Perth to Northam road trip: Distance, drive time & best attractions
The Perth to Northam drive is 96km in distance, with a Perth to Northam driving time of around 1h17m. Road trip attractions along the way include Goat Farm Mountain Bike Park, Hovea Falls and Clackline Nature Reserve.
The Perth to Northam drive is relatively short by Western Australian standards, which makes Northam a viable day trip from the Western Australian capital. It’s more likely, however, that you’ll be tackling the Perth to Northam drive as the first leg on an altogether more epic journey. Perhaps from Perth to Kalgoorlie before crossing the Nullarbor as part of a Perth to Adelaide road trip. Or perhaps going even further, across the Australian continent from Perth to Sydney.
If the intention is drive from Perth to Northam as part of a much bigger road trip, you might be interested in some of the attractions along the route. Or, at least, near enough the route to not classify as a massive detour.
Before leaving, Perth offers gold pouring experiences at the Perth Mint, Rottnest Island day trips, and scenic Swan River cruises. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.
Perth to Northam distance and driving time
Go direct, and the distance from Perth to Northam is 96km. This leads to a Perth to Northam driving time of around one hour and 17 minutes.
The best places to stay in Perth
You can check out deals on a wide range of Perth accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.
- The swankiest address in town: COMO The Treasury.
- The cool, fun one in the centre of the action: The Alex.
- For quality apartments next to Kings Park: Quest Kings Park.
- For quality apartments by the beach: Seashells Scarborough.
- On a backpacker budget: Spinners Hostel.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
Almost all of the Perth to Northam drive is along the Great Eastern Highway. The route follows the Swan River for a while, before skirting north of Perth Airport. You’ll divert east before you enter the Swan Valley wine region, passing the Goat Farm Mountain Bike Track on the way to the John Forrest National Park. This is the oldest national park in Western Australia, and has several walking trails. Two waterfalls – National Park Falls and Hovea Falls – are the highlights, however.
Perth to Northam drive: Road trip attractions
Slightly further along, near the town of Mundaring, another excellent detour is Mundaring Weir. This is a pretty spot, but you can also learn about the Golden Pipeline, which pumps water from the Perth Hills all the way to the goldfields of Kalgoorlie.
Wildlife-lovers might prefer to try the Karakamia Sanctuary in Chidlow. Other short deviations from the Great Eastern Highway include the Kwolynine Nature Reserve and Woondowing Nature Reserve near Wundowie. There’s also the Clackline Nature Reserve in Clackline.
Things to do in Northam at the end of the Perth to Northam drive include admiring the silo art, taking an Avon Valley balloon flight and learning about Indigenous culture at the Bilya Koort Boodja cultural centre.
Northam accommodation options include the heritage-dripping Duke’s Inn and the charming Fairway Manor.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
More Western Australia travel
Where to stop on the drive from Perth to Monkey Mia.
How long is the drive from Katherine to Kununurra?
What attractions can I see on the Karratha to Port Hedland drive?
Dare to take a day tour to snake-filled Carnac Island.
How to get to Warburton, WA.