Looking for the best weekend getaways from Perth? Western Australia is full of short-trip escapes, with beaches, forests, national parks, and unique inland towns all within a few hours’ drive. Travelling in a Toyota campervan hire means you can wake up close to the action — whether that’s by the coast, under the forest canopy, or beside a historic country town. Here are some of our top picks for a memorable weekend on the road.
Coastal Escapes Close to Perth
Rottnest Island – Perth’s favourite island getaway
Just a short ferry ride from Fremantle or Hillarys, Rottnest Island is a classic weekend escape. With no cars allowed, the best way to explore is by bike. Cycle between sheltered bays, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and of course, meet the island’s most famous locals — the quokkas.
While you can’t take your campervan across, it’s easy to park up in Fremantle before hopping on the ferry. For an overnight stay, Discovery – Rottnest Island offers eco-tents just steps from the beach, giving you the perfect mix of comfort and nature.
Lancelin & The Pinnacles (130–200 km north)
If you’ve got sandboarding on your bucket list, Lancelin’s rolling dunes are the place to go. Just 1.5 hours north of Perth, this small coastal town has a laid-back feel and is a favourite with adventure seekers. A little further along the coast, the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park offers an otherworldly landscape of ancient limestone spires.
Set up your van at the Lancelin North End Caravan Park or continue north to Cervantes, where the Pinnacles Caravan Park makes a handy overnight base. For those who love to keep costs down, there are also options listed in our Free Camping WA guide.
Jurien Bay (220 km north)
Jurien Bay is all about turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Join a sea lion tour to swim alongside these playful creatures, or just enjoy the calm waters perfect for snorkelling and kayaking.
The Jurien Bay Tourist Park is campervan-friendly and puts you right by the water, making it easy to slow down and soak up the relaxed coastal vibe before heading back to Perth.
Forests, Rivers & National Parks
Dwellingup & Lane Poole Reserve (100 km south-east)
Just over an hour from Perth, Dwellingup feels like a world away. Surrounded by jarrah forest, it’s a haven for bushwalking, mountain biking, and kayaking on the Murray River. Lane Poole Reserve is the highlight, with swimming holes, picnic spots, and plenty of room to unwind.
For overnight stays, set up at Baden Powell or Nanga Mill campgrounds — both offer a rustic bush setting that suits a 2–3 seater campervan perfectly. Wake up to birdsong and cool forest air, ready for another day of adventure.
Collie & Wellington National Park (200 km south-east)
A little further south, Collie has become a favourite weekend spot thanks to Wellington National Park. The Wellington Dam mural — one of the world’s biggest — is a must-see, and nearby swimming spots like Honeymoon Pool and Potters Gorge are perfect for a refreshing dip.
Both Honeymoon Pool and Potters Gorge have excellent campgrounds surrounded by towering trees, making them ideal bases for a campervan stay. Bring your bathers, a picnic, and prepare to spend your days between forest trails and freshwater swims.
Ferguson Valley (2 hrs south)
Often overshadowed by Margaret River, Ferguson Valley is a hidden gem. It’s a wine region with boutique cellar doors, rolling green hills, and quirky attractions like Gnomesville — a forest filled with thousands of gnomes left by visitors from around the world.
For a weekend base, try Ferguson Farmstay or nearby caravan parks around Donnybrook. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a glass of local wine, a home-cooked meal, and still feel surrounded by nature.
South West Favourites
Busselton (220 km south)
Busselton is a classic choice for a weekend by the water. Its sheltered beaches are perfect for swimming, and the famous Busselton Jetty stretches nearly 2 km out to sea, complete with an underwater observatory at the end. Families love it here, but it’s just as enjoyable for couples or friends looking for a relaxed coastal break.
Set up your camper at RAC Busselton Holiday Park, which has spacious sites and plenty of facilities. Busselton also makes a great first stop if you’re planning to continue further into the South West.
Margaret River (270 km south)
Known worldwide for its wineries and surf, Margaret River is ideal if you want to mix adventure with indulgence. Spend your days exploring underground caves, wine tasting at boutique vineyards, or catching the sunset at Surfers Point. Food lovers will be spoiled with local produce, from artisan cheese to farm-fresh chocolate.
For a true campervan experience, stay at Prevelly Caravan Park, just a short walk from the beach. You can also find national park campgrounds nearby for a quieter setting. If you’re after a longer loop, check out our Southern Weekend Explorer Road Trip for more ideas in the region.
Augusta & Hamelin Bay (3.5 hrs south)
Continue south to Augusta and you’ll find Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Just up the coast, Hamelin Bay is famous for its friendly stingrays that glide right up to the shoreline — an unforgettable experience.
Hamelin Bay Holiday Park offers a laid-back spot for campervans, with sites right by the beach. It’s the perfect base to slow down, relax, and enjoy a slower pace after exploring the busier Margaret River region.
Inland Adventures & Unique Escapes
York (100 km east)
York is Western Australia’s oldest inland town, and it wears its history proudly. Wander past restored heritage buildings, explore museums, or take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride over the Avon Valley. It’s close enough for a relaxed overnight trip, yet still feels like stepping back in time.
Settle in at York Caravan Park, just a short stroll from town, or the York Overnight Stay Parking and enjoy the charm of this historic spot from the comfort of your camper.
New Norcia (130 km north-east)
Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia has a distinctly European feel thanks to its Spanish-style architecture. You can join a guided tour to learn about the town’s Benedictine heritage, visit the art gallery, or sample bread and olive oil made by the monks themselves.
There are basic camping options nearby, making it a unique stopover for those wanting something a little different from the usual coastal or forest escapes.
Wave Rock, Hyden (340 km east)
If you’re happy with a longer drive, Wave Rock in Hyden is one of WA’s most iconic natural wonders. The massive granite wave formation is incredible to see up close, and nearby sites like Hippo’s Yawn and Mulka’s Cave add even more to explore.
Wave Rock Caravan Park sits right next to the rock itself, so you can camp overnight and walk straight from your van to catch the rock glowing in the golden evening light.
Adventure Out West
From quick coastal escapes to inland adventures, weekend campervan trips from Perth are all about freedom, flexibility, and making the most of your time away. Whether you want to snorkel in turquoise bays, sip wine in the South West, or explore unique inland towns, there’s a getaway to suit every traveller.
Hire a campervan with Home On The Road, pack your sense of adventure, and lock in your next weekend on the open road. For more ideas, check out our guides to Campervan travel tips WA and The Complete South West Loop.
