It happens every winter. Like clockwork, our Instagram feeds begin the annual descent into Aperol-induced envy: friends on sailing trips around Croatia, long-lost cousins on winery tours in the south of France, and internet strangers twirling plates of pasta in Puglia.
The pull of a mid-year trip seems to get stronger as the Celsius drops, but there’s a silver lining to staying grounded. Western Australia has plenty of places that tap into the same luxe escapism as a Euro summer, with just as many white-sand beaches, rolling vineyards and countryside charm to scratch the itch—all only a road trip away from the city.
In partnership with Europcar, we’re bringing the best of Europe closer to home with a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, Greece Croatia and beyond. Because exploring your own backyard in a freshly hired whip can be just as fun as adventuring abroad.
Coral Coast
Distance from Perth: 5–12 hours | 400–1100km
Cliffside drives, seafood so fresh it tasted like it jumped straight from the Amalfi onto your plate, and endless ocean views. If you swap cobblestones with reef sharks and Aperitivo with eskies, the Coral Coast starts looking a lot like Southern Italy.
Starting in Cervantes and ending in Exmouth, this stunning stretch of coastline is a playground for Perth’s road-tripping, wave-chasing, snorkel-slinging adventurers. There’s surf, sunsets and red rock gorges year round, but visit between late-March and late-July and you might just find yourself swimming alongside the gentle, giant whale sharks of Ningaloo Reef.
Pull over in Kalbarri for a sunrise hike through the ancient gorges, then reward yourself with a beer and seafood feast at Finlay’s, the open-air laid-back hot spot just a few blocks back from the beach. Further north, book a stay at Sal Salis and wake up in a luxury eco-tent with the ocean at your door and sand dunes behind you.
Swan Valley
Distance from Perth: 25 minutes | 25km
WA’s Swan Valley is a quiet overachiever. With vineyards, cheese, rolling hills and countless cellar doors made for long lunches in the sunshine, it may sound like a countryside dream in Western Europe, but it’s all waiting just a 25-minute drive from the city.
Make Willing Coffee Guildford your first roadie stop for a caffeine hit before cruising between world-class wineries. Wander your way through Sandalford Wines, have a bite to eat at The Tapas Bar, and sample more local drops at Lancaster Wines.
If you’ve still got fuel in the tank, stay for a next-level lunch at Old Young’s Kitchen and Distillery. Kangaroo tartare, wattleseed damper, and their signature Pavlova Sour will convert even the most jaded city-dweller.
Then, when you’re ready to call it a day, park up at Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate for a night among the vines.
Serpentine Falls
Distance from Perth: 1 hour | 55km
You don’t need to jet off to Croatia to chase waterfalls. Surrounded by bushland and granite cliffs, Serpentine Falls is a natural beauty with that same inland Euro magic but, crucially, without the crowds, currency exchange and seven-hour layover.
We’re not necessarily saying that it’s better than Plitvice, but entry is free and all you need is four wheels to experience it. Pack the car up with a picnic and spend the day swimming in the natural pool, scrambling across the boulders and exploring the Serpentine National Park.
All that exploring earns a well-deserved feast. Book in for a long, seasonal lunch at Millbrook Winery where almost everything on the plate is grown in their stunning on-site garden. Or grab a pub meal at the recently reopened Serpentine Falls Tavern for something a little more casual.
Esperance
Distance from Perth: 7.5 hours | 720km
Space, silence, and sand so white it’s almost blinding, Esperance has that Greek Islands energy that you usually need a ferry to find. Instead, pack the car and cruise down south of WA to find a stretch of coast that feels plucked from a Paros postcard, with unspoilt beaches, squeaky white sand and impressive natural rocks for cliff jumping into the crystal clear water.
Beyond the natural stunners of Esperance, there’s plenty to keep you busy and satiated. Start your road trip with an organic cup of Joe from the team at Downtown Espresso Bar before sampling a different kind of local brew at Lucky Bay Brewing. As the sun sinks into the Southern Ocean, park the car and snag a table at Fish Face before spending a night in the secluded Esperance Chalet Village.
Perth Hills
Distance from Perth: 45 minutes | 35km
Despite being less than an hour's drive out of town, the Perth Hills feel worlds away from the city. One minute, you’re navigating roundabouts in the suburbs, and the next, you’re winding through olive groves, roadside orchards and rolling hills that could pass for Portugal with a little imagination.
Set your car's GPS for Bickley, a criminally underrated valley with some of the best boutique wineries in the state. Fairbrossen, Myattsfield and Plume Estate all deserve a spot on your itinerary. More of a cider sort of person? Core Cider, Roleystone Brewing Co. and Carmel Cider Co aren’t far away, while the Cheese Shop will give you your fromage fix.
Food and drink aside, it’s a wildflower wonderland from later winter through spring, and a stunning spot for a nature fix year-round. Wrap the day with a tour at the Perth Observatory and see the night sky like never before, then wind down with a rejuvenating, relaxing stay at Hidden Valley Eco Lodges & Day Spa.
Ready to hit the road? Head to Europcar to book your car hire.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Europcar and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Images: Urban List.