Perth isn't just a pretty face with its stunning beaches and urban charm (although it is certainly that). It is also the starting line for some of the most epic scenic drives from Perth. We're not just talking about any drives; we’re talking about journeys packed with jaw-dropping sights, quirky stops, and the kind of adventures that make your wallet breathe a sigh of relief. To help you narrow down your perfect Western Australia campervan hire travel itinerary route, we've curated 10 extraordinary scenic drives from Perth that are as diverse as your Spotify road trip playlist. So, all that will be left to do is snag that campervan hire, pack your best sunglasses, and explore your preferred slice of Western Australian paradise.
What’s Perth known for?
Perth is a city where the sun shines brighter, the beaches beckon, and the coffee is as deep and rich as the laid-back vibes. This place is a cocktail of urban cool and natural splendour, and the best things to do in Perth, Australia, follow suit. Start your morning with a walk in Kings Park – it's like Central Park but with more kangaroos. Then, wander down to Fremantle. Its history with a side of hipster boasts some of the best bars and food joints in the city. Then, for those who fancy an afternoon tipple, Swan Valley's wineries are the go-to, offering a grape escape like no other. And for the adventurers in the group, the Avon Valley and nearby islands like Rottnest and their smiling marsupials are just a hop, skip, and jump away. In short, Perth is the Swiss Army knife of destinations - it's got a tool for every travel itch!
Why walk when you can roll, right? The best way to soak up all of Perth's awesomeness is in a Mighty campervan. Think of campervan hire as your golden ticket to freedom. One day, you could be waking up to the sound of waves on the Sunset Coast, and the next, amidst the vine-clad beauty of Swan Valley. With your camper, you're not just experiencing one corner of this beautiful western state – you're able to immerse yourself in each town, staying as long or as little in each place as you like. Plus, with holiday parks dotting your route, you're never far from a comfy spot to rest in your roaming home.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
The Best Scenic Drives from Perth
Here are our top 10 picks for the most scenic drives from Perth to consider when planning your Western Australia campervan hire. Whether you're a beach bum, a wine connoisseur, or just someone who loves a good drive with a view, these routes have got you covered.
1. The Sunset Coast Drive
The Sunset Coast Drive is a scenic 40km journey along Perth’s breathtaking coastline, stretching from Cottesloe Beach to Two Rocks – a true celebration of Western Australia's coastal splendour.
Your campervan hire journey begins at Cottesloe Beach, renowned for its vibrant cafe culture and ideal conditions for swimming and surfing. From there, the route takes you north along the coast, passing by some of Perth's most picturesque beaches. The drive is particularly beautiful at sunset (it is called the Sunset Coast for a reason!), with the setting sun creating a stunning backdrop to the sparkling ocean. Make sure to stop at Scarborough Beach, a hotspot for surfers and sun-seekers alike, and take a stroll along its lively foreshore.
Further along, Hillary’s Boat Harbour is a perfect stop for shopping and dining and is also the gateway to Rottnest Island – a must-visit for its picturesque scenery and the adorable smiling quokkas. As the sun begins to set, find a spot at one of the many beachside parks and watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery colours.
The drive culminates at Two Rocks, known for its tranquil beaches and the intriguing remnants of the Atlantis Marine Park. If you're travelling on a budget, pack a picnic and enjoy a meal at one of the many beachside parks along the route – it's a much cheaper (and more scenic!) option than dining out. Throughout this coastal escapade, there are plenty of great holiday parks to park your campervan, making it easy to make this a day trip or a week-long adventure.
2. The Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail
Food lovers will definitely want to bookmark this iconic foodie adventure along the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail. This 32km loop through Western Australia's oldest wine region is a feast for the senses, offering a blend of Australia’s finest food, wine and scenic beauty.
Starting from Guildford, a historic town with charming streetscapes, leads you into the heart of the Swan Valley. Here, you can indulge in wine tastings at award-winning wineries, savour gourmet cheeses, and enjoy handcrafted chocolates at local chocolatiers. While in town, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some boutique breweries and distilleries, where you can taste unique craft beers and spirits.
However, it's not just about the fine dining and wine. The Swan Valley also boasts beautiful landscapes with rolling vineyards, lush farmland, and charming rural towns. For a little dose of nature, the Bells Rapids and Whiteman Park provide picturesque settings for picnics and leisurely walks amidst the natural beauty of the valley.
Want to feast on the best food in the region on a budget? Keep an eye out for roadside fruit stands and farm gate sales while exploring in your campervan hire – these are great places to pick up fresh, local produce, honey, and artisanal goods at a fraction of the price you'd pay in the supermarket.
3. The Indian Ocean Drive
The Indian Ocean Drive is an impressive 650km route from Perth to Geraldton, showcasing Western Australia's stunning coastline and wild nature. Your campervan journey begins with the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, where you can wander among thousands of limestone spires set against a backdrop of golden sands and the azure blue of the Indian Ocean.
As you continue north, Jurien Bay is an aquatic paradise with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, fishing, and interacting with friendly sea lions (on guided local tours.) Not one for the water? The town itself also boasts beautiful beaches and the classic Aussie laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing stop.
Continuing further north, Kalbarri National Park is a highlight of this drive, boasting dramatic river gorges, coastal cliffs, and an array of wildflowers in the spring—hiking trails like Nature’s Window and the Loop offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes. And, of course, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Hutt Lagoon, a pink salt lake near Port Gregory. It offers an extraordinary vantage of its unique pink hues, especially during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset.
Throughout this route, there are plenty of holiday parks, freedom camping spots and rest areas suitable for campervans, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Indian Ocean coastline at your own pace.
Image: Instagram - @melissafindley
4. The South West Coastal Drive
Next up on our list of scenic drives from Perth is the South West Coastal Drive – a grand 800km adventure from Perth to Augusta, packed with some of Western Australia’s finest spectacles. This route is a buffet of stunning national parks, quaint coastal towns, and vineyards.
Kick off your journey from the Perth campervan hire branch and tick off a few fun things to do in Perth, Australia. Then, head south to be greeted by the towering giants of Shannon National Park and the pristine beaches of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Wine enthusiast? The Margaret River region is a must-do, with world-class wineries offering some of the finest varietals you'll ever taste.
Travelling on a budget? This route is sprinkled with plenty of great free and cheap thrills, from hiking the rugged trails of national parks to combing the pristine beaches. And there's a smorgasbord of campgrounds and free camping spots for campervans, ensuring your adventure is as wallet-friendly as it is breathtaking.
5. The Great Southern Drive
None of the previous scenic drives from Perth quite right? Perhaps the Great Southern Drive is your route. This 400km journey from Perth to Albany is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.
As you depart Perth, you're immediately welcomed by the sprawling beauty of the Jarrah Forest. These towering trees are a testament to Western Australia's rich natural heritage. As you meander southward, the Stirling Range National Park looms in the distance. Here, the landscape transforms dramatically, with rugged mountains rising like ancient guardians of the land. Don't miss Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the range, offering hikes that reward you with panoramic views of the region. And if you find yourself here in the spring, keep your cameras ready for the wildflower season when the park explodes in a riot of colours!
This drive is peppered with charming country towns, and as you approach Albany, the scenery shifts to stunning coastal views, where the Southern Ocean meets dramatic cliffs. Here, you can explore the dramatic landscapes of Torndirrup National Park, witness Australia's military heritage at the National Anzac Centre, and delve into the region's past at Albany's Historic Whaling Station. For the adventurous, there are also whale-watching tours, parts of the Bibbulmun Track for hiking, and tranquil waters ideal for kayaking.
For campervan travellers, the route is dotted with ample camping spots. Whether you prefer to camp amidst forests or by the ocean, there are plenty to choose from.
6. The Coral Coast Drive
Now, let's set off on the Coral Coast Drive, a 1200km spectacle stretching from Perth to Exmouth through some of the most diverse and stunning coastal landscapes Australia has to offer. Your first major stop is the Nambung National Park, where the Pinnacles Desert provides an almost otherworldly experience. Wander among thousands of limestone pillars, some towering several meters high, set against a backdrop of golden sands and blue skies.
Next, Kalbarri National Park offers a complete change of scenery with its coastal cliffs, river gorges, and abundant wildlife. Here, you can walk on the wild side along the Skywalk, two cantilevered walkways jutting out over the gorge, offering breathtaking views.As you continue north, the route takes you through charming coastal towns like Geraldton and Carnarvon, each offering unique experiences from historical museums to delicious seafood.
Then, waiting at the end of this long drive is the ocean-side town of Exmouth – a haven for marine life and ocean lovers. The Ningaloo Reef, accessible from the shore, is an underwater sensation teeming with coral, fish, turtles, and the famous whale sharks. Snorkelling or diving here is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Along this route, campervan travellers are spoiled for choice, with numerous holiday parks and free campgrounds offering scenic spots to park and enjoy the natural beauty. Whether it's a star-filled night in the desert or a serene beachside morning, this drive is filled with some of the most surreal campervan camping opportunities in Australia.
7. The Goldfields Drive
Gear up for a journey back in time with the Goldfields Drive, a 600km trek from Perth to the historic heart of Kalgoorlie. As you travel through Western Australia's gold mining heartland, you'll be surrounded by captivating bushland, quaint country towns, and remnants of a rich gold mining history.
Starting in Perth (after tackling a few of the best things to do in Perth, Australia), the drive takes you east through the scenic Avon Valley. Then, continuing a little further north, this scenic drive from Perth winds its way through the towns of Northam, Coolgardie, and Kalgoorlie. In Kalgoorlie, the grand architecture and the Super Pit, one of Australia's largest open-cut gold mines, offer a glimpse into the gold rush era's opulence and grit. Here, you can delve into gold mining history, explore ghost towns, or hike in the pristine bushland—a perfect campervan route for experiencing the wild side of Western Australia.
8. The Avon Valley Drive
Next, let's cruise down the Avon Valley Drive, a charming 90km route that leads from Perth to the picturesque town of Toodyay. This drive is a canvas of Western Australia's pastoral beauty, weaving through lush farmland and historic towns nestled in the stunning Avon Valley.
As you depart Perth, the landscape unfurls into an idyllic countryside setting. The drive takes you through the heart of the valley, with stops like Bakers Hill and Clackline offering delightful glimpses into rural life. Bakers Hill is famed for its mouth-watering pies – a must-try for any road tripper!
Toodyay, the drive's final stop, is a gem of historical and natural beauty. Its heritage architecture, quaint shops, and the Avon River's serene backdrop make it a perfect spot to relax and explore. This route is a winner for budget travellers. Wander through historic towns, enjoy picnics in scenic spots, or go hiking in the valley. Best of all, the Avon Valley offers numerous campgrounds and holiday parks tailored for campervan travellers, blending comfort with the region's tranquil beauty.
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco
9. The Wheatbelt Way Drive
Another one of the most iconic and scenic drives from Perth is the Wheatbelt Way Drive. This 800km loop showcases the pastoral heart of Western Australia and is a celebration of the Wheatbelt region, renowned for its rolling farmlands, charming country towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Starting and ending in Perth, the drive takes you on an eastward journey through the heart of the Wheatbelt. Towns like Northam, Mukinbudin, and Dowerin are sprinkled along the route, each offering a slice of country charm. Northam, with its vibrant Avon River and Mukinbudin, known for its friendly community and stunning nature reserves, is not to be missed.
For those travelling on a budget, this drive is a dream. Whether you explore historical towns, take bushwalks amid stunning scenery, or uncover local secrets – this drive is a great cost-effective option for daytime adventures. Plus, with plenty of campervan-friendly holiday parks and free camping spots along the way, this scenic drive from Perth makes it easy to soak in the rural beauty of the Wheatbelt region without blowing your campervan hire budget.
10. The Great Eastern Highway Drive
Last but not least on our list of scenic drives from Perth is the Great Eastern Highway Drive – a 600km journey from Perth to the historic town of Coolgardie. This route is your gateway to the Goldfields region, a land rich in history and natural beauty. As you drive eastward, you’ll traverse through captivating bushland and encounter towns steeped in gold rush history.
The drive takes you past significant towns like Northam, with its picturesque Avon River, and Merredin, where wheat fields meet the horizon. Coolgardie, the endpoint, is a living museum of the Gold Rush era, boasting grand old buildings and fascinating stories. Budget travellers will also find plenty of cost-effective attractions, from gold mining heritage sites to natural bushland trails along the way. The region's museums and heritage sites offer insightful glimpses into its past, making the Goldfields a fascinating destination for those interested in history and the transformative impact of natural resources on human settlement.
Pick up your motorhome from Mighty and hit the road
After exploring these incredible scenic drives from Perth, it’s clear that the best way to experience Western Australia's diverse beauty is in a Mighty campervan. With flexibility at your fingertips, every route becomes an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast, delving into historic towns, or wandering through wildflower-laden national parks, a Mighty campervan is your ticket to freedom.
Image: Tourism Western Australia
Image: Instagram - @melissafindley
Image: Instagram - @theramblerco