Scenic Drives from Perth with Kid Friendly Stops Along the Way

Embark on a journey of rolling hills and sweeping plains as you traverse the region that surrounds Perth. After you pick up your Dollar rental car from Perth airport, you can discover a range of picturesque drives that will take you from the beach to the bush, with plenty of child friendly stops in between.

Explore the Natural Playground of Yanchep National Park 

For first-time visitors to Perth, Yanchep National Park is the perfect place to experience the region’s natural beauty without venturing far from the city. Less than an hour’s drive from Perth, Yanchep National Park is a gateway to otherworldly landscapes and curious creatures. The drive north from the city takes you past sparkling ocean views and into the lush greenery of a natural wonderland. Once you arrive, it’ll be like stepping into a scene straight out of a nature documentary. Western grey kangaroos hop around the park and koalas nap peacefully above the koala boardwalk. The kids will love these sightings of classic Australian animals - although, we can assure that the adults will love it just as much. For an experience you’ll never forget, make sure to take a tour of the Crystal Cave - an underground ancient wonderland of natural cave decorations. Not only will you and the little ones learn more about the intricate details of a cave on this tour, but you’ll also be able to get up close and personal to the magnificent formations. 

Venture Further Down South to Margaret River 

The iconic region of Margaret River in the southern expanse of Western Australia is truly a sight to behold, home to a collection of charming towns and seaside escapes, including the eponymous Margaret River. Driving south from Perth, weave your way along the shimmering coast line, watching as the infinite stretches of ocean follow you as you journey further and further away from the big smoke, like something straight from a postcard. The first town to stop at is Busselton, home of the world-famous jetty. The kids will love the jetty - the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere stretching out to 1841 metres long. No need to worry if their little legs won’t carry them the whole way, the solar-powered jetty train is a great way to take in the sights as you cruise toward the end of the jetty. The next stop on this scenic drive is Cape Naturaliste, where you can find a historic lighthouse in amazing condition. Climb to the top and soak up the scenery as the panoramic views deliver some of the most picturesque imagery you’ll find in the state. As you travel back up to Perth from the Margaret River region, take the South Western Highway this time to experience a taste of the lush greenery of the surrounding forests and bush that call this region home. 

Travel Back in Time in York 

Just an hour and a half east of Perth, a drive along the Great Eastern Highway takes you through lush forest and rolling greenery to the charming town of York. It’s a perfect family adventure, combining a scenic journey through nature with a destination rich in history. In York, you will find hundreds of years of history everywhere you look. The exceptionally well-preserved colonial architecture and countryside views will give you the feeling of travelling back in time. Besides soaking up the history as it stretches out all around you, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly activities to make the most of York. Head to Toodyay and try your hand at archery, or just relax and keep an eye out for some of Australia’s most iconic creatures roaming around, like kangaroos and emus. The Newcastle Gaol Museum even has a miniature railway ride for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re wanting to take your exciting adventure up a notch, make sure to pop past the old Connors Mill and feast your eyes on the real working steam engine. As you head into the city, allow the gentle greenery of nature to show you the way back toward the coast as you reminisce of a beautiful scenic drive to and from York. 

Whether you’re heading north to otherworldly landscapes, south to a coast dotted with lighthouses and jetties, or east into lush bushland and historic towns, there are plenty of child-friendly scenic drives to enjoy around Perth in your Dollar rental car.