Planning a family road trip out of Perth? You are in the right place. Western Australia is enormous, and that is the point. Once you are loaded into a 7-seater SUV with the kids, the snacks, and a playlist everyone half-agrees on, there are few better places in the world to just drive. From the wild coastline of the Turquoise Coast to the ancient gorges of Kalbarri, Perth is the launching pad for some of Australia’s most spectacular road trips.
This guide covers the best destinations for a Perth family road trip, how long each drive takes, what to budget, and the practical details that make travelling with children easier. All driving times are approximate and based on standard road conditions from Perth CBD.
Why a 7-Seater SUV is the Right Vehicle for a WA Family Road Trip
Western Australia’s best family destinations are spread out. Long stretches of highway, unsealed national park roads, and the need to carry enough gear for a few days means a standard sedan often falls short. A 7-seater SUV gives you three rows of seating, a decent boot, and usually enough ground clearance to handle gravel tracks without drama.
If you are hiring a vehicle for your trip, a large SUV or people mover is the category to look at. Local Perth hire companies like Ace Rent A Car offer SUV and larger vehicle options that are built for exactly this kind of trip — more space, more range, and no airport premium if you pick up from a local branch.
Best Perth Family Road Trip Destinations in a 7-Seater SUV
Here are the top destinations for a Perth family road trip, from short day drives to multi-day adventures. All of them work well in a 7-seater SUV.
1. Yanchep National Park — 1 hour north of Perth
Yanchep is the easiest family day trip from Perth and a good first stop if you are testing out your road trip setup. The national park is home to a colony of koalas, walking trails through tuart forest, and Yanchep Lagoon for a swim. The Yanchep National Park koala boardwalk is a particular hit with kids — you walk above the treetops and spot koalas resting in the forks of branches below.
There are picnic areas, a heritage-listed hotel, and caves to explore (book the cave tour in advance through Parks and Wildlife). It is paved all the way and an easy drive in any vehicle. Budget around $20 per car for national park entry.
2. Mandurah and the Peel Region — 1 hour south of Perth
Mandurah is Perth’s closest coastal city and makes for a relaxed family overnight stop. The town sits on the Peel Inlet and the Murray River estuary, which means calm water for kids, dolphin-spotting cruises, and a foreshore full of playgrounds and cafés. The Mandurah Estuary and canals are also popular for fishing off the banks — something kids take to quickly.
From Mandurah you can continue south to Rockingham (good for swimming with dolphins tours) or push on to Bunbury for a longer two-day stretch.
3. Margaret River — 3 hours south of Perth
Margaret River is the benchmark Perth family road trip destination. Three hours south of the city, the region has beaches, caves, tall timber forests, and a food and wine scene that keeps the adults happy while the kids run through the trees. The drive itself is scenic from Bunbury onwards, following the coast through Busselton and Dunsborough.
For families, the main draws are the limestone caves (Mammoth Cave has a self-guided audio tour that children respond well to), Meelup Beach near Dunsborough (calm and shallow for young swimmers), Hamelin Bay (where stingrays come into the shallows), and the Cape to Cape Track for shorter walk sections. Accommodation ranges from caravan parks and chalets to farm stays.
Margaret River quick-reference for families
| Feature | Details |
| Drive from Perth | Approx. 3 hours via Forrest Hwy |
| Best for ages | All ages — wide range of activities |
| Top kids’ activity | Mammoth Cave self-guided tour |
| Swimming | Meelup Beach, Gnarabup Beach |
| Wildlife | Stingrays at Hamelin Bay (seasonal) |
| Tip | Book cave tours ahead in school holidays |
4. Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes — 2.5 hours north of Perth
The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park are one of WA’s most photographed natural wonders — thousands of limestone spires rising from yellow sand, best seen in the late afternoon when the shadows stretch long. The discovery centre at the park entrance gives children the geological backstory in an accessible way. There is a sealed loop drive through the Pinnacles so you can see most of it without leaving the SUV, which is useful when little legs are tired.
The town of Cervantes nearby is a small lobster fishing village with calm, protected beaches. An overnight stop here before continuing north to Jurien Bay makes for a good two-day itinerary.
5. Jurien Bay and the Turquoise Coast — 3 hours north of Perth
The Turquoise Coast — the stretch from Lancelin to Dongara — has some of the clearest, most sheltered water in WA. Jurien Bay is the main town on this strip and has excellent snorkelling, a sea lion colony at Jurien Bay Islands (accessible by boat tour), and wide, shallow beaches ideal for children.
Lancelin, an hour and a half north of Perth, is worth a stop for the towering white sand dunes just outside town. You can hire sandboards or simply slide down on your backside – kids do not need convincing on this one.
6. Kalbarri National Park — 6 hours north of Perth
Kalbarri is a bigger commitment — around six hours north — but for families who want a proper outback experience without extreme remoteness, it delivers. The Murchison River gorges are ancient, red, and dramatic, and the Sky Walk platform (a cantilevered lookout over the gorge) is genuinely memorable for older children.
The town of Kalbarri sits where the river meets the Indian Ocean. There are flat beaches, a pelican-feeding programme at the foreshore (which children find brilliant), and reasonable accommodation. Plan for at least two nights here to make the drive worthwhile. Four-wheel drive is not required for the main attractions, making it accessible in a standard 7-seater SUV.
Perth Family Road Trip Destinations: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Destination | Drive from Perth | Best For | SUV Needed? |
| Yanchep National Park | ~1 hr north | Koalas, caves, picnics | 2WD fine |
| Mandurah / Peel Region | ~1 hr south | Calm water, dolphins, fishing | 2WD fine |
| Margaret River | ~3 hrs south | Caves, beaches, tall timber | 2WD fine |
| Pinnacles, Cervantes | ~2.5 hrs north | Limestone desert, beaches | 2WD fine |
| Jurien Bay / Turquoise Coast | ~3 hrs north | Snorkelling, sea lions, dunes | 2WD fine |
| Kalbarri National Park | ~6 hrs north | Gorges, Sky Walk, river town | 2WD fine (main tracks) |
Cost Breakdown: What to Budget for a Perth Family Road Trip
Family road trips can blow out quickly if you do not plan the costs. Here is a realistic breakdown for a 3-day trip from Perth to Margaret River for a family of five, using a hired 7-seater SUV. These are estimates — always confirm current rates before you book.
| Cost Item | Estimate (AUD) | Notes |
| 7-seater SUV hire (3 days) | $300 – $450 total | From approx. $100–$150/day for a larger vehicle (estimate) |
| Fuel | $120 – $180 | Based on ~700 km total, regular unleaded (estimate) |
| National park entry | $15 – $25/day | Parks Pass covers most WA parks — worth buying |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | $200 – $400 | Caravan park to mid-range chalet |
| Cave tours (e.g. Mammoth) | $25 – $40/family | Book ahead in school holidays |
| Food and meals | $200 – $350 | Mix of self-catering and one restaurant meal |
| Activities | $50 – $150 | Surf lessons, boat tours, sandboarding optional |
| Total (estimate) | $910 – $1,555 | Wide range depending on choices |
How to Plan a Perth Family Road Trip: Step by Step
Step 1: Pick your destination and trip length
Choose one or two destinations rather than trying to cover too much ground. A 3-day trip works well for Margaret River or the Turquoise Coast. Kalbarri is better as a 4–5 day trip.
Step 2: Book your vehicle early
Hire vehicles fill up fast in school holidays and over the Easter long weekend. Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. For WA school holidays, 6–8 weeks ahead is safer. If hiring from a local Perth company, confirm pickup logistics and whether unlimited kilometres is included.
Step 3: Get a WA Parks Pass
If you are visiting more than one national park, a Holiday Pass or Annual Pass from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) works out cheaper than paying per entry.
Step 4: Book accommodation and key activities in advance
Cave tours at Margaret River and boat tours at Jurien Bay often sell out in peak periods. Book these before you leave, not on the day.
Step 5: Pack smart for a 7-seater SUV
A 7-seater SUV has more room than a sedan but less than a van. Use the third row as a luggage area if you are travelling with fewer than 7 people, and pack a soft cooler bag rather than a hard esky to maximise flexibility.
Step 6: Plan driving segments around meal times
Hungry, bored children make long drives harder. Plan your longest driving segment for after breakfast and before lunch, when everyone is fed and settled. A mid-morning departure with a lunch stop at your first destination works well.
Step 7: Download offline maps
Mobile coverage drops out north of Lancelin and in many national parks. Download offline Google Maps or purchase a topographic map app before leaving Perth.
Step 8: Leave a travel plan with someone at home
If you are heading into a remote national park or driving at night, let someone know your route and expected return. This is standard practice for WA travel and recommended by Parks and Wildlife.
Common Mistakes Families Make on a Perth Road Trip
- Underestimating WA distances. Western Australia is the largest state in Australia. What looks like a short drive on a national map can be 3–4 hours on the ground. Check Google Maps driving times, not straight-line distances.
- Travelling in an undersized vehicle. Trying to fit five people, luggage, and a pram into a small SUV for a 3-day trip is a recipe for a difficult journey. Size up your hire vehicle — the difference in daily cost is usually small.
- Skipping the WA Parks Pass. Paying per-vehicle entry at every national park adds up quickly for a family. A Holiday Pass covers most parks for a week.
- Not booking ahead in school holidays. Margaret River, the Pinnacles, and Kalbarri are popular during WA and Easter school holidays. Accommodation and cave tours sell out. Book everything before you leave home.
- Driving at dusk on outback roads. Kangaroos and emus are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at these times on rural roads where possible, especially north of Perth.
- Relying on mobile data in national parks. Download offline maps and save any booking confirmations to your phone before leaving areas with coverage.
- Forgetting sunscreen and water. WA sun is intense year-round. Reapply sunscreen every two hours on outdoor days and carry more water than you think you need.
Best Time of Year for a Perth Family Road Trip
Perth has a Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best times for a family road trip depend on where you are going.
| Season | Conditions | Best Destinations | Watch For |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Wildflowers in bloom, mild 18–26°C | Turquoise Coast, Pinnacles, Kalbarri | School holiday periods busy |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Warm days, cooling nights, less crowded | Margaret River, Mandurah, Yanchep | Easter weekend — book early |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Cool and rainy coast, clear inland | Kalbarri gorges, Pinnacles | Cold for beach swimming |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Very hot — 35–42°C in the north | Mandurah, Yanchep (early starts only) | Heat danger for long drives |
Spring is widely considered the best season for a WA family road trip. Wildflowers bloom along the Turquoise Coast and around the Pinnacles, temperatures are comfortable, and the days are long. Book accommodation at least 6–8 weeks ahead during spring school holidays.
More Ways to Explore Perth and WA with Your Family
If you are planning a longer WA trip, you might also consider a van or people mover for more luggage space and flexibility on multi-day routes. A larger vehicle lets you carry camping gear, bikes, or extra supplies without cramping the passengers.
Ace Rent A Car’s SUV hire Perth page has current vehicle availability and pricing. If your group is larger than seven, the minibus hire Perth option is worth looking at for groups of 8–12. For pickup near Perth Airport, the airport car hire Perth page has branch and transfer details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best destination for a Perth family road trip with young children?
Yanchep National Park (1 hour north) and Mandurah (1 hour south) are the easiest options for families with toddlers or young children. Short drives, calm water, wildlife, and good facilities make both a reliable choice.
How far can you drive from Perth in a 7-seater SUV in a day?
Realistically, a comfortable family driving day with stops is around 4–5 hours of driving time — roughly 350–450 km. Margaret River (3 hours) and the Pinnacles (2.5 hours) both sit comfortably within this range for a day trip. Kalbarri at 6 hours is better split over two driving days.
Do you need a 4WD for a Perth family road trip?
No — all the destinations in this guide are accessible in a standard 7-seater 2WD SUV on sealed or well-maintained gravel roads. You only need a 4WD if you plan to go off designated tracks.
What is the cheapest way to do a family road trip from Perth?
The most cost-effective approach is to self-cater; stay in caravan parks or holiday parks rather than hotels; visit national parks with a WA Parks Pass; and book your hire vehicle directly with a local company to avoid online booking fees and airport premiums.
What should I pack in a 7-seater SUV for a family road trip in WA?
Essentials include high-SPF sunscreen, more water than you expect to use, a soft cooler for snacks, offline maps downloaded before you leave, a first aid kit, snacks for the drive, a portable charger for devices, and a light jacket even in summer.
Is the Margaret River road trip suitable for families?
Yes — Margaret River is one of the best family road trips from Perth. The caves are genuinely fascinating for older children, the beaches are relatively safe, Hamelin Bay stingrays are a wildlife highlight, and the drive through tall timber forests is scenic. Plan to stay at least one or two nights.
How much does a 3-day Perth family road trip cost?
A rough estimate for a family of five on a 3-day Margaret River trip, including vehicle hire, fuel, accommodation, activities, and food, is $900–$1,550 AUD. This varies significantly depending on accommodation type and activity choices. All figures are estimates — confirm current rates before travelling.