3 Days in Perth before your Campervan Road-Trip

Perth might be Australia's most underrated city break. Sunnier than Sydney, more laid-back than Melbourne, and sitting at the gateway to some of the world's most spectacular road trip country — it's the perfect warm-up act before you hit the open road in a campervan or motorhome.

Most campervan depots in Perth are located near the airport, so the handover is seamless: spend a few days exploring the city, then return your hire car and pick up your rig in one easy stop. Here's how to make the most of three days in Perth before you go.

Start where almost every Perth visitor starts — and for good reason. Kings Park and Botanic Garden is one of the largest inner-city parks in the world, covering over 400 hectares overlooking the city skyline and the Swan River. It's free, open every day, and the views alone are worth the detour.

• Lotterywest Federation Walkway — a treetop bridge through the bushland canopy. Allow 30–40 minutes.
• Western Australian Botanic Garden — over 3,000 species of WA native plants, including wildflowers that transform the park in spring (August–October). The Law Walk and Bushland Nature Trail are the best spots.
• Honour Avenue — the avenue of trees planted in memory of WA soldiers from World War I. A moving and beautiful walk.
• Sunset from Fraser Avenue — stay until golden hour. The sky over the city and river is extraordinary.

From Kings Park, head down into the CBD. Murray Street and Hay Street malls are good for an afternoon wander, and the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge — home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum — is worth an hour or two if you're interested in Indigenous art and the state's natural history.

Book a full day for Rottnest Island (or Wadjemup, its Noongar name). This car-free island paradise sits just 19 km off the Perth coast and is one of the most visited places in Western Australia — and justifiably so. White-sand beaches, turquoise bays, WWII history, and the famously photogenic quokka.

• Getting there: Ferries depart from Elizabeth Quay in the Perth CBD and from Fremantle, operated by Rottnest Express and SeaLink Rottnest. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
• Get around by bike — the island is car-free, and cycling is the best way to reach the more remote bays. Hire bikes at the ferry terminal. E-bikes are also available on the island.
• Beaches: The Basin, Geordie Bay, and Little Parakeet Bay are the most popular. For snorkelling, head to Parker Point or Salmon Bay.
• The quokkas: You'll find them near the settlement and in the bushland. They're wild animals — look but don't feed or touch.
• Wadjemup Lighthouse and the West End are worth the ride if you're on a bike — the sea views at the island's western tip are spectacular.

The island has cafes, a bakery, and a pub (the Rottnest Hotel, worth a cold drink on the verandah). Most visitors are back in Perth by 5–6pm.

Split your last day between two of Perth's most loved day trips.

Morning: Fremantle (Freo)

Just 30 minutes from the CBD, Fremantle was recently crowned Australia's Top Tourism Town 2025 — and it earns it. The historic port city has more character per square kilometre than anywhere in WA.

• Fremantle Markets (Friday–Sunday, 9am–6pm) — housed in a stunning heritage building dating back to 1897, with over 150 stalls selling fresh produce, art, local jewellery, clothing, and food. Allow 1–2 hours.
• Fishing Boat Harbour — fish and chips at the working harbour is a Perth institution. Little Creatures Brewery is right on the water and does excellent pizza and pale ale.
• The Cappuccino Strip (South Terrace) — Freo's Italian heritage runs deep. This is one of the best streets in Australia for a slow coffee and people-watching.
• Fremantle Prison — a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering daytime and candlelight evening tours through the convict-era cells, tunnels, and gallows. Book ahead.
• High Street and Market Street boutiques — around 50 independent designers and stores. Good for a final browse before you trade city life for the open road.

Afternoon: Swan Valley

Only 25 minutes northeast of Perth, the Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region — and it makes for a brilliant last afternoon before hitting the road. The valley is compact enough to do as a self-drive food and wine trail, stopping at wineries, breweries, chocolate makers, honey farms, and distilleries.

• Talijancich Wines— one of the founding wine families of the region. Drop in for a tasting.
• House of Honey & Meadery— next door to Talijancich, this is a genuine Swan Valley institution.
• Feral Brewing Co. — award-winning craft beer and wood-fired food in a great setting. Perfect for lunch or an early dinner.
• Mandoon Estate — large winery and restaurant complex on the Swan River. Beautiful setting for a final glass before your road trip begins tomorrow.

Most campervan and motorhome depots in Perth are clustered near Perth Airport — Britz, Maui, Apollo, Cruisin, and others all operate from this area. Return your hire car at the airport, arrange a transfer or rideshare to the depot, and you're on your way.

Whether you're heading north on the Coral Coast toward Exmouth and the Kimberley, south to Margaret River and Albany, or east into the Wheatbelt, Perth has set the scene perfectly.

We acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of the Perth region, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. When visiting Rottnest Island, please note its significance as Wadjemup — a place of deep cultural and spiritual importance to the Noongar people. DriveNow encourages all travellers to explore Western Australia respectfully and sustainably.