What are the best day trips from Perth in winter? We’ll go through them all in this thorough guide!
Are you looking for a perfect winter getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of Perth?
Perth is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Australia and makes for an ideal holiday destination all year round.
The winter temperatures are a lot milder than elsewhere in the world (trust me, I’m writing this as a Brit!), but if the weather isn’t too kind during your stay there, or you don’t fancy spending all day lazing on the beach in the cooler winter weather, you might be wondering what are the best day trips from Perth in winter?
From exploring the vineyards of Margaret River to cruising around Rottnest Island by bike; here are some of the best day trips from Perth during winter!
The best day trips from Perth in winter
From the many vineyards of Margaret River, to popular spots like Rottnest Island without the crowds, to the charismatic Western Australian towns and villages with plenty of indoor attractions, there are so many alluring day trips from Perth in the winter season!
Margaret River
Margaret River is a prime Western Australia tourist destination all year round.
With a mild climate, a range of wineries and pristine beaches, there’s so much to do here whatever the weather!
This area is popular for surfing, mountain biking, vineyards and hiking – just to name a few!
The diverse landscape offers stunning views of rolling hills and green pastures surrounded by rugged cliffs.
While there are plenty of outdoor activities in Margaret River, if you’re visiting in winter when the weather isn’t so kind, I have two words for you: wine tour.
Margaret River wine region is one of the most significant wine-producing regions in Australia.
It has been rated as having some of the best-tasting wines and has won several awards in international wine competitions.
The Margaret River is home to many wineries that produce a wide range of styles from red, white and rose wines to sparkling, fortified and even dessert wines.
Varying climates in the region make winemaking conditions perfect for many types of grape varieties used for a variety of reds and whites.
Visitors can visit a variety of different wineries located across the beautiful Margaret River landscape and experience firsthand why this region produces some of Australia’s most award-winning wines.
How to get to Margaret River
You can have a private Margaret River tour with King Minibus Charter Perth. They offer all sorts of tour and charter services throughout Perth and Western Australia – wherever you want to go, they’ll take you!
This is particularly useful in the Margaret River region because they can take you from vineyard to vineyard – so you don’t have to have a designated driver!
Fremantle
The city of Fremantle in Western Australia is a fantastic place to visit during the winter months – here you’ll find bustling cafes, markets and beaches.
During, winter temperatures can drop to as low as 9 degrees Celsius, and the rainy season starts in May.
Despite the chilly weather, there are many things to explore in the town including the iconic Maritime Museum and the famous Fremantle Markets.
Sitting just half an hour from Perth, Fremantle is almost a suburb of the city, but many passionate Fremantlians argue that it is very much a destination in its own right!
Summer may be peak tourist season for Fremantle, with tourists frequenting the beaches and nature spots, but winter offers a quieter more tranquil atmosphere for visitors wanting a slower pace.
How to get there
Fremantle is well-connected to Perth, with the Transperth rail links spanning to the town from Perth city centre. You can also self-drive or do a private tour with King Mini Bus Charter Tours.
York
If the weather isn’t too kind when you’re in Perth and you want to visit somewhere that’s pleasant in rain and sunshine, head to York, which is past the Perth Hills and into the countryside.
The first inland European settlement in Western Australia, York is known for its historic buildings and relaxed atmosphere.
With local markets offering fresh products, independent shops and gorgeous art galleries, there’s plenty to enjoy in York in the winter months.
How to get there
York is a 1 hour 20 minute drive inland from Perth; you can either self-drive or take a King Mini Bus Charter bus to reach the town.
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its stunning natural beauty.
The desert consists of massive limestone forms amidst yellow and white sand dunes that create an ethereal landscape. You’ll feel like you’re walking on Mars when you visit!
The great thing about the Pinnacles is that, as they’re situated in a desert, precipitation is low. In the winter months, the weather can be a bit chillier – but as long as you remember to pull on a coat, you’ll be able to see them comfortably!
On your way back to Perth, call into Yanchep. This is a scenic national park that’s famous for having the only koalas in Western Australia.
They aren’t native to this side of the country – they stay in a forest here due to eucalyptus being grown here – but it’s a great way to see the adorable creatures in a semi-natural environment.
Yanchep National Park is open year-round and has some lovely walks that are just as beautiful in the cooler months.
How to get to The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles is about a two hour drive from Perth, and if you don’t have your own vehicle you can take advantage of a King Mini Bus Charter bus, who provide a Perth to Pinnacles charter tour bus service.
Rottnest Island
Located in the Indian Ocean, some 30 kilometres from the coast of Perth, Rottnest Island is a stunning Iceland destination like no other.
Boasting turquoise waters, diverse wildlife and an abundance of activities both on land and sea, it’s the perfect spot for adventurers of all ages to explore!
From exploring the white sand beaches, to playing golf, cycling around the island or visiting historic attractions such as Wadjemup Lighthouse or The Basin, there’s something to suit everyone on Rottnest.
Rottnest Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia year-round, but winter is particularly special.
During winter months, the island enjoys cooler temperatures far fewer crowds, making it all the more inviting.
If you want to take in the, which can make outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling (the best way to get around the island) seem more enjoyable.
hiking or cycling trails, the winter months are much cooler than the sweltering summer. You can still enjoy the stunning beaches, but you’ll be fighting far fewer tourists to see them!
I wouldn’t recommend visiting Rottnest on a rainy day in winter (it’s very exposed), but don’t worry if the weather is a little cooler – you might not be able to jump in the sea, but there’s plenty to explore on land!
How to get there
You’ll need to take a boat over to Rottnest Island (the Rottnest Express) from Fremantle. These take about 25 minutes, or you can take a boat from Perth which takes about 45 minutes. Be sure to book your ticket in advance and double check the times.
The best Perth winter day trips!
It might be colder in Perth in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean that the capital of Western Australia isn’t worth visiting! Not only are there plenty of museums and indoor attractions in the city, but there’s also an abundance of day trips in the winter months.
Whether you want to see the best towns and villages close to Perth or go hiking in stunning national parks, there’s so much on offer in Perth in the winter. And, if it gets too cold, you can always head up the coast to see tropical Western Australia – I did a trip north that finished in beautiful Broome!
