Intro: Welcome to Perth — Australia’s Laid-Back Launchpad
Ah, Perth. The most remote capital city in the world. But don’t let the distance fool you — WA’s sun-drenched capital is the perfect base for road-tripping bliss. With jaw-dropping coastline, quirky inland towns, and world-class wine regions all within reach, it’s one of the best places to grab a hire car and chase the horizon.
Here’s your ultimate guide to car-based adventures in and around Perth — from half-day beach breaks to full-blown multi-day escapes. Whether you’re flying in for a conference or kicking off a big west coast roadie, this guide will help you make the most of your rental wheels.
Start Here: Pick Up Your Ride at Redspot Perth Airport
Touching down at Perth Airport? Redspot’s Perth Airport location is ready to roll with everything from compact cars to rugged SUVs. You’re out of the terminal and onto open roads within minutes — no city-centre headaches or taxi queues.
If you’re planning to drive beyond city limits, we recommend an SUV or 4WD — especially for gravel detours, country roads, and a bit of off-the-bitumen adventure.
Short Trips from Perth (Under 2 Hours)
1. Lancelin & The Pinnacles Desert
Distance: 200 km round trip
Driving Time: 2 hours each way
Best For: Sandboarding, surreal landscapes, day trips
Leave Perth in the rear-view mirror and head north to Lancelin, WA’s legendary dune town. Rent a sandboard and carve up some powdery white dunes before continuing to the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park — a mind-bending moonscape of limestone spires rising from golden sands.
Pro Tip: Go at sunrise or sunset for the best photos and smallest crowds.
2. Fremantle & Cottesloe Beach
Distance: ~40 km round trip
Driving Time: 1 hour
Best For: Laid-back vibes, art, history, beach hangs
You don’t need to go far to enjoy the best of WA. Fremantle is Perth’s hipster cousin — home to markets, craft breweries, indie bookshops, and one of the best preserved 19th-century port towns in the world. Grab a coffee, visit the old prison, and head to Cottesloe Beach for a swim with million-dollar views.
Must Try: Fish and chips at Kailis or Little Creatures beer by the sea.
3. Swan Valley Wine & Food Trail
Distance: 60 km round trip
Driving Time: 45 mins
Best For: Foodies, families, lazy Sundays
Australia’s second-oldest wine region is right on Perth’s doorstep. Swan Valley packs in more than 150 attractions within a compact area — wineries, breweries, chocolate factories, and cheese shops. It’s ideal for those who want indulgence without the big drive.
Bonus: It’s also kid-friendly with animal farms and nature trails.
Weekend Escapes (2–4 Hours)
4. Margaret River – WA’s Wine Country Icon
Distance: ~280 km
Driving Time: 3–3.5 hours
Best For: Gourmet escapes, wineries, surfers, beachgoers
World-class wine. World-famous waves. Dramatic coastlines. Margaret River is the poster child of WA’s road trips — and rightly so. With over 200 wineries, epic surfing spots, and limestone caves, it’s a perfect two-day (or five-day) escape.
Must Do:
- Wine tasting at Voyager Estate or Leeuwin
- Explore Jewel Cave or Lake Cave
- Enjoy sunset at Surfer’s Point in Prevelly
- Visit Boranup Forest for Insta-worthy tree shots
Tip: Book accommodation early — this region fills up fast in peak season.
5. New Norcia & Toodyay – WA’s Quirky Inland Loop
Distance: ~350 km round trip
Driving Time: 4 hours total
Best For: History buffs, unusual road trips, countryside charm
If you want a real “only-in-WA” experience, drive inland to New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town. Founded by Spanish Benedictine monks in the 1800s, it’s a weirdly wonderful blend of European architecture, Indigenous heritage, and complete serenity.
Loop back via Toodyay, a quaint heritage town nestled in the Avon Valley. Great for scones, antiques, and lazy walks.
6. Bunbury & Busselton Coastal Combo
Distance: ~400 km round trip
Driving Time: ~4 hours total
Best For: Jetty strolls, dolphin spotting, relaxed pace
Need a mix of nature and relaxation? Bunbury offers dolphin encounters and a beach town vibe. Head further south to Busselton, home to the Southern Hemisphere’s longest timber jetty (take the little train to the end!). Great for families or travellers looking to unwind by the sea.
Want to extend the trip? Keep driving to Dunsborough and Yallingup for pristine beaches and luxury stays.
Multi-Day Adventure: The Epic Coral Coast Road Trip
Route: Perth → Geraldton → Kalbarri → Monkey Mia → Coral Bay → Exmouth
Distance: ~1,250 km one way
Driving Time: 14–16 hours total
Duration: 7–10 days ideal
This is WA’s answer to the East Coast’s Great Ocean Road — but longer, wilder, and often less crowded. The Coral Coast Highway is a road trip for the ages, packed with red cliffs, turquoise waters, and bucket list wildlife.
Top Stops:
- Geraldton: Windsurfing capital with beachy charm
- Kalbarri National Park: The Instagram-famous Nature’s Window
- Shark Bay & Monkey Mia: Say hi to the dolphins
- Coral Bay: Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef
- Exmouth: Swim with whale sharks (seasonal)
Tip: Ask Redspot about one-way rentals — you can fly back from Exmouth or Carnarvon if needed.
Car Rental Tips for Perth & WA
✅ Fuel Up When You Can
Distances can be deceptive in WA. Once you’re beyond the metro zone, fuel stops are few and far between.
✅ Choose the Right Car
A compact is great for Fremantle and Swan Valley, but anything outside Perth — especially Margaret River or Coral Coast — is smoother with an SUV or 4WD.
✅ Avoid Night Driving in Remote Areas
Kangaroos and emus don’t follow road rules. Stick to daylight travel once you’re inland or up north.
✅ Book Early in Peak Seasons
WA’s school holidays, long weekends, and summer months (Dec–Feb) can be hectic. Lock in your rental car ahead of time — especially if you need extras like baby seats.
Conclusion: Perth Isn’t the End of the Line – It’s the Beginning of an Epic Drive
Whether you’re in town for a couple of days or kicking off an epic cross-state adventure, Perth is the ultimate launchpad for road travel in WA. From the vineyards of Margaret River to the alien beauty of Kalbarri and the chilled streets of Fremantle, there’s a destination for every kind of traveller — and a rental car for every kind of journey.
🔗 Ready to Explore WA by Car?
Book your Redspot car rental in Perth today and unlock the best of the west, one road at a time.