Going Beyond Perth

Embrace adventure and discover some of the hidden gems that Australia’s largest state has to offer by taking the road less travelled. These road trips will take you out of Perth/Boorloo and into the grips of nature at its best and most beautiful. All you need to get there is the keys to your Thrifty rental car and an appetite for exploration! 

Float Above the River in Bridgetown 

Three hours’ drive south of Perth is the charming inland town of Bridgetown/Geegelup. If you think you’ve experienced the southwest of Western Australia, prepare to pick your jaw up off the floor—you haven’t seen anything like Bridgetown yet. The relaxed country town boasts the kind of beauty that this rugged state is famous for. With the Blackwood River running through Bridgetown, it’s enough to just sit by the banks, watch the hills roll into each other and the mist float above the surface of the water like a scene out of a movie. For when you’re in the mood for an adventure, hire a canoe and get atop the river to explore the town from a different perspective. The calm, soothing waters of Blackwood River make it the perfect place for a dip once you’ve worked up a sweat. The untouched landscape that surrounds the river is also home to a network of bush walking tracks. Look out for the native wildlife as they mosey about the river banks and wander through the bush as you take in the fresh air of this slice of paradise. After all that activity, you’d be forgiven for wanting to quench your thirst. Head out to The Cidery and indulge in a freshly made glass of local cider as you watch the sun set over the brewery's beer garden. Just remember to always appoint a designated driver if you plan to consume any alcohol. 

Discover an Underground World in Yallingup 

Nestled into the tip of the western coast is a beachside escape like no other. Three hours south of Perth, you’ll find the coastal town of Yallingup. Yallingup’s name in the traditional language of Noongar translates to ‘place of holes’, and that certainly holds true. Adventure isn’t hard to come by here, with an extensive network of underground caves hiding beneath the surface of Yallingup town providing an underworld mecca for you to explore. The Ngilgi Cave offers an Ancient Lands Experience that takes you around a series of interactive installations above ground, teaching you about secrets of the land and its cultural significance to the Traditional Owners of the area. The adventure doesn’t stop there—step down and into the heart of the cave and discover the majestic rock formations of the stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and beautifully coloured shawls. For when you want a taste of that gorgeous, endless blue that stretches out from the shore, lace up those hiking boots and head out to Yallingup’s Cape to Cape Track. The track traverses the coastline from Cape Naturaliste to Augusta and is 123 kilometres all up. Don’t sweat it if that sounds a little daunting even just a small portion of the walking trail is sure to deliver amazing oceanic views and rugged coastline bush. Finish off your stay in Yallingup with a picnic and a setting sun over the blue horizon of the ocean on any of Yallingup’s white-washed sandy beaches. Smith’s Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike and is also a great place to hit the waves during the day if you’re after a good surf. 

Embrace the Ocean in Dunsborough 

Just under three hours south of Perth in your Thrifty rental car, be prepared to be awed by the gorgeous town of Dunsborough/Quedjinup. Nature is everywhere you look in this quaint seaside village, from the turquoise tide that rolls in over the porcelain sandy beaches, to the lush flora of the bush that envelops the settlement. If you’re looking for a place to swim amongst the crystal clear oceanic waters of the western coast, you’ve hit the jackpot here, because Eagle Bay and Meelup Beach offer a coastal paradise to be rivalled with. Make the most of Eagle Bay’s adventurous side with a tour with Swan Dive and discover the HMAS Swan wreck that sits off the shores of the bay. Explore this underwater ship with a team of experts and explore the remnants of the boat that has survived since sinking in 1997. For an activity that keeps you dry on land, try mountain biking in Meelup and discover the mountain biking trails that take you through the rugged southern tip of Meelup Regional Park.  

From sweeping coastlines of endless blue to intricate rocky formations made by Mother Nature herself, there’s so much to see and discover beyond the hustle and bustle of Perth in your Thrifty rental car.