deserves a full weekend. Base yourself in the town and explore the surrounding coast and cellar doors at your own pace.
Busselton and Dunsborough
On the way to Margaret River, Busselton is home to the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, while nearby Dunsborough offers calm bays perfect for swimming. Many travellers combine all three into one loop.
Geraldton and the Coral Coast
Roughly 4 to 4.5 hours north, Geraldton is the gateway to the Coral Coast. Nearby you will find the pink waters of Hutt Lagoon and access routes toward Kalbarri National Park. This is a proper adventure and best suited to a long weekend or more.
What Car Should You Rent for a WA Road Trip?
The right car depends on distance, group size and how much luggage you are hauling. Here is a simple way to choose.
Small and Economy Cars
For city day trips and short coastal runs, a small hatchback is the smartest choice. It is the cheapest to hire, the easiest to park in spots like Fremantle, and the most fuel-efficient. For one or two people, this is almost always the right call.
SUVs and Larger Cars
For families, groups, or longer drives with plenty of luggage, an SUV or larger sedan gives you the space and comfort to make the distance pleasant. On trips like Margaret River or Geraldton, the extra legroom is worth it.
Automatic vs Manual
Most drivers, and nearly all international visitors, prefer an automatic for long WA drives. It is simply less tiring on the highway. We keep a strong range of automatic car rentals available, so specify automatic when you book if that is your preference.
Tips for a Cheap Perth Road Trip
A few simple habits keep the cost of any road trip down without cutting into the fun.
Book the Right Size Car
Do not over-hire. A small car for a couple saves money on both the rental rate and fuel. Only step up to an SUV when you genuinely need the seats or the boot space.
Understand the Fuel Policy
The best value policy is full-to-full: you collect the car with a full tank and return it full, paying only for what you use. Fill up before you drop off to avoid inflated refuelling charges.
Get the Right Insurance Cover
On long WA drives, gravel, wildlife and stone chips are real risks. Understanding your excess and cover options before you leave saves stress later. Read through our car rental insurance guide so you know exactly what you are covered for.
Consider a Longer Hire for Longer Trips
If you are away for a week or planning several trips in a month, a longer booking usually lowers the daily rate. Our long-term car rental in Perth options are often far cheaper per day than booking each trip separately.
Know the WA Driving Rules
A few local rules are worth remembering before you set off on a longer drive.
Speed Limits and Blood Alcohol
Default urban limits are usually 50 km/h unless signed otherwise, with highways typically 100 to 110 km/h. Western Australia enforces a 0.05 blood alcohol limit, and country roads are patrolled.
Wildlife and Dusk Driving
Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk and are a genuine hazard on regional roads. Where possible, avoid long-distance driving in the hour around sunrise and sunset, and slow down through bush areas.
Distances and Fuel Stops
WA is big and towns can be far apart. On northern and eastern routes, fill up whenever you get the chance rather than waiting, and carry water in case of delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD for road trips around Perth?
No. Every destination in this guide is reachable on sealed roads in a standard car. You only need a 4WD for specific off-road or beach-driving adventures, which is a different type of trip.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Perth?
Booking around a week ahead usually secures a better rate, and it guarantees you get the size and transmission you want, especially automatics and larger cars during holidays and weekends.
Can I drive interstate or drop the car in another town?
Some rentals allow one-way or extended-region travel, but it depends on the terms and may carry a fee. Always confirm your travel plans with us before you book so we can set up the right agreement.
What is the cheapest way to do a Perth road trip?
Hire the smallest car that fits your group, choose a full-to-full fuel policy, and book for the whole trip rather than day by day. Start from our cheap car rental Perth homepage to compare current rates.
Ready to Hit the Road?
From a quick run to Fremantle to a full weekend in Margaret River, the right rental turns a good plan into a great trip. We offer clean, reliable, affordable vehicles with straightforward terms and no surprises.
Browse our range and lock in your dates at cheapcarrentalperth.com.au, or explore our Rockingham car hire if you are starting from the southern suburbs. Pick your car, plan your route, and go and see Western Australia the way it is meant to be seen.