When you’re looking to really get away from it all, there’s no place better than Perth. A combination of geographical isolation, breathtaking scenery, and a truly unique culture combine to make this city one you won’t soon forget. Despite being one of the most isolated major cities on the planet, you’ll find a warm welcome here, and a city very much in touch with the modern world.

The Pinnacle of Adventure

No trip to Perth is complete without visiting the Pinnacles – just a quick 2 hour jaunt north of town in your Hertz hire car, and you’ll feel as though you’ve left the planet altogether – the vast desert dunes and soaring rocky outcrops are often described as a “moonscape”. The limestone outcrops are otherworldly in their beauty at any time of day, but dawn and sunset see the ochre tones of the desert display their full beauty. Rising up to 3.5 metres, these imposing structures make for an amazing experience. Once the sun goes down, if the night is clear you’ll be treated to one of the most breathtakingly clear starscapes in the world – isolation from other light sources means you will be able to see more stars than ever before. At nearby Cervantes you can feast on some of the world’s very best seafood while taking in views of the most spectacular beaches.

Wave hello to Natural Beauty

Another amazing daytrip out of Perth will take you a further spectacular example of natural beauty – Wave Rock. This wave-like natural sandstone formation has to be seen to be believed, and it is surrounded by a beautiful national park to explore too, with walking and biking trails to suit every level of athleticism. Take the time to explore the Aboriginal Sacred Sites and hear the Dreamtime stories on one of the many Indigenous culture tours of the area, and get in touch with the ancient history of Australia.

Giant Trees await you

Heading south out of Perth will bring you to the Valley of the Giants – home to the forest of giant Karri Trees, many of which are more than 400 years old, found nowhere else on the entire planet. There is a walkway 40 metres off the ground to allow you to get up close and personal with these majestic beauties, and a range of entertainments to explore here. You can even stay among the trees in a variety of ecolodge accommodations.

Freemantle Freedom

When Perth residents want to kick back and enjoy themselves, they “Head to Freo!”, and you can too, with the welcoming suburb of Freemantle beckoning you. Take a bike tour run by enthusiastic locals and discover some of the area’s hidden gems, or take to the water on one of the many sailing charters available. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, then simply take your pick from the array of seaside dining options at your disposal, try a local tipple from one of the many surrounding wine regions and enjoy some of the freshest produce possible.