No matter the season, a weekend away offers an appealing respite from our weekly routines. If you don’t have the funds or time to spend on a holiday, a day trip away or easy overnighter might be all you need to start the week afresh. 

We’re fortunate that in WA any time is a good time to hit the road and explore. We’re big advocates for seeing and enjoying being home amongst the gum trees, so here are a few things we’ve tried and tested, survived and now recommend.

Remember if you’re wanting to warm up or cool off, sometimes heading outdoors is the best option. Plus! opting for outside activities will help you save on your gas bill too!

Here are six experiences worth the day trip or overnight to help you flow into the next week

1. Take a hike

Did you know that WA has more than 300 trails you can choose from? Of course, these aren’t all on your doorstep, however Trails WA has all the information you need to learn about where you can find them.

Popular trails include the Bibbulmun Track (1000km’s) and the Cape to Cape (125km’s). Both trails can be broken up into shorter day hikes or overnight hikes, and the Bibbulmun Track offers several of these in the Perth Hills.

A great half or full-day option can be found in the Serpentine Jarrahdale area. Choose from a variety of hikes and make sure to stop in at Serpentine Falls, a beautiful picnic location year-round with kangaroos merrily hopping around picnic tables and a popular spot to swim in summer.

Be sure to stop at the boutique Millbrook Winery for a delicious meal, prepared with produce from their own gardens and paired with their tasty wines.

Head on up to Mundaring or Kalamunda, hike a trail and finish with lunch or dinner in the Perth Hills. Remember to keep your safety in mind when hiking. There are actually several trails in the Perth Hills and even the Perth metro area that you might like to try as well.

2. Geocaching

Geocaching is similar to a treasure hunt, but without traditional treasure. This sounds a bit odd, but it’s more about finding satisfaction in the find, rather than the treasure. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game that is played throughout the world. It’s guaranteed to get you on your feet, exploring your surroundings with new eyes and having a jolly good time.

It’s a great activity for all ages and is so surprisingly satisfying, it’s addictive! I’ve tried geocaching in a few places, including Kings Park, Kalgoorlie and even my own suburb!

3. Take a drive to the Ferguson Valley

Apart from being a bit chilly, these wintery days are more often than not, sunny and fairly clear. These are ideal driving conditions! Even if the temperatures don’t rise up to t-shirt weather, and even if it does rain it’s still a great opportunity to explore and enjoy a day trip.

Less than two hours from Perth, just inland from Bunbury you will find the Ferguson Valley. The area is ideal for enjoying scenic dairy farmland, indulging in degustation dining at fantastic restaurants and visiting great wineries.

Make sure you stop in Dardanup and Boyanup, two historic little towns on the South West Highway that offer great pitstop opportunities.

There’s also the quirky Gnomesville, where hundreds of well-named gnomes have gathered, because well, there’s no place like gnome! Bring your own gnome, choose a name and add them to the community. Have a look at these ten things to do in the Ferguson Valley!

4. Bakery day trips – Bindoon Bakehaus

We tend to judge smaller towns based on their bakery standards. One stand out example of fine baking standards is the Bindoon Bakehaus.

Dine in or pick up some takeaway goodies at the Bakehaus and start your day of exploring. Their eggs hollandaise breaky roll is pretty tasty, as are their sausage rolls, freshly made cakes and biccies, and sandwiches, and of course the coffee; an ideal great bakery experience. there are even vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-friendly options!

If you’ve not roamed 80km’s north of Perth into the Chittering Valley recently, the area offers a great day trip.

5. Camping made (comfortable and) easy

Sometimes you just need to get out of town for a night. Camping can be for everyone – especially if you like starry nights, peaceful evenings and fireside chats. Camping has come a long way since the days of a simple swag rolled out under the stars, there is now plenty of glamping and camping in comfort options catering to all sorts of campers. 

WikiCamps offers a detailed and up to date database of camping, caravanning and hostel accommodation as well as attractions and handy road tripper information. Simply download the WikiCamps Australia app, and you’ll have all the info on hand whether you have phone reception or not.

Hipcamp offers campers the opportunity to camp on private properties all over Australia. You can search properties by filtering things like powered sites, toilets, distance from Perth and if pets are allowed. Hipcamp was thought up by a couple from NSW who realised their private rural property was beautiful and they wanted to share its beauty with visitors who would appreciate it.

6. Observing the stars and Aboriginal Astronomy

Astronomers believe winter is the best time for stargazing, so pick a cloudless night and enjoy the starry, starry nights. Pop on your winter woollies, pack a thermos and some tasty snacks and join the team at the Gravity Discovery Centre, just over an hour north of Perth between Gingin and Guilderton.

Alternatively mosey up to the Perth Observatory in Bickley, for an evening amongst the stars as you are guided through the galaxy. If you’re interested in learning more about Aboriginal culture, you can also visit Kings Park and join a tour to understand how Aboriginal people have lived for over 40,000 years.