Daytripping in Perth: a how to guide

lastminute lovely Angela goes west and gives us her top five must visit spots for a visit to Perth.

As the largest state in OZ, WA has a lot on offer, and a lot of land to cross before you get there. For those of us willing to make the trip and explore the West Coast, there are some truly great rewards.
Sticking to Perth as my base, these are my top five must visit destinations:

1. Rottnest Island
You can’t go to WA and not do a day trip to Rotto.
The Rottnest Express departs daily from Perth and Fremantle and takes about 30 minutes. Bike riding is THE thing to do here. You can hire bikes on the island (but if you want to save a few pennies, hire the bikes in Perth, and take them on the ferry with you).

The landscape is just beautiful, made up of luscious green rolling hills and water so blue you’d think you were in the Caribbean.

It’s about a 20 kilometre ride around the whole island, but stopping along the way to take a photo, go for a swim, spot a Quokka, and go snorkelling you will hardly notice. There’s also a shuttle bus and a mini train that will get you around.

What’s a a Quokka you ask? These cute fuzzy little things are in abundance on the island, and even manage to sneak into the cafes every now and then. My best description would be a cross between a possum and a wallaby. There are massive fines for feeding them, but most are quite happy to sit there while you strike a pose.

There are limited options on the island for dining, but Aristos is great spot for lunch. Right on the waterfront it’s a great place to refuel (just be prepared for island prices).

Lobster and Champers? Yes please!

2. Fremantle
Freo, as the locals call it, is super trendy and a great spot to spend the day.
The funky suburb is about 30 minutes drive from Perth CBD and is well worth a visit. The eclectic port town is the home of the Freemantle Dockers and you can catch a game at the Fremantle Oval on Parry Street.
If sport is not your thing, check out one of the many awesome fish and chips shops by the harbour along Mews Road.

Another must-do on Mews road is a visit to the Little Creatures Brewery for a tasting of the local cider and beers. There is also great food here and its family friendly too.

If you’re still hungry for another nibble or two check out the Fremantle Markets. Open Friday to Sunday, the markets sell food, jewellery, home wares and everything in between.

There’s some great public art spotted around Freo

If the sunshine is getting you hot and bothered, then take a dip in the harbour. Sydneysiders may cringe at the thought, but Freo Harbour is actually really clean and is a perfect antidote to drinking one too many beers in the sun.

Freo Harbour

As the sun goes down it’s time for more food and a great place for dinner is Monk.

Monk Brewery & Kitchen is on South Terrace in the heart of Freo. They have great live music – think cool jazz played by a band of cute 20-somethings.

They have nightly specials, the $15 pizzas on Thursday are a bargain! And if you’re in the mood for more beer, try one of their own, brewed on-site. A tasting paddle is a great way to try all the beers on tap and find your favourite.

If a bit of a boogie is on the cards, the Sail and Anchor has your live pub band, or head to Metropolis Fremantle for a more club vibe.

3. Pinnacles
The Pinnacles, a wonder of the world, and only a two and a half hour drive from the Perth CBD.

One of the most unique landscapes you will ever, yeah that’s right EVER, see. The ancient limestone rock formations scatter the red sandy earth and it seriously feels like you could be on the moon.

Once you pay your entry fee you are free to roam; there’s a walking track or you can drive around the site (no 4WD necessary). You can get up close to the formations themselves and there’s a great lookout over the Nambung National Park.

There’s a visitors centre and gift shop on site but for food your best bet is the seaside town of Lancelin. Internationally known for its windsurfing, it’s a good pit-stop on your way to the Pinnacles (and the fish and chips aren’t too bad either).

Keep you eyes peeled; you might spot an Emu along the way!

4. Swan Valley
The original wine region of WA, the Swan Valley is 20 minutes from the Perth CBD and great for a day trip.

Cycling is a great option for transport around the Valley as there are new bike paths throughout and you can ride just a portion and still have lots to do.

Whether you are driving or riding, you can pick up a map from the Swan Valley Visitor Centre that you can base your own tour around, or alternatively you can join a tour group from the Perth CBD.

The Valley is really easy to navigate, and there’s a lot to drink and eat along the way including wineries, distilleries, breweries, coffee, cheese and the list goes on! There is a wide range of local produce and vineyards in the area, ranging from the 2,000 acre Sandalford winery to more boutique options such as the quaint Windarra Honey.

Yahava Koffee Works, worth a visit to get that pep back into your step!

The wall of chocolate at the Margaret River Chocolate Factory…yum!

If nibbling doesn’t fill you up then a great option for lunch or dinner is the Rose and Crown. The oldest hotel in Western Australia, and now refurbished throughout (but still with a rustic charm), this is an ideal spot to relax after a long day.

5. Cottesloe Beach
Perth’s most famous beach, and just 20 minutes from Perth’s CBD, it’s THE beach to visit while in Perth. Birthplace of supermodel Megan Gale, Cottes has it all; sun, celebrity and style.

A kayak, surf or paddle-board at the beach is a must; you can book in a lesson here.

There are also lots of great cafes and pubs around, but you can’t beat cocktails and a share platter from Indiana Tea House. Located right on the beach, Indiana is the perfect spot to breathe in the fresh sea air without getting your feet wet.

Not to mention to see the beautiful sunset over the beach. For us east-coasters this is a real treat, and even though it happens every day the sight of it never gets old.