Affordable Road Trips from Perth with Scenic Views

Perth is perfectly positioned for roadtrips. Within a few hours’ drive, you’ll be cruising through towering forests, turquoise waters and expansive national parks—all without spending much. Thrown in a low-cost, low-fuss Thrifty rental car, and you’ve got a life-changing getaway you won’t have to spend your life savings on. Let’s find out how it’s done! 

Lancelin and the Pinnacles 

Lancelin is your first taste of WA’s unique coastal scenery. The white sand dunes here are perfect for sandboarding, photos, or just admiring the views. Continue another 40 minutes north to Nambung National Park, home of the Pinnacles Desert, where limestone spires rise from the golden sand. Entry is inexpensive, and the short drive through the park gives you a sense of just how vast and beautiful this part of the state is. End the day with a swim or fish and chips in the seaside town of Cervantes. 

Margaret River Region  

Margaret River region is world-famous for its wine, but you don’t need to splurge to enjoy it. The drive alone is worth the mission, taking you through rolling farmland, towering karri trees and ocean views around every bend. Take a walk along the Cape to Cape Track, or visit beaches like Redgate and Gnarabup for surfing or picnicking. In Margaret River town, you’ll find affordable cafés and local markets that showcase the region’s produce. If you’re keen on a budget-friendly place to stay, look for holiday parks or farm stays near Cowaramup or Witchcliffe.

Wave Rock  

If you’re after something a little different, take your rental car to Hyden. Don’t miss Wave Rock, a giant granite rock formation shaped like a breaking wave. Entry is low-cost, and the surrounding area has walking tracks, salt lakes and ancient caves to explore. Pack a picnic and enjoy the wide-open silence that you can only find inland. It’s a long drive, but it’ll stay with you for much longer. 

Yallingup and Dunsborough  

Yallingup and Dunsborough are both great places for calm beaches and stunning scenery. The drive takes about three hours, and once you’re there, most of the fun is free. Walk the trails at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, snorkel in the shallows at Meelup Beach, or stop at Sugarloaf Rock for sunset. Between the beaches, coastal lookouts, and local bakeries, you’ll easily fill a weekend without needing to spend much at all. 

Kalbarri  

If you’ve got a few days to spare, and you’re up for a six hour drive, Kalbarri is one special journey. The route passes through Geraldton, a good spot to stop for cheap eats and a beach break,  before leading you into Kalbarri National Park. At a small entry fee, you’ll be rewarded with red rock gorges carved by the Murchison River and clifftop lookouts like Nature’s Window and the Z Bend.  

Albany and Denmark  

Head south instead and you’ll discover Albany and Denmark, two coastal towns surrounded by rugged headlands and cool, misty forests. The drive takes about five hours, but it’s worth every kilometre. Visit Torndirrup National Park to see The Gap and Natural Bridge, or spend a morning walking along the white sand of Little Beach near Two Peoples Bay. Denmark’s Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks are also must-sees, where smooth granite boulders and calm turquoise water make for perfect swimming spots. 

Scenic Drives, Smarter Spending 

A Western Australia road trip doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact much of what makes this state so incredible are the scenic spots that don’t cost a cent. And when you’ve got a Thrifty rental car, you can track down these incredible spots with peace of mind, knowing you didn’t overspend on getting around. Pack your bags, bring a picnic blanket, and get ready for a road trip that’s as affordable as it is memorable.