If you’re keen to escape from Perth this Easter long weekend, but not so keen to share your getaway with the thousands of other Perthites making their way down south, we’ve come to your rescue!
While we love Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River as much as the next person, we think it’s high time we start showing love to some other regions in Western Australia. We’ve got a lot to offer, including beautiful beaches, stunning forests, incredible views, Wheatbelt wonders and a whole lot of history.
Here are 7 totally doable road trips you should take this Easter Long Weekend.
Indian Ocean Drive
If you’ve only got a day to spend on frivolous fun this Easter long weekend why not make like a tourist and take the two and a bit hour drive up to the Pinnacles? Stop over in Lancelin along the way and log some cardio climbing up the biggest sand dunes in WA, before hopping back in the car and making your way up to Cervantes, home of the Pinnacles. Once you hit this limestone desert straight out of a sci-fi movie, you’ll want to slow down a little, taking the winding scenic drive and stopping along the way to take pictures of yourself like the good little tourist you are. When you’re done you can learn more about these limestone giants in the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre, or take the short drive up to the Cervantes town centre for a dip in the ocean and to stock up on refreshments (obviously!), before making the journey home.
MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHTER
If you’re heading up to the Pinnacles and are keen to have a mini-break while you’re there you can spend a few nights at Jurien Bay, Lancelin or Ledge Point. If you’re one of the lucky few to have access to a boat, Jurien Bay is for you, otherwise there’s killer four-wheel-driving in Lancelin and lots of relaxation to be had at Ledge Point.
Bickley Valley And Carmel Wine Trail
If the idea of a long drive doesn’t float your boat, adventure isn’t very far from your doorstep in Perth. Just 45 minutes in fact. The Perth Hills encompasses Mundaring and Kalamunda and offers a whole lot in the way of beautiful views, scenic drives and wineries. Once you’ve made it to the top of the hill via Welshpool Road, allow for your ears to pop and make your way to the Bickley Valley and Carmel Wine Trail. Along with lots of delicious wine, you’ll get to experience the forests, wildlife, waterfalls and creeks that make the Hills so special. If cider is your thing, you’ll want to make a beeline for CORE Cider House in Pickering Brook and don’t forget to make a stop at Lesmurdie Falls and take in the view before you leave.
MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHTER
Live it up in the lap of luxury at Hidden Valley Eco Lodges & Day Spa in Pickering Brook. This eco retreat, hidden among the Jarrah trees of the Perth hills offers spa treatments and packages which will have you feeling renewed in no time at all.
Swan Valley Food And Wine Trail
For more adventure, wine and stunning scenery right on your doorstep, head to the Swan Valley. Follow the 32 kilometre scenic loop of the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. We recommend stopping at Mandoon Estate, Feral Brewing Company, the Margaret River Chocolate Factory and Sitella. More of a spirits drinker? Give the region’s new distillery trail a go and sip through some top notch gins. And a round of Supa Golf wouldn’t go astray either after all that drinking and dining.
MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHTER
Even though it would be quite easy to drive the 25 minutes back to Perth, you might not want to after spending the day wining and dining, so we recommend lodging for the night at either the Rose & Crown in Guilford or The Vines.
Great Northern Highway
Wake up a little earlier than normal and set off on Great Northern Highway towards Toodyay where you can stop for breakfast. While you’re there you can check out the Newcastle Gaol and Connor’s Mill. Then take the 30-minute journey to the wheat belt town Goomalling to get a little taste of country life. Don’t be afraid to meander off the main road and explore the olive groves and lavender fields the region has to offer. Make your way south to Northam where you’ll finally get to see the Avon River, as well as Australia’s longest suspension bridge. Grab lunch and stretch your legs before an afternoon making stops at York and Brookton, then make your way back to Perth along Brookton Highway.
MAKE IT AN OVERNIGHTER
Drive directly to New Norcia and spend the night in the historic New Norcia Hotel. Wake up nice and early the next morning to enjoy the crisp country air before heading to Salvado Roadhouse Cafe for a bite to eat. Don’t forget to drop by the museum gift shop at the Monastery to pick up some goodies for the ride home (i.e. the famous nut cake). Then make your way through Toodyay, Northam, York and Brookton before heading home.
Hotham Way Drive Trail
Enjoy a 120 kilometre scenic drive along Albany Highway until you get to the Hotham Way Trail. First you’ll pass through the Wheatbelt town of Wandering where you can take in the historic buildings in town, stop by Pumphreys Bridge and explore the Dryandra Woodland, which is home to Barna Mia animal sanctuary’s nocturnal tours. Follow the trail towards the coast past Boddington, check out the town and then make your way to Dwellingup for an overnight stay at Dwell Cottage.
South-Western Highway
While the whole of Perth heads to Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River, why not be a little different and take a road trip along South Western Highway. For this trip you are going to want to stay overnight, as it’s a little further than most of the others, but that’s not a big deal because the south-west has a whole lot to offer when it comes to accommodation. Take a two-hour journey down the Kwinana Freeway and Forrest Highway before veering off towards Donnybrook. Spend some time exploring Gnomesville (yes, it’s actually home to garden gnomes), the Golden Valley Tree Park and Wellington Dam. Hop back in the car for another hour to get to Manjimup where you can check out Diamond Tree, a giant Karri which you can climb, The Truffle & Wine Co. and the 100-year-old forest. When you’re ready to settle in for the night take a 30-minute trip along the Vasse Highway to Pemberton and stay the night at Mundstone Spa Retreat and enjoy a drop-dead gorgeous outdoor spa moment.
Collie
Home to picturesque lakes and hiking trails, the Shire of Collie is located roughly two hours south (and ever so slightly east) of Perth so we suggest setting up camp for the night so you don’t have to rush home. After you’ve pitched your tent, refuel with a coffee and bite to eat at the iconic Wagon 537 tucked away in a restored railway wagon in Collie’s Central Park. Then head to bucket list locations like Black Diamond Lake or Stockton Lake and enjoy a day lazing by the oh so Instagrammable crisp turquoise waters (BYO pool inflatables if you want the ultimate snap). For more of a hiking adventure, Wellington National Park will provide the views with a huge variety of walks and trails to suss out. As to where to rest your head for the night, there are heaps of great camp sites. If you get down early enough, you can set up right on the water’s edge at Stockton Lake—with no reservations, it’s first come, first served. Other top spots include Honeymoon Pool, Lake Kepwari, and Potter’s Gorge; just be sure to book ahead for these ones. Once you've packed up, swing by Harris River Estate Winery and enjoy a glass of vino over lunch before you head home.
Not lucky enough to get away this Easter? Here’s Perth’s Best Secret Swimming Spots to help you pass the time!
Image Credit: Jakub Michankow
