One of the great advantages of travelling by motorhome is the freedom to escape whenever the open road calls. From forest camps beside tranquil rivers to coastal towns with brilliant beaches, Perth is surrounded by destinations that feel far away without requiring a long drive.
Whether you’ve just purchased your first motorhome or you’re looking for somewhere new to explore, these six weekend trips are ideal for a Friday-to-Sunday getaway.
Dwellingup and Lane Poole Reserve
Driving time from Perth: approximately 1.5 hours
For an easy weekend immersed in nature, it’s hard to beat Dwellingup. This welcoming country town is surrounded by jarrah forest, walking and cycling trails, and the winding Murray River.
Lane Poole Reserve has several peaceful bush campgrounds, including Baden Powell Campground, which offers convenient access to the river. Spend Saturday kayaking, swimming, hiking or exploring the area by bike before heading into Dwellingup for lunch or a coffee.
A simple itinerary is to arrive on Friday evening, enjoy a full day around the river on Saturday and return to Perth via Pinjarra on Sunday.
Best for: Forest scenery, paddling, cycling and first-time motorhome trips.
Cervantes and Jurien Bay
Driving time from Perth: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Head north along Indian Ocean Drive for a weekend filled with remarkable landscapes and turquoise water.
The main attraction is the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, where thousands of limestone pillars rise from the golden sand. Visit around sunrise or sunset to experience the formations in softer light and avoid the warmest part of the day.
Nearby highlights include the stromatolites at Lake Thetis, the sheltered water of Hangover Bay and the beaches of Jurien Bay. You can also break up the journey with a stop at the Lancelin sand dunes.
Stay at a motorhome-friendly caravan park in Cervantes or Jurien Bay, as camping is not available inside the Pinnacles Desert.
Best for: Beaches, photography, unusual landscapes and scenic coastal driving.
Wellington Dam and Collie
Driving time from Perth: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Wellington National Park is an especially appealing destination during the cooler months. Its jarrah and marri forests surround Wellington Dam, home to the spectacular Reflections mural—the largest dam mural of its kind in the world.
Potters Gorge Campground sits beside the dam and has bookable sites suitable for motorhomes, campervans and caravans. From there, you can walk through the forest, paddle on the water or explore the nearby Collie River Valley.
Allow time to visit Honeymoon Pool, follow one of Collie’s walking or mountain-bike trails and enjoy a relaxed meal in town before returning to camp.
Best for: Winter weekends, forest walks, paddling and mountain biking.
Lancelin and Moore River
Driving time from Perth: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
If you want maximum holiday atmosphere with minimum driving, travel north to Lancelin and Moore River.
Lancelin is known for its enormous white sand dunes, coastal views and water sports. Try sandboarding, explore the town or simply settle in beside the ocean. Farther south, Moore River meets the sea at Guilderton, creating a calm spot for paddling, swimming and fishing.
Motorhome travellers can base themselves at a caravan park in Lancelin or Guilderton. Both towns are close enough to Perth for a relaxed departure after work on Friday.
Best for: Easy coastal escapes, fishing, paddling and families.
York and the Avon Valley
Driving time from Perth: approximately 1.5 hours
Not every motorhome adventure needs to revolve around the coast. The Avon Valley offers rolling farmland, heritage architecture and classic country-town hospitality.
York makes an excellent base for the weekend. Stroll along the Avon River, admire the town’s historic buildings and enjoy a meal at a local café or pub. You can extend the journey to Northam, Toodyay or Beverley, depending on how much exploring you want to do.
The region is particularly attractive in late winter and spring, when green paddocks and seasonal wildflowers add colour to the landscape.
Best for: Heritage, country food, wildflowers and relaxed touring.
Busselton and Dunsborough
Driving time from Perth: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
For a weekend combining beaches, good food and plenty of activities, head south to Geographe Bay.
Walk or ride along the famous Busselton Jetty, swim in the sheltered bay and follow the coast to Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste. The region also has wineries, breweries, galleries and farm-gate producers, making it easy to create a weekend around local food and drink.
There are numerous holiday parks with powered sites around Busselton and Dunsborough. Book ahead during summer, school holidays and major events, when sites can fill quickly.
Best for: Food and wine, beaches, families and a more comfortable holiday-park stay.
Which Weekend Trip Should You Choose?
Your ideal destination will depend on the season and how you like to travel:
- Winter: Dwellingup, Wellington Dam or the Avon Valley
- Spring: York and the Avon Valley for wildflowers, or Cervantes for a coastal escape
- Summer: Jurien Bay, Cervantes, Lancelin or Busselton
- Autumn: Comfortable conditions make almost every route appealing
For a standard two-night weekend, aim to stay within three hours of Perth. Margaret River can work if you leave early, but Albany, Kalbarri and Esperance are better saved for a longer motorhome holiday.
Before you Leave
Reserve your campsite before setting off, particularly during school holidays and long weekends. Confirm that your allocated site can accommodate the length and height of your motorhome, and check whether water, power and dump-point facilities are available.
If you’re staying in a national park, review the latest entry fees, road conditions and fire restrictions. Campfire rules can change quickly, even when a campground normally provides fire rings.
With so many memorable destinations close to Perth, you don’t need weeks of annual leave to enjoy a great motorhome adventure. Pack the essentials, choose a direction and let the weekend begin.
