Explore the city and surrounds, with these suggested day trips and ideas.
Feature by Julie Hosking
From the ocean to the city, the river to the vineyards, the beach to the forests, Perth (Boorloo) and surrounds have long captured the hearts of dreamers. The Dream Collective celebrates experiences that meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction, accessibility and sustainability. Whether you’re taking a road trip, looking for adventure, or simply want to unwind in style, here are a few wonderful ways to make your dreams a reality.
Revel in Rotto
Every day is a dream on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) - or Rotto, as locals call their stunning playground 19km off the coast - but some experiences are out of this world. Jump from a plane into an exhilarating freefall with one of Skydive Geronimo’s experienced instructors, then glide over the island, taking in all this sublime sanctuary has to offer. You’ll be floating on air long after you land on the beach.
If you’d rather be on (and in) the water, book a seat on the Rottnest Express ferry and prepare for a joy-filled adventure in a picture-perfect haven that boasts 20 beautiful bays and 63 stunning beaches, not to mention the world’s happiest animal – the irresistible quokka. For something extra special, splash out on an overnight indulgence aboard a luxury cruiser with Blue Juice Charter.
Skydive Geronimo, Rottnest Island
Discover city treasures
Fancy a city stay? Settle into the beautifully appointed QT Perth, ambling distance from the historic Perth Mint, where a $110-million coin is just one of the glittering attractions. Wander a bit further down to the East Perth foreshore to sample the local whiskey at Whipper Snapper Distillery; catch the free bus up to Kings Park (Kaarta Koomba), a 400ha oasis offering spectacular views over the city and Swan River (Derberl Yerrigan); or cross the railway line to Northbridge for a dose of culture, ancient and modern, at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Looking for an adrenalin rush? It’s hard to go past the Matagarup Zip+Climb, where you scale the striking Matagarup Bridge, taking in the superb surroundings, before whizzing down a zipline at 75km/h. The Ozone at Optus Stadium next door is also bound to get that heart racing. Take a rooftop tour of Perth’s world-beating sports and entertainment venue, then strap in and step out over the stadium if you dare. If you stay at one of Crown Perth’s three impressive hotels on the Burswood Peninsula – Crown Towers, Crown Metropol or Crown Promenade – it’s only a short walk back for a restorative drink.
Matagarup Zip+Climb
Meet some marine marvels
Is there anything more surreal than swimming with magnificent marine life? Perth Wildlife Encounters has been making dreams come true for decades, taking visitors into the crystal waters off Rockingham, just 45 minutes from Perth, to swim with wild dolphins. The watery adventures continue a little further south, in Mandurah (Mandjoogoordap). The beloved bottlenose is just one of the wildlife wonders you will spot on Down Under Discoveries’ estuary escape - the Peel-Harvey Estuary is twice the size of Sydney Harbour – and dolphin watching tours.
Enjoy a luxurious seafood feast as you glide around the canals and waterways with Mandurah Cruises or let them lead you up the serene Murray River for lunch. Want to explore at your leisure? Hire a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or water bike.
There is also plenty to do back on land. Stay at the Sebel Mandurah on the waterfront and soak up the laidback vibe of this seaside family favourite. Or make historic Fremantle (Walyalup) your base. Book into the boutique Hougoumont Hotel, cleverly designed from repurposed sea containers and walking distance from all the main attractions, including fascinating Fremantle Prison.
Perth Wildlife Encounters, Rockingham
Head for the Hills (and valleys)
Pamper yourself at Amaroo Retreat & Spa, where luxury chalets overlook natural bushland and kangaroos are regular visitors. Just 40km from the city, the award-winning retreat is the perfect place from which to explore the wonders of the Perth Hills and the Swan Valley, Western Australia’s oldest wine region.
Want to earn that spa treatment? Take a hike with Off the Beaten Track, where waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife are all part of the experience. Swing by Sin Gin Distillery to sample the award-winning distiller’s Seven Deadly Sins. Enter the House of Honey, where the nectar of the gods comes in many fabulous forms, including honey, candles and mead.
Or let someone else do all the driving while you eat and drink your fill. Up Close and Local Tours craft personal and memorable experiences, from Bickley Valley to the Swan Valley. For a star-studded finale to a dreamy getaway, book an evening session at Perth Observatory. Do we have to wake up?
Off the Beaten Track Hiking, Perth Hills
Published April 2025.