Best New Year’s road trips two hours from Rockingham

WA is known for its stunning beaches, wineries and scenic nature views. With the New Year right around the corner, the Telegraph has compiled a list of road trips you can go on within three hours of Rockingham to see some of the State’s hottest spots.

Starting closer to home, 40 minutes east of Rockingham is Baldwins Bluff and Serpentine Falls. For those with a love for hiking, you can take the 6km return trail to the summit and enjoy the spectacular views of the falls before taking a dip in them once you’ve made your way back to level ground.

Taking a turn down south about 45 minutes is the historic Lake Clifton. On the edge of the lake lays the Southern Hemisphere’s largest thrombolite reef. The thrombolites are 2000-year-old living rock-like structures that resemble the earliest forms of life on Earth and can be viewed from a boardwalk above the lake.

Southeast of Rockingham and only 55 minutes away is the small town of Dwellingup. Outdoor lovers should look no further; here you can kayak on the Murray River, saddle up and ride a horse through Lane Poole Reserve, get off-roading along the Captain Fawcett Commemorative 4WD trail and end the day camping amongst the forest trees. For those more interested in cosy comforts, Wine Tree Cidery offers boutique wine and ciders made from local produce for you to enjoy while your loved ones get down and dirty.

Lastly, an hour and forty-five minutes south you’ll find Collie, where two of the most picturesque swimming holes WA has to offer are just a short drive away. Think crystal clear turquoise waters and picnic spots nestled underneath overhanging peppermint trees and that describes the beauty of Black Diamond Lake and Honeymoon Pool. If you have ever wanted to entice your friends and family to explore Perth’s southern regions, a photo of one of these spots would likely do it.

There’s no doubt that WA has some of the best road trips in the country and we are lucky that there are so many this close to home.

If you decide to embark on one of these adventures in the New Year, make sure you take plenty of water, sunscreen and ample free time to enjoy the beauty our backyard has to offer.