Weekend Getaways from Perth: Margaret River, Swan Valley and the Southwest

Perth offers outstanding weekend escape options across three distinct regional landscapes within 2-4 hours of the city. The Swan Valley, only 30 minutes northeast of the Perth CBD via the Great Northern Highway, is the closest wine region and has cellar doors, craft breweries, chocolate factories and a family-friendly character that makes it a practical half-day trip as well as a full weekend destination. Margaret River, 3 hours south via the South Western Highway, is Australia's most celebrated boutique wine region and one of the world's great surfing destinations, with world-class wineries including Leeuwin Estate, Voyager Estate and Vasse Felix, plus the Boranup Karri forest and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at the point where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, 3 hours north via Brand Highway, provides one of Western Australia's most otherworldly landscapes. The Great Ocean Drive and Esperance, 7 hours southeast, is a longer journey but Esperance's Lucky Bay beach is regularly ranked among Australia's most beautiful and draws visitors willing to make the overnight trip.