5 beautiful natural wonders near Perth

Just a short ferry ride from Perth, Rottnest Island – or Rotto, as the locals call it – is the perfect playground. With its 63 beaches, car-free roads and, of course, those cute-as quokkas, it is the ultimate adventure for any outdoor enthusiast. You can explore the island under your own steam or let a local show you around.

Cyclists can head over with one of Paul’s Eco E-bike Tours, or you can join one of the scuba and snorkeling tours that visit the island. The crystal-clear waters are surprisingly warm; follow the Rottnest Shipwreck Trail, marked by information plaques on the ocean bed, and marvel at the tropical fish, soft corals and underwater caverns.

The lush Swan Valley is a favourite weekend getaway for Perthites looking to connect with nature, thanks to its rolling hills, heritage townships, farms and wineries. For those looking for a more boujee way to enjoy nature, perhaps a stay at the Hidden Valley Eco Lodges is for you? Nestled in the forest just 45 minutes from the Perth CBD, you can soak in the fresh air from the comfort of your private outdoor jacuzzi.

Go for a picnic in the woods or add a yoga session to your stay to really make the most of your surroundings. With luxurious spa treatments also available on site, it’s no wonder Hidden Valley is a favourite for those looking for a wellness retreat in Perth.

Few sights bring a smile to our face as quickly as a pod of dolphins porpoising through the water. At Rockingham, just south of Perth, you can do more than just watch them: you can join a Perth Wild Encounters tour to swim with the approximately 200 wild bottlenose dolphins that live here. You don’t have to be an endurance swimmer – a belt around your waist connects you to your tour leader, so you won’t drift off.

These are wild dolphins, so there is no guarantee what your encounter will be like but if you are lucky, you’ll not only see them but also hear them vocalising through whistles, clicks, squeaks and barks.

Between the months of August - November, a beautiful phenomenon takes over the west blanketing the state in vibrant wildflowers - and the best way to see them? By walking of course! If you’re in the city, head to the Western Australian Botanic Garden where you can stroll The Law Walk, Botanic Garden Discovery Walk and Bushland Nature Trail and see over 3000 unique flower species.

If you’re after more of a day trip, head south to Fremantle to the 5.8km Lake Mt Brown Walk Trail in Beeliar Regional Park.

The slowly winding Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) has many moods as it flows through the city, but some of its loveliest stretches are found in the Swan Valley. The Point Walter Cliffs and Caves Tour from GoGo Active Tours lets you breathe in its beauty through two very different activities.

Tackle one of the best hikes near Perth as you walk along the 8m-high cliffs of Blackwall Reach, soaking in the stellar views. Then flip your perspective by getting down on the water and gently paddling a kayak down to Bicton Baths, letting the current carry you along.