10 Places to Visit in Perth on a One-Week Road Trip
Explore Perth on a road trip! You can follow this route that gathers the best attractions to visit – including Lancelin Sand Dunes, the Pinnacles, Kalbarri National Park and more.
Perth may be known for its relaxed city life, beautiful beaches and spectacular sunsets, but some of Western Australia’s most memorable landscapes begin beyond the metropolitan area.
Head north and the scenery changes quickly. White sand dunes rise behind quiet fishing towns, thousands of limestone pillars emerge from the desert and the coastline stretches towards pink lagoons and ancient river gorges.
This route can be completed in approximately one week if you are comfortable with long drives and early starts. However, adding another day or two will give you more time in Kalbarri and reduce the need to rush back towards Perth. Western Australia’s official Indian Ocean Drive itinerary alone covers more than 1,200 kilometres over five days.
Here are ten places to visit on a road trip from Perth.
1. Perth City
Spend the first day or two enjoying Perth before heading north.
Explore Kings Park and Botanic Garden for sweeping views across the city and Swan River, then continue towards Elizabeth Quay, Northbridge or the Perth Cultural Centre. Kings Park is one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and showcases an extensive collection of Western Australian plants.
For time by the ocean, head to Cottesloe Beach, where grassy slopes, Norfolk pines, cafes and restaurants overlook the water. You can also photograph the Crawley Edge Boatshed or arrange a ferry trip to Rottnest Island.
Consider splitting your Perth sightseeing between the beginning and end of the road trip. After several days behind the wheel, a slow final afternoon beside the river or beach will feel especially rewarding.
2. Lancelin Sand Dunes
Around 90 minutes north of Perth, the Lancelin Sand Dunes provide the road trip’s first major dose of adventure.
The vast white dune system stretches for approximately two kilometres behind the town and is considered the largest of its kind in Western Australia. Climb to the top for views across the surrounding farmland, coastline and township before sandboarding down the steep slopes.
Sandboards can be reserved through local operators, but rental prices vary. Arrange yours before reaching the dunes.
The dunes are exposed, so bring water, sun protection and eye protection on windy days. Allow at least one or two hours if you plan to sandboard.
3. The Pinnacles Desert
Continue north towards Nambung National Park, where thousands of limestone formations rise from the yellow sands of the Pinnacles Desert.
You can follow the 4.5-kilometre one-way driving trail through the formations, stopping at designated bays along the way, or explore on foot using the 1.6-kilometre Desert View Walk Trail. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre provides more information about the landscape’s geology and cultural heritage.
A national-park entry fee applies, so do not treat the Pinnacles as a free roadside attraction. Wildlife may occasionally appear around the park, but kangaroo sightings should not be presented as guaranteed.
Visit in the late afternoon for warmer light across the limestone pillars, but leave enough time to reach your accommodation before dark.
4. Cervantes Beach
Cervantes is much more than a convenient place to sleep after visiting the Pinnacles.
The coastal town is closely connected to Western Australia’s rock-lobster industry and offers beaches, fishing, swimming and seafood experiences. The Lobster Shack remains one of its best-known stops, offering fresh Western rock lobster and behind-the-scenes tours of its processing facility.
Rather than waiting around the jetty for fishing boats, spend the afternoon beside the water or visit nearby Lake Thetis, where a boardwalk provides views of ancient thrombolites.
Cervantes has a wider choice of accommodation, holiday facilities and places to eat than the original description suggests, making it a practical overnight base before continuing north.
5. Dongara
The twin towns of Dongara and Port Denison offer more than somewhere to refuel.
Separated by the Irwin River, the towns combine heritage buildings, river trails, beaches and an active fishing marina. Port Denison is also a popular destination for recreational fishing, surfing, paddleboarding and other water sports.
Stretch your legs along the Irwin Heritage River Trail, stop at South Beach or enjoy an early seafood lunch overlooking the marina.
You may still want to use Dongara as a short stop on the way to Geraldton, but there is enough here to justify a slower morning or even an overnight stay.
6. Geraldton
Geraldton is the largest regional city along this section of the Coral Coast and provides a useful base before visiting Port Gregory and Kalbarri.
Stock up on fuel and supplies, but leave time to explore the city itself. Geraldton’s centre is filled with cafes, public art and galleries, while the Museum of Geraldton tells the story of the Mid West’s people, coastline and maritime heritage.
You can also visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, relax along the foreshore or plan a longer excursion to the Abrolhos Islands.
Mobile coverage and services become less consistent beyond major towns, so Geraldton remains a sensible place to check your vehicle, download offline maps and prepare for the journey ahead.
7. Gregory (Pink Lake)
The journey from Geraldton to Gregory takes about an hour and 10 minutes.
Hutt Lagoon is just over an hour north of Geraldton and approximately 40 minutes south of Kalbarri, making it an easy stop between the two.
View the lagoon from public roadside areas and take extra care when pulling over. A scenic flight from Geraldton or Kalbarri offers the best perspective of its size and changing colours.
8. Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri is the natural highlight of the road trip and deserves at least one full day.
The national park protects dramatic river gorges, red sandstone formations and a rugged stretch of coastal cliffs. Its best-known sites include Nature’s Window, Z Bend, Ross Graham Lookout and the coastal lookouts around Red Bluff, Island Rock and Natural Bridge.
Do not miss Kalbarri Skywalk. Its two cantilevered platforms extend above the Murchison River gorge at a height of around 100 metres.
Serious hikers can tackle the nine-kilometre Loop Trail, but conditions in the gorge can become dangerously hot. From November to March, the trail closes after 7am, and temperatures may reach 50°C. Carry plenty of water and check current park alerts before setting out.
Stay overnight in Kalbarri instead of driving back to Port Gregory after a full day in the park. It reduces unnecessary backtracking and gives you time to enjoy the town’s river mouth and coastline.
9. Fremantle
After returning to the Perth region, spend a slower day exploring Fremantle.
The historic port city combines heritage buildings, museums, independent shops, cafes and a lively arts scene. Fremantle Prison, the WA Maritime Museum and the waterfront around Fishing Boat Harbour provide more than enough for a full day.
Plan your visit between Friday and Sunday if you want to explore Fremantle Markets. The Yard opens from 8am, while the main Hall opens from 9am, with both generally trading until 6pm. The market also opens on Monday public holidays.
10. Caversham Wildlife Park
Complete the trip with an Australian wildlife encounter at Caversham Wildlife Park inside Whiteman Park.
The park is home to around 2,000 animals representing approximately 200 species. Experiences normally include the kangaroo walk-through, koala encounters, wombat presentations, penguin feeding, a farm show and Molly’s Farm.
As of June 2026, kangaroo feeding is temporarily unavailable. Visitors can still enter the enclosure and walk among the kangaroos and wallabies, but check the latest update before promising children that they will be able to feed them.
Caversham is open from 9am to 4.30pm daily except Christmas Day, with last entry at 3.30pm. The park recommends allowing at least three hours, so it is better treated as a proper half-day visit than a quick stop immediately before a flight.
Also read: 8 Things You Must Do for a Memorable Experience in Perth
This route reveals how quickly Western Australia changes once you leave Perth behind. Within a few days, you can move from city beaches to white dunes, limestone deserts, quiet fishing towns, pink water and towering river gorges.
A week is possible, but it will involve several long driving days. Add another night in Kalbarri or Geraldton when your schedule allows, avoid driving after dark and check park alerts, road conditions and fuel stops before each major leg.
Take your time, share the driving and enjoy the sense of space. On a Western Australian road trip, the journey between the attractions can be every bit as memorable as the stops themselves.
About Author
Mirabelle is an avid tea lover with an extreme fervency to travel and work on anything visual. Apart from doing photography, designing and writing, she spends most of her idle time hunting for delectable cuisine and planning her next venture. Always armed with a camera in hand, she writes for the ink that lives in the back of her throat. She also (unashamedly) plays dota 2.