10 Dec 10 Fun Summer Day Trip Ideas in Perth & Peel Region

Look no further for these fun summer day trip locations around the Perth and Peel Region. Everything from beach locations, river spots, lakes and fresh water dams to enjoy in the summer heat. I’m guessing you are looking for something to fill in the days between xmas and new years before you have to head back to work. Or the many long weekend we get to enjoy in WA over summer. Luckily there are plenty of amazing day trips on your doorstep to explore around the Perth and Peel region in summer.

If you are like me you don’t book to go anywhere over the xmas break because school holidays make things more expensive and crawling with kids. I like to save my holiday breaks for outside of the school holidays (#nokids) when its a bit quieter.  However, I don’t want to just sit at home, these day trips are a perfect solution.

Having lived in Perth my entire life I have racked up a huge list of day trip locations. Here are 10 fun day trip locations specific for the summer holidays. Places that come alive in summer. So pack your bather and some lunch and lets dive in.

The Perth and Peel Region?

This region expands from Lancelin which is the Northernmost town and beaches that are included in within the Perth region. All the way down past Mandurah and into the Peel region. The Peel region includes  everything south of Mandurah all the way to Waroona and Boddington. It is an extensive region with plenty to see and do.

Within this “Perth and Peel Region” it includes some stunning beaches and coastline. If you head east in land there are plenty of freshwater holes and dams to explore, surrounded by Aussie bush for quick nature fix. 

Weather

Perth summer’s are usually hot with temps between 25-35 and almost daily the South Westerly sea breeze coming in the afternoon to cool the day down. For any beach destinations plan to visit early in the morning so you are not disappointed by the wind ruining your beach activities. Some days this South West Breeze is mild and other days it will clear the beach because of the sandblast or the choppy water.

If you are planning on heading inland away from the beach always take plenty of water on a hot day because the sea breeze wont reach these areas and they will remain really warm and hot throughout the day. 

Weather can be unpredictable so always plan your trips according to the daily weather report.

Here are 10 fun day trip locations to explore in the Perth and Peel Region this summer. 

North

Lancelin: Is a small fishing town 90 mins north of Perth. There are plenty of amazing beaches to explore, however it’s well known for the sand dunes that sit behind the town. You can hire a sandboard from the vendors at the base of the dunes or go on a quad bike tour to explore the dunes. If you have a 4wd you can of course take it on the dunes or one of the 2 designated 4wd beaches.

Lancelin is well known for its surf so if that’s your thing then pack your board. There are plenty of places to eat, cafe’s, bakeries and a local tavern. Lancelin really is a cute coastal town with load to do. Lancelin really is a great day trip to add to the list this summer in Perth.

Moore River/ Guilderton: 1hr 10mins north of Perth. Spend the day on the banks of the Moore River. at the river mouth or at the beach. Guilderton is the name of the coastal town however it is commonly called Moore River because this is where the Moore River meets the ocean. This river head is the main attraction for the town. There is plenty to do here, throw a line in the ocean or the river is a great kayaking or SUP location. You can hire boats to take up the river or hire kayaks and Sups. Guilderton is a tiny town and has limited places to eat so pack a bbq to enjoy the day relaxing. 

Yanchep Lagoon + National Park: Just 45mins north of Perth. Spend the day lounging on the beach at Yanchep Lagoon. This stunning beach is very protected by a reef formation so free from large waves. When the tide goes out this bay becomes a secluded lagoon. There is a local cafe you can grab some food from and also stop into Yanchep National Park on your way home once the sea breeze sets in.

Yanchep National Park has koala’s, limestone caves, a golf course and some lovely grounds to enjoy a picnic. There is an entrance fee for this national park of $16 per car or free if you hold an annual WA Parks Pass. Make Yanchep one of your summer day trip locations.

Perth Hills

Rocky Pool – Kalamunda: Just 30mins from Perth CBD this is a great day trip. Kalamunda is nestled in the jarrah forest, you can enjoy a short 5km walk/hike to Rocky Pool, a fresh water hole in the Perth hills. In summer the river stops flowing aggressively creating a rocky pool where you can enjoy a dip after your hike. There are no facilities so bring food, plenty of water and your bathers for a dip. The gravel is loose and dusty in summer so wear appropriate shoes for hiking or sneakers with some grip. Car park is at the end of Spring Road, clearly signposted.

Lake Leschenaultia – Chidlow: Another perfect day trip just 50 mins from the Perth CBD. A lovely place to relax on the banks of this lake. There is a swimming pontoon, kayak and SUP hire (or you can bring your own) and a nice easy 3km walking trail around the lake. There is a cafe and also camp facilities if you wish to try your luck overnight. The lake comes alive in summer. There are also some MTB trails surrounding the Lake you can enjoy if it’s not too warm. 

Serpentine Falls – Jarrahdale: Approx 50-55mins south of Perth, Serpentine falls is in the jarrahdale state forest. Still considered part of the Perth hills region. Take a dip in the refreshing (aka freezing) waters of Serpentine Falls. Although the falls are reduced to a trickle in summer its still a lovely place to swim and cool off. Either enjoy a picnic, plenty of picnic tables provided or head to lunch at King Brewery nearby, just off Mundijong Rd.

There are plenty of hikes surrounding the Falls, however in summer can be too hot to endure and also a bit dangerous with snakes about. There is limited parking and capacity for this national park, it can also be closed on a hot day due to the area being a high fire risk area. Visit early in the morning to guarantee entrance.

South 

Mandurah: 1hr Sth of Perth. In 2022 Mandurah was voted WA’s best tourist town and for good reason, there is plenty to explore in Mandurah. Mandurah is the OG summer day trip from Perth. If you have been to mandurah before, why not hire a party boat/pontoon boat and explore Mandurah by boat. These pontoon boats do not require a skippers ticket, due to the motor size. So much of Mandurah life is surrounded by water so grab some friends and split the cost to hire a boat for the day. Take it for a whirl along the estuary or up the Murray River. If you are not so keen on the water there is plenty to do in town, including a new public swimming pool in the estuary or go find the Wooden Giants of Mandurah, by artist Thomas Dambo dotted around Mandurah.

Lane Pool Reserve – Dwellingup: 90mins South of Perth. This national park would have to be one of my favourite in the Perth and Peel region for a summer day trip. There is just so much to explore here all year round. In summer there are 2 areas perfect for swimming and floating around on inflatables and relaxing on the banks of the river. The water is fresh and clean and very refreshing on a hot day.

There is an adventure park up in the tree tops to explore with the kiddies if they need some activities. There are 2 day use areas with picnic tables, toilets and bbq’s. Alternatively you can just pull up anywhere along the river to enjoy the water. Dwellingup town also has plenty to explore as you are passing through. There is an entrance fee to this national park $16 per car or free if you hold an annual WA parks pass. Full Review of Lane Pool Reserve HERE.

Logue Brook Dam – Waroona: 90mins south of Perth, on the very outskirts of the Peel region. Logue Brook Dam sits in between Waroona and Harvey off the South West Hwy. A perfect summer day trip location to spend the day swimming and relaxing on the banks of this dam. The Dam is known for its water sports, a popular spot for water skiing and wake boarding.

There are a few day use areas around the dam that have bbq’s, picnic tables and toilet facilities. The tourist park (Lake Brockman Tourist Park) has plenty of facilities including a cafe and hire of water sports (kayaks and Sups). This is also a popular camping spot if you are lucky to snag a campsite this time of year. Waroona is full of other Dams to explore, I picked this one (to include) due to the tourist park providing some great facilities.

Louge Brook Dam

Swan Valley

Swan Valley Wine Cruise: Yes you heard me. The Swan Valley is home to some amazing wineries. Why not leave the car at home and explore them via river. Captain Cruise runs wine tours via ferry up the swan river from Wed – Sun throughout the summer season.

Leaving from Barrack St Jetty in the city it includes wine and cheese onboard and finishing at Sandalford Estate. The cruise also includes a private wine tasting and a grazing board picnic lunch in the grounds of Sandalford winery. The swan river meanders up the swan river through Belmont, Maylands and up through Guildford reaching the Valley.

This is not a cheap day out with tickets at approx $200 pp, however an all included fun day experience. 

Honorable mention

Rottnest Island: Of course Rottnest Island is Perth’s most famous and favourite day trip destination. However, it can be hard to book a ferry during the summer season. Not to mention it can be an expensive day out for a family. While I love Rottnest as a day trip destination there are plenty of other places around Perth that are less known. 

Final Thoughts about these Summer Day Trip Locations in Perth

As you can see there are plenty of ways to spend your summer holidays in Perth, without planning an expensive holiday or interstate/overseas trip. With these 10 fun day trip ideas I hope you go out and explore some parts of Perth and Peel Region you haven’t been before. Luckily Perth is quite small in comparison to other states and its very easy to travel around. Everything is a short drive away and practically on your doorstep. Most of these places are within 1-1.5 hrs away so check the weather and pack the car.