York to Perth drive: Distance, time and worthwhile stops

The drive from York to Perth in Western Australia covers a distance of 98km in a driving time of around 1h15m. Possible road trip stops to add to an itinerary include Mundaring Weir, John Forrest National Park and the Swan Valley wineries.

The drive from York to Perth is a short one by Western Australian standards. It connects the oldest town in the Avon Valley to the state capital.

Once in Perth, you can take a trip to Rottnest Island, go for a scenic cruise on the Swan River or see the sights on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.

But there are a couple of stops you can make along the way…

York to Perth distance and driving time

By car, the drive from York to Perth is 98km long. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 15 minutes given normal traffic conditions.

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.

Leave York via the Great Southern Highway and you’ll go past the fairly non-descript Wambyn Nature Reserve and St Ronan’s Nature Reserve.

The northern end of Wandoo National Park is next, and this is mainly eucalypt forest. But you can make a short detour to Mount Observation to take in the views.

York to Perth road trip stops: Mundaring and the Perth Hills

Otherwise, keep going towards Mundaring and the Perth Hills. It’s worth a detour to Mundaring Weir here, partly because it’s beautiful and partly because it’s the start of the extraordinary Golden Pipeline. This incredible engineering project sends fresh water hundreds of kilometres inland to Kalgoorlie.

The Bibbulmun Track, one of Australia’s great long distance walking trails, starts in neighbouring Kalamunda.

York to Perth drive: John Forrest National Park and Swan Valley

The driving route into Perth continues along the Great Southern Highway, however. It goes past John Forrest National Park, where Hovea Falls and National Park Falls deservedly hog the limelight.

Afterwards, you’re well and truly in suburban Perth, although you’ll skim the southern end of the Swan Valley wine region as you go through historic Guildford.

Two of the Swan Valley’s most prestigious wineries, Mandoon Estate and Sandalford Wines, are a short diversion to the north. At Mandoon, you can combine wine-tasting with a kayaking tour. Sandalford, meanwhile, is the winery usually visited on Swan River wine cruises from Perth.

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.

Driving into Perth

Head into Perth along Guildford Road, and you’ll pass through foodie neighbourhood Maylands, then by the Mataragup Bridge. Here you can climb the bridge or zipline across the Swan River towards the Optus Stadium.

At the stadium, you can opt for the behind-the-scenes tour, or the more daring rooftop HALO and Vertigo experiences.

Shortly afterwards, you’ll arrive in the city centre, where you can check out the new developments at Yagan Square and Elizabeth Quay, browse the shops in the bizarre London Court, or head to the top of the Bell Tower.