3 West Australian Road Trips from Perth
Of the most isolated major cities on earth, Perth lies more than 2,000 kilometers from the next city with more than 100,000 inhabitants (which is Adelaide). Only Honolulu in Hawaii is more remote. Yet, despite, or maybe even thanks to, its isolation, Perth is one of the world’s most livable cities, a thriving multicultural metropolis boasting awesome beaches, great food, world-class nightlife and excellent museums. Perth is also a superb base to explore the southwestern part of Western Australia. Check out the following amazing West Australian road trips from Perth.
3 Amazing West Australian Road Trips from Perth
When you’re visiting Perth, you can head east, south or north. Each region has its very own characteristics, from caves and lighthouses to blindingly white beaches, wildlife and rock formations. No matter what you’re after, these three suggestions for road trips from Perth will certainly live up to your expectations.
Esperance
If beaches are what you’re after, Esperance is without question one of the best road trips from Perth. Located about eight hours by car to the southeast of Perth, Esperance boasts some of the whitest sand beaches in Australia. The views of the Recherche Archipelago are absolutely stunning, while more gorgeous nature is found at nearby Cape Le Grand National Park.
If you have time, consider taking the long way there and stop in Kalgoorlie, one of Australia’s most iconic gold mining towns.
Margaret River & Augusta
The southwestern corner of Western Australia is nothing short of breathtaking. This region’s variety attracts visitors of all kinds, from surfers and party-goers to hikers and wine lovers. There are a few interesting places in the area, all of which should be on your itinerary.
Margaret River is one of them, a surfing hotspot with more than its fair share of world-class wineries, epic beaches and superb restaurants. We recommend spending at least two days there before continuing toward Augusta. In Augusta, you can climb the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland, located at the edge of Cape Leeuwin overlooking the spot where the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean meet. The town is also a great location for whale watching.
Monkey Mia
Of all possible road trips from Perth, this is arguably the best one you can possibly do. In fact, this is one of the best road trips in all Australia. The fun coastal town of Monkey Mia lies nine hours north of Western Australia’s capital. There is, however, so much to see on the way that this particular road trip requires about a week.
Highlights include the spectacular white sand dunes in Lancelin and the otherworldly rock formations of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Another recommended stop is Hamelin Pool where you can see some of the oldest living organisms on earth. Monkey Mia, the end destination on this sensational drive, is home to a pod of friendly dolphins and offers fantastic sea kayaking, diving, wildlife watching and sunbathing.
Note that these are only three suggested road trips from Perth. There are many, mostly shorter, drives you can do, too. However, if you have about a week to spare, you can’t go wrong with any of these.