A man pouring a woman a glass of white wine as they sit on chairs facing a vineyard at Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria © Tourism Australia

Aerial view of a group of people climbing on rocks and jumping into the ocean where waves are crashing during an experience with Margaret River Adventure Co., Margaret River, Western Australia © Margaret River Adventure Co./Sarah Hewer Photography

Perth to the Mornington Peninsula: 10 days of coast, culture and cities


Trip overview

10 days
Plane, ferry, car
3,209km (1,993mi)

Day 1: Perth

Start your trip exploring the Western Australian capital of Perth, with its fascinating culture and beautiful city beaches.

Day 2: Rottnest Island

0.5hrs 22km (14mi)

Hop on a ferry across to Rottnest Island for the day. Enjoy pristine beaches, fresh seafood and, of course, the adorable quokkas.

Day 3: Fremantle

1hrs 40km (25mi)

Affectionately known among locals as ‘Freo’, a day trip to Fremantle offers a vibrant combination of culture and history – with exceptional food and drink throughout.

Day 4: Perth to Margaret River

3hrs 270km (168mi)

It’s time to hop in the car and drive south along the coast to Margaret River, known as the surf and wine capital of Western Australia. Your Margaret River adventure starts today.

Day 5: Margaret River

Spend a day exploring more delights throughout Margaret River, from swimming holes to wineries and wildlife.

Day 6: Margaret River to Melbourne

4.5hrs 2,714km (1,685mi)

Drive back to Perth Airport for your flight to the trendy city of Melbourne. Expect everything from museums and vintage shops to rooftop bars and sports matches.

Day 7: Melbourne

There’s plenty more to see and do in Melbourne – spend a relaxed day living like the locals.

Day 8: Melbourne to Mornington Peninsula

1hrs 81km (50mi)

Spend a couple of days in the Mornington Peninsula, a region peppered with picturesque vineyards and sparkling sandy beaches.

Day 9: Mornington Peninsula

Outdoor adventures are aplenty on the Mornington Peninsula’s coastline – take another day to experience some of the region’s best.

Day 10: Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne

1hrs 81km (50mi)

Enjoy a final morning of relaxation, then drive back to Melbourne for dinner before your flight home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to Perth from the United States is easier than you think, often only requiring one layover.

  • Transpacific long-haul: You can fly non-stop from major US cities – including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Dallas (DFW) – to cities in Australia's east, like Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) or Brisbane (BNE). From here, it's a cross-country domsetic flight to Perth (PER).
  • Transatlantic long-haul: If you live on the east coast of the US, you may fly east through an international hub like Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB), then onward to Perth (PER).

Travelling to Perth from the UK is easy, with direct and one-stop flights available.

  • Direct flights: You can fly non-stop from London Heathrow (LHR) to Perth (PER).
  • One stopover: You can also fly via major hubs like Singapore (SIN) or Dubai (DXB), with direct or connecting flights into Perth (PER).

Getting to Perth from China is easy, with direct and one-stop flights available.

  • Direct flights: Fly non-stop from Guangzhou (CAN) to Perth (PER). 
  • One stopover: You can also connect through major Asian hubs like Singapore (SIN) or Dubai (DXB), or Australian cities like Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) or Brisbane (BNE), then hop on a domestic flight to Perth (PER).

Yes, this 10-day itinerary from Perth to the Mornington Peninsula makes for an unforgettable family holiday. The itinerary includes a domestic flight from Perth to Melbourne to bypass a long outback drive, making it an easier journey for families.

Families will love the treetop playgrounds at Kings Park in Perth, and nearby Rottnest Island is extremely family-friendly. The smiling quokkas here will create memories of a lifetime.

While the itinerary ends in the wine region of the Mornington Peninsula, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities, too. Ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle cable car for panoramic views and get lost in the mazes at Enchanted Adventure.

This itinerary combines a road trip in Western Australia with a flight to Victoria. You’ll drive through regions like Margaret River, then fly from Perth to Melbourne before continuing on to the Mornington Peninsula by car.

Hiring a car is the best way to explore regions like Margaret River and the Mornington Peninsula, offering flexibility and freedom. You can pick up a rental in Perth and again in Melbourne after your flight to continue your journey.